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I take one final look at her through the window, a sad, teary smile on her face, before I look back at him.
“You have us both at your mercy with whatever bullshit this is and I get the sense she wants me as far away from you as possible. So the distance works in my favor.Now, am I going or not?”
* * *
The driver doesn’t utter a word as I sit alone in the back of the car, and I lose myself in my thoughts as I stare down at the pamphlet in my hands.
Silvercrest Academy.
The font practically fucking shimmers in my hand, like golden lava running across the page.
My dearestpapabarely spared me another look after I agreed, waving me into the car without another word before he strolled inside the house. I have no fucking clue what’s happening, but when have I ever? I grew up living on the cusp of knowing and drowning in the world around me.
Leaning back in my seat, I watch the scenery go by through the window. We’ve been driving for well over two hours now. I’m sure my father knows someone who could portal me to the academy, but this is probably a life lesson or some other bullshit.
I’ve tried to nap to no avail, despite the twilight hour having come and gone, giving way to a dark sky and an endless, inky blackness.
It’s not until the rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds, sunrise breaking through the air, bringing a shimmering life to everything it touches, that we see anything other than trees and shrubbery in the distance. The driver takes a right and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that the vast building propped on the mountain range ahead is our final destination.
The charcoal-gray peaked roofs and ivy-covered walls are unmistakable, even from here.
Turning the pamphlet in my hand again, I take a peek inside.
Welcome to a future like no other.
Silvercrest Academy is renowned throughout the realm for fostering those with gifts vital to our world—the protectors of our lands, and the saviors of our people—and honing those gifts so that our students may rise to unimaginable heights and preserve our way of life for generations to come.
Our core values—determination, composure, and results—guide the hands of our faculty and staff and form the foundation of our world-class curriculum at every turn.
The only academy endorsed by The Monarchy, Silvercrest guarantees you a prosperous future, honored by all.
Trials and tribulations may come your way, but overcoming them confirms your rightful place in this world and your importance to our people.
Follow the sun, destroy the shadows, and survive another dawn.
–
Professor Burton - Head of Silvercrest Academy
Oh, great. It looks like I’ve got more pompous shit to deal with. I bet he's just like my father. This is going to be wonderful. I fight back an eye roll as I turn the page, glancing over the list of proffered classes; everything from herbs and potions to combat classes and magic training courses. Not that the latter will be of any use to me.
The car rolls to a stop as I hear the crunch of stones beneath me and I glance out of my window again to find the building now looming right in front of us. The first glimpse I got of it did it no justice. I’m sure you could fit the entirety of Shadowmoor in the grassy area surrounding the academy.
I climb from the car before the driver can get the door, which earns me a grunt, but I’m too engrossed to care as I take in my surroundings and the morning chill makes me shiver. There are multiple buildings on the property, none as big and grand as the one directly before me, but the place feels like it goes on and on for miles until you meet the cliff edge in the distance. At least if I want to take a run and jump off of it, it’s not too far away.
Flowers adorn the walkways and birds chirp in the distance, all of it otherworldly compared to the bleak darkness of Shadowmoor. I feel like I’ve left the land I was raised in and traveled to an entirely different dimension. If this is what Silvercrest looks like, I dread to think how spectacular Haven Court is. Everything seems to shimmer and shine, from the stained glass windows to the golden statues that line the tops of the academy's towering pinnacles.
Maybe I’m in over my head. Perhaps I'm more suited to staying put and fighting it out in Shadowmoor. This… feels like it belongs to someone else entirely and I don’t even know where to begin navigating it all.
The thump of my duffel bag as it lands at my feet pulls me from my thoughts and I look at the driver with a frown.
“Your guide will be here in a moment, Miss Hendrix. Good morning, and goodbye.” He slinks back into the car without another word, leaving me riddled with the creeps at the only words he’s spoken to me this entire time.
Reaching for my measly belongings, I gulp down the uncertainty that threatens to consume me, roll my shoulders back, and try to exude confidence. I can face this place just like I faced Shadowmoor. The point of attack and defense will be different, but I’ll survive it nonetheless.
I don’t know whether to stand and wait or head toward the circular door ahead, but it doesn’t take long before curiosity gets the better of me and I slowly make my way toward the door. Three stone slab steps lead up to the entryway and I’m halfway up them when I hear a guy's voice from inside. It’s loud and obnoxious, irritating me immediately.
“Give me two minutes to deal with this fucking brat and I’ll be right with you. Make sure to save some of that early-morning pussy for me, would you?”
