Morning. Today is that Day again - my birthday.

Morning arrived with a quiet, hesitant grace, casting a gentle light into the room as it gradually pushed away the remnants of night's shadows. The girl lay in her simple bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. Today, of all days, she knew the date deep down in her bones, despite deliberately avoiding checking the calendar for a while. A sense of unease gnawed at her, for it was her birthday, a day she dreaded. For one, she couldn't understand why people made such a fuss about the birthing day. Congratulating or making a big ordeal out of something you had no say over was something she never understood. Especially surrounded with people that were not your family, and her family now was smaller than ever.

Easing herself out of the bed, she grabbed for her clothes from the railing by her bed. It was then that she noticed the incongruity, something out of place in the cool light coming through heavy wooden blind slivers. A small rectangle box wrapped in whimsical paper rested on her worktable, nestled among her latest research papers. It hadn't been there the night before. Rolling her eyes and filled with mixed emotions, anger mostly, she peered through the darkness of the room to the other side.

Easther, her roommate, has not slept in their room by the look of her undisturbed bed. Their joint room was a small space but quite tall so each of them had a semblance of personal space with beds on the galleries on opposite sides of the wall and their work tables below. The entry was in the middle of the room that separated the room nicely. She silently climbed down from her bed to examine the box on the table, clothes flung over her shoulder.

Esther did not know what day her birthday was despite many ways she tried to find out, and the girl wanted to keep it that way. Whoever put that present there, despite best intentions, did not know her well at all obviously. The question of how someone had entered her room without her knowledge nagged at her, but she dismissed it as a prank designed to test her patience, albeit one with an uncanny accuracy regarding the date.

Her aversion to birthday gifts had deep roots, stretching back to her childhood. Although she had envied other children who received any kind of presents, she had embraced her family's unique celebrations over time, so the aversion to gifts and birthdays had solidified into a habit.

There was a female laugh before the door swung open with a slight bang like it was middle of the day and not early morning hours when normal people slept. Surprised and terrified at the same time, the girl flung the box in the first drawer of her work table before a short beautiful girl entered.

Esther had lush and thick healthy dark straight hair which went beautifully with her penetrating light green eyes that rarely missed a thing. She was medium height and curvy without being fat which worked well for her as it screamed healthy. Her presence could not be missed if not for her loud laugh and high voice, then her confident presence and beautiful clothes that she always carefully picked to accent her best attributes.

“Reya, you are still up?” Esther said drunkenly walking in the room reeking of alcohol and sex.

“Anyone would be up at that noise Esther” Reya grumbled, pressing into the drawer of her work table with her hip.

A man strode in after Esther and wrapped his arms around her from behind putting his head between Esther’s neck and shoulder and inhaling deeply, his eyes closed. Then he playfully bit the spot and kissed it right afterwards, opening his eyes and looking at Reya through half lidded eyes.

“Gaahh Lior, we are not alone..” Esther breathed out sensually and detangled herself from his arms, faking embarrassment. She loved the attention of men and was not below showing affection in public. Somehow, that attention always looked like something any girl would die for and not slutty at all, but Reya knew better after suffering two years of her presence.

Realizing she was in her old nightgown riddled with holes, Reya’s eyes went wide at the presence of the man. Her clothes fell on the floor when she turned to grab at her cloak hanging on the wall while still trying to have a part of her long body in front of the desk which made the movement awkward and suspicious.

Oh Gods help me… Why do I always end up looking stupid in front of handsome men?! Reya thought to herself, blushing from embarrassment. Then she seemed to collect herself as she recalled that he did not matter, none of them did. Some habits die hard however, whatever her conscious mind was telling her. The need for acceptance was ingrained in people and fighting that nature was fruitless, she was no exception there.

Looking Reya up and down and glaring at her suspiciously, Esther turned toward Liam, “Thanks for walking me over. You can go now.”

Ouch, that was ruthless, Reya thought to herself as Lior still watched Esther eagerly.

“Bye, whatever your name was,” he said, turning toward the door. Reya’s heart fell as pulled her cloak closer as a shield but maintained an indifferent look on her face. Lior knew her, or at least she thought he did when she did his assignment some months ago in exchange for rations. He was so charming then and Reya thought they may become friends one day - until they did not.

Esther closed the door behind the man and turned toward her roommate expectantly. The room was blessedly still dark, so Reya prayed Esther did not see much, being half drunk and distracted with her latest conquest. Lior was in his fifth year and how they met was beside her as anyone above third year did not mix with the younger students, different floors and all that. Reya met Lior in the Library where she cleaned the top floors - top floors where higher years studied. It was not the first time Reya walked in on the pair or been in their presence, but Lior did not care to remember her name which irritated her to the bone. Rich people were just as rude as the plebes, if not worse, despite their carefully crafted personas and “manners," Reya thought to herself bitterly.

“So Reya, what are you hiding there,” Esther turned her attention toward Reya, all drunkenness gone from her face. She was a fox on a hunt, cunning and beautiful. If Reya dismissed her, she would have kept digging until she found something, the only smart choice was to throw the dog a bone rather than have to explain anything.

“My latest research. I have found the connection between the Sheild of…” Reya started but Esther rolled her eyes and turned around frustrated.

“Gah! You are so boring! One would think you had something else to talk about than your damned research. Nobody wants to hear about that, you prude. Just when I thought you had something to you, something interesting, a secret…” Esther said, turning on her heel and climbing the ladders to her bed.

Reya exhaled quietly realizing she held her breath the entire time and relaxed her muscles. Grabbing the opportunity while her roommate’s back was to her, she made a gesture of circle in the air with her hand and then pushed the invisible circle toward the drawer putting a simple lock spell on it just in case. Nobody but her could open it now. She did not want the small package that almost cost her her privacy and could have thrown it in the trash, but a small part of her was still curious about the strange package. Some old remnant of the young girl wanting a present for herself.

Collecting the papers for today’s lectures she thought There is no way it is from Esther. She would have made a spectacle or a prank to look good in front of her newest love obsession or the entire dorm. Something that made her seem caring and charitable. Like she needs more of that. Anyone with eyes could see that she was the black underneath a carefully manicured finger.

Their forced cohabitation, a product of careful pairings, had produced Esther's constant intrusions and grandiose personality to gradually become bearable through many errors and trials of how to manage her nosy roommate. Reya had long suspected that the Academia intentionally paired students with starkly contrasting personalities to toughen them up through the inevitable awkward and stressful situations that arose, counting even those parameters in their assessments of the students.

Reya did not consider herself an introvert, but liked to have a minimum of unexpected situations like surprises Esther’s presence brought. She preferred to have control over her life and her daily tasks, time to respond to situations that were out of her comfort zone. Esther’s presence has tested that control to the limits many times.

Fearing Esther seeing through her ruse and asking her more questions, Reya started dressing herself in haste, stopping only to frown with disdain at the drawer she threw the small packet in. She donned her well-worn, once-black pants, which featured a high waist tied with numerous strings, resembling a soft corset. The pants, cozy and puffed from waist to mid-calf, had served her faithfully since childhood, magicked to last long and self clean. She did not grow out of them thanks to the strings that made them highly adjustable and they were her only pair of pants. Beneath them, she wore green socks her mother made for her that concealed the remainder of her legs.

Her linen shirt, far from fashionable but exceedingly practical, featured a high collar and delicate lacework in the shape of an oval. Although she owned more than one shirt, she favored the simplicity and comfort of this particular garment. Given the chilly morning, she reached for her black cloak, visibly patched where she had stitched flowers in the same color to cover the holes and ugly rips. On the inside, the cloak boasted a beautiful olive green inside with some floral accents that reminded her of home and her sister who she inherited the cloak from. Tying her dark brown wavy hair into a relaxed manner, she secured it with a simple string and put on her shoes. Her hair had acquired a sprinkling of white strands over the years, a testament to the trials of her life despite her young age.

With a deep breath, she stepped outside into the crisp early morning air. The sun, still hidden behind the distant hills, cast a feeble light across the garden in the middle of the dorm circle. It was a tranquil oasis, typically bustling with students, but now deserted in the early hours. She made her way toward the passageway where the dorm circles intersected and first floor’s study halls.

The academy's first floor consisted of three dorm circles, connected by passageways of tall hedges that formed a semicircle around the study hall, built into the side of the mountain. Each dorm circle featured a Gathering Hall on one side and a small tower housing an Alchzard or more often an assistant in charge of that floor defense or any problems students may face, on the other side. The central area, a verdant lawn garnished with carefully tended bushes and plants, created a picturesque garden.

Grateful to be on time with time to spare, Reya entered the bustling auditorium.

Dropping down heavily in the seat she mumbled groggily “I will never understand those early birds that get up at 4-5am to exercise or whatever they do at those witch hours. I don’t even get up early to pee, which is painful mind you, so I can enjoy the warmth and comfort of my bed a bit longer,” a thing she did not have growing up.

Her friend Fleur that was already sitting in her seat beside her gave Reya a side look. “You know Reya, not everyone is as lazy as you when it comes to mornings. Besides, this is not like any other morning, you are obligated to attend, you know? Besides, if you want to be on time…”

“Don’t even start with that. I mean it. Anyway, is the Queen paying us the visit and I am the only one who did not get the memo?! It is too bloody early for people to be this excited.” Reya grumbled some more to her friend her eyes shut.

“Even better, He is in today!” replied the dark-skinned girl next to her, brimming with excitement. Reya gave the girl a sideways glare, annoyed at how her day started and then the amount of noise and energy in the room that contrasted her own sleep-deprived energy.

Alchzard, who was teaching today’s class, was making a long-awaited return after months of absence. Nobody really knew what and who he worked for, but that didn't stop the students from crafting wild speculations and placing bets on the mysteries surrounding him. In Alchzard's absence, Tylin, Alchzard's assistant, had taken charge of the class. Despite the significant age gap, Tylin had become an acquaintance to Reya due to his many trips to the Library where she worked. His good-natured demeanor and approachability had made her feel at ease around him, fostering an environment where they could discuss research, theories, and their shared passion for the Myths of Old. Occasionally, Tylin would confide in her about his personal matters during their long hours of research together, solidifying their relationship into something like friendship, by her standards at least. Yet, their conversations never delved into her personal life, as she was careful to shield that part of herself. Being of different social circles, Reya did not think he would understand her circumstances and wanted to avoid the inevitable look of pity or disdain in his eyes.

“Good Morning to all of you, today we have Alchzard Kostiver taking the stage, just in time for the demonstration,” Tylin announced, striding onto the stage and commencing the class. Tylin was a light brown haired man of average build and features that did not especially stand out other than being known as the assistant of Alchzard Kostiver.

The excited chatter in the auditorium ceased abruptly, and an air of anticipation filled the room. The Alchzard had arrived. The air on the stage began to shimmer like a mirage, then it started swirling in a circular motion, as if stirred by a colossal spoon. Out of the vortex emerged a tall, slender man with a skull for a head, adorned in a dark turtleneck. Contrary to what one might expect, his figure was not all sharp angles and bones; there was discernible flesh beneath his clothing, hinted at by the slight contours of his thin, muscular frame visible through the robes.

Alchyard Kostiver's attire concealed his entire body except for his distinctive skull-head and gloved hands. On this particular day, he sported a dark red-toned suit featuring two rows of buttons and epaulets on his shoulders, with delicate Sashiko patterns meticulously embroidered on the fabric, adding an air of longevity to his attire. His waist was embellished with multiple belts, each laden with an assortment of bottles and gadgets, though most of them remained partially concealed by his cloak. His pants, tailored to flatter his slender physique, completed the ensemble. Despite the academic setting, Alchyard Kostiver looked more like a seasoned general than a mere teacher. His presence exuded an aura of profound knowledge and authority, and the room was rapt with anticipation for the forthcoming lesson.

As the class began, it was Tylin who took the lead in delivering the lecture. After all, skulls couldn't speak, or could they? At least, Reya had never heard Alchzard Kostiver utter a single word, despite the persistent rumors that circulated amongst the students.

“So I heard he does speak… Alchzard Kostiver I mean,” the girl next to Reya said as the lecture began. Reya pretended to not hear the girl’s remark.

“I heard that during the written portion of the exam, a girl tried to cheat her way into the Academia and Alchzard Kostiver opened a portal in her table so only she could see him and spoke to her. Of course she went mad afterwards.” the guy behind them said which seemed to give girl next to Reya fuel to continue.

“Please be quiet,” Reya whispered through gritted teeth, still not looking at the girl beside her. Fleur was sharing Reya’s thoughts, leaning as far as she could in her chair from the pair as to have nothing to do with the talker.

“Three days of relentless vomiting and paranoid hysteria, they say. I heard she kept going on and on about the fabric of time unraveling or something like that. Can you imagine Alchzard Kostiver’s attention at you and those eyes looking at you?” The dark skinned girl next to her kept talking as Reya sank deeper in her chair avoiding just that - attention on her from an Alchzard or anyone else for that matter.

First of all, who in their right mind would try to cheat their way in the Academia. Second of all, just the thought of hearing Alchzard Kostiver’s presence or speaking was a terrifying thought, as his presence and dark pitted eye sockets illuminated by eerie blue lights were enough to give anyone chills.

As if the man in question had heard their one sided conversation, his eyes fell on Reya. She paled and slunk even further in her seat, eyes wide. Those pitted eyes were endless and a shiver passed through her. Then his attention fell on the dark-skinned girl sitting next to her. Reya did not dare move her body to look at the girl and tried to see the girl’s reaction through her peripheral vision. The girl was pale, her body rigid, and she thought she heard the most quiet sinister whisper that sounded like “You do not want MY attention,” as the girl's hair blew around her in the invisible wind. The voice was a horrifying sound she had nothing to compare to. Terrified, Reya focused all of her attention on the lesson and the demonstration of the portal void magic not daring to peek at the girl beside her until the end of the class.

The lesson finally commenced, with Tylin delving into the intricacies of time bending while Alchzard Kostiver demonstrated magical feats that hinted at the skills they might tackle in the following year - that is if they passed the Blue Council. The first year at the Academia of Magic and Mystical Arts was primarily dedicated to absorbing the history, theory, and various directions one could pursue in the future, effectively laying the foundation for subsequent years. The second year, where Reya currently found herself, centered on the research of an assigned or carefully chosen topic under the guidance of a mentor. Success in the second year hinged on producing a research paper or significant contribution to the chosen field of study. It was a true test of critical thinking, perseverance, resourcefulness, and willingness to put in some elbow grease. Failure in this crucial year meant students could not progress to the third year, a rule that remained consistent throughout their academic journey.

The third year, however, was a pivotal stage in which students honed their practical skills based on the knowledge gained during the previous two years. It was also the year they manifested their magical affinity in front of the esteemed Blue Council, and a decision would be brought that shaped their future. Some would be destined to become glorified gardeners, harnessing magic to accelerate the growth of plants and flowers, while others would serve the Crown or various Great Houses while wielding combat skills and magical artifacts. Reya secretly hoped her affinity would align with research, keeping her close to books and away from unexpected adventures or, more importantly, other people.

After the class ended, getting up to go to her next lesson, Reya saw the girl that was talking beside her at the beginning of the class. She was pale and wide eyed, from the looks of it, could not speak as her friends helped her get up. Oh wow… but then again, she asked for it - Reya thought to herself.

Despite the importance of this class and the magical spectacle Alchzard Kostiver was performing, Reya felt oddly disconnected today being the Day, her head throbbing with the promise of a serious headache as she approached the exit. She struggled to maintain her focus, her brow damp with sweat and her heart pounding erratically. Something incessantly tugged at her thoughts, a persistent distraction that wouldn't relent. She believed she knew what it was: lack of sleep and the looming next class with Ms. Mary Wexler, where she would have to deliver the disheartening news about her research, unless she found her beforehand and did that in privacy.

Get over yourself Reya. Today is like any other day and no one knows it is my birthday, or cares. What is wrong with me today? -she chastised herself. She did not need any of Alchzard's negative attention, but somehow she was dragged into situations that screamed attention unwillingly all the time. Could things get any worse? She thought as she walked through the atrium's big door. As if the thought was a dare for the universe, it decided to deliver - fully.