Finally reaching the school had been such a relief. Although we hadn’t felt particularly endangered we still felt vulnerable in the other realm. When we got back to Eatithra it was a little better, but knowing how prone to attack we are it still hadn’t provided much comfort.

I couldn’t help but smile as I saw Kano waiting for us at the gate. I can only imagine how long he’s been waiting for us to get back but honestly we weren’t i a rush. Returning would mean having to finish the tests and putting myself back under pressure. Plus who knows what other danger is lurking around here, especially when it’s the student’s duty to make sure the realms are safe.

In that matter, I will always be in danger. I am quite literally being trained to put my life on hold for the well-being of others. I’ve had to do that for so long and that’s not really something I want to do. I just want to be able to get to know and spend time with my family.

And in this moment I promised to myself that I would never let anyone get in between me and my family again. And that includes Natalia and the headmaster. Ultimately, Natalia is my twin flame and my family so obviously, her mother would become family as well.

These three people are the most important in my life and although they’ve shaken up my world I don’t think I would change a thing. Sure there have been some fairly suspicious things that have happened but they’ve hopefully been resolved. Now I can look forward to actually getting used to this new family that I’ve found.

We walk up to Kano saying goodbye to the horses as they shake their heads and give us a weird toothy smile lips folding up before galloping away. Every time I see them run all I can do is look at them in awe. I let out a deep breath before turning back to Kano.

“So Kano, fill us in on what’s happened since you got back?” I ask him walking up and giving him an awkward side hug as he leads us into the school.

“Well, we got back to school about a week ago.” He told us beginning to fill him in on what had happened so far. “As soon as we got here the queen rushed Faye to the infirmary as quickly as she could. Emma was called down to heal her and had incredible results her wounds had been healed but she remained unconscious for the most part.

She still has scars that will, unfortunately, remind her of what has happened but hopefully, she will soon see them as a reminder of her strength. Now as for how extensive her wounds really were, I’ve been warned not to tell you so please do not ask. Lastly, after Faye had finally regained consciousness a few days ago, she and you're mom have been spending all of their time together. They are inseparable and quite frankly it’s rather cute.” I nod my head along as he speaks me, Natalia, and Vivian all following him to what appears to be the infirmary.

Although I’ve been training at the school for a little while I still haven’t had the time to really get used to the interior of the place. It’s not bad but it’s rather grand and that makes it easy to get lost. I already have so many thoughts in my mind and I don’t want the interior of the school to be one of them.

Considering all of the things I’ve learned and been through in this short amount of time remembering how to get where in this school seems rather inferior.

“So what happens now?” Vivian asked. Ah, at least someone was asking the important questions. I was focused on myself and my family but I haven’t even considered adding Vivian into that. Sure we went on that trip together and we also fought together at the castle but we never really learned anything about each other.

Or rather, she learned a lot about me because everything that’s happened so far has involved me but I know absolutely nothing about her. It’s a little embarrassing now that I think about it. Not knowing anything about my comrade in arms.

“Well how about after we check up on my moms all four of us spend some time together before I spend time with my moms.” Natalia nodded her approval along with Kano and Vivian yelled out a quick yes before apologizing for being loud.

Once we reach the infirmary we all walk in to see Emma checking up on Faye checking for eye dilation and proper leg performance and reaction. She also checks her blood pressure and heartbeat before stepping back and saying what sounds like a small chant, light engulfing mom as we all look on in astonishment feeling the raw power flowing from Emma into Faye.

We step into the room all four of us still wonderstruck before Vivian tarts clapping like she just saw the premier of black panther. We all look at her in puzzlement, sure it was a bewildering thing to watch and feel but how can she not feel like she’s interrupting.

Emma, mom, and Faye all look at us puzzled by our appearance, mom whispering something to Faye before looking back at me. Emma steps aside predicting the reunion that was bound to happen as Faye stands up.

She briskly walks over to me before pulling me into a hug. I briefly hesitate uncomfortable with the affection before slowly wrapping my arms around her and pulling her closer to me. Tears fall down my eyes as I feel her teardrops falling down into my neck her body shaking as she lets out small sobs.

My tears continued to flow as mom walked over and joined in the hug eyes watering trying to hold in her own tears. I lay my head down into mom’s chest as she holds me and Faye sending out a comforting presence and again for the first time since the dark castle Adira spoke.

“For the longest time I was locked away and I know that it wasn’t you're fault but it still hurt. And when we got here and I was finally freed I was so happy. I wasn’t trapped in the darkness anymore. Until you voluntarily pushed me back in there. My other half, the one who quite literally completes me. So yeah that hurts.

This may not have been you're intention but you reunited me with my family too. The familial bond I feel with our second mother is especially strong considering our heritage. So even though you hurt me, you also pieced me back together. You let me back in and you gave me something I thought that I would never be able to have.” More tears stream down my eyes as Adira talks, my heart aching for her as it ached for myself being trapped with such a horrible family.

I can’t deny that I knew how badly it would hurt Adira to lock her away again but I was only thinking of myself. And when it was her turn to ignore me I felt that it was almost hypocritical. I felt that it was annoying and unnecessary. But I understood more than anyone that I betrayed her trust and I believe that her opening up and thanking me now was her way of letting me in.

Mom steps back to get a better look at us and smiles again. I can’t help siling back happy with the way the reunion has went. And sure, I met mom first and I’ve called Faye by name so far but that doesn’t mean that our relationship won’t change. We’ll grow closer and hold a bond that isn’t just formed when we’re born but also one of cultivation. I’ll make sure that they know that I love them and I know that they will do the same.

I turn my head and chance a look at Natalia. She’s leaning against the wall staring at us softly with a small grin on her face. I can’t help letting out a small sob before returning the grin. Her smile widens before she twirls her finger signaling me to turn back around and focus on my parents which I happily do.

I hear sobbing coming from that general direction as well so I turn back around and look back at her. Natalia simply shakes her head pointing over to the side where Vivian stood crying.

“I’m sorry. This is just so heartwarming to watch I couldn’t bear it.” Great now I know exactly what personality she has. She is the comedic relief. I should’ve known when push comes to shove every group no matter how small has comedic relief. I’m not sure how I didn’t see it when she burst out into laughter in what I now call the dark forest.

I hear a giggle choked back by a sob and look at Faye who has a small smile on her face. I can see the sadness lingering in her eyes but there is also a note of hope shining in there as well. I can’t help but smile back my heart warming at such a beautiful sight.

Mom pulls Faye into a hug holding her close as they both so into each other’s bodies. They pull back and lean in for a short peck. I turn around feeling like a meddler and third wheel even if I’m their daughter. And either way, no child wants to watch their parents kiss. It’s just strange and weird and I get chills just thinking about it. I hold back a shiver not wanting them to think I’m uncomfortable with their relationship and turn back around to see them holding each other again.

It’s only natural to miss someone you’ve longed for but couldn’t see for so many years. I would feel the exact same If I had known Natalia before being taken away. Just imagining it makes me sad so I can’t even begin to envision how they feel.

“Hey, I hate to separate from you guys especially since we just met but I think you guys both deserve some alone time. If not to vent then to just comfort each other.” I could feel that they were about to deny the alone time that they so clearly needed so intervened. “Besides, I want to take some time to get to know my new team. There’s nothing wrong with that right.” I could tell that they both aw through my deflection as they turned to look a each other before sighing and reluctantly agreeing.

I’m an adult so I didn’t really need their opinion but at the same time, it felt kind of nice. Having good parents who actually care for your well-being. I know I shouldn’t be surprised with how they’re treating me but I never had any real examples of familial love. Well except for-

OH MY GOSH PETER. I hope to everything that he wasn’t caught in the blast of the explosion. Hopefully Ashley made the rational decision to secure the surrounding area before blowing everything up but considering that she wasn’t even supposed to snatch be back yet at that time I’m a little concerned. No offense but Ashley is such an untrustworthy and yet also trustworthy individual. It just depends on what the situation calls upon. Unfortunately, I don’t think she’s got the right ideas since I have an idea of the way she thinks.

I can tell by the expression on my parent’s faces that they’re worried about me especially since I’m sure they can probably sense my influx of emotions in whatever this weird parent-child bond does. I give them a small smile and a bow glancing up to make sure they’re smiling before stepping back and waving before turning around and gathering the rest of the group to leave.

Everyone had just been standing there at the door watching so it hadn’t been difficult to do but it was still worth mentioning since Vivian almost seemed to not want to move, still watching the moment with tear-struck eyes. Maybe she’s not as happy as she seems. I watch her as her smile snaps back in place and her original energy is replenished again.

Just like Natalia and I pull away from others when we’re emotional maybe Vivian pretends to be happy so no one else has to deal with her pain. It makes sense, especially with the way that she snapped at me when we were in the dark realm. Even though she had pushed me and I was angry at the moment a part of me still felt worried for her.

I still don’t regret what I did and I stand by that. What if he had decided from the beginning that instead of handing Faye back to u he would kill her in front of us instead? It’s a scary thing to think about but it’s also a very possible outcome in war. Could I just have sat back and watched as my mother’s heart was crushed right in front of her along with her twin flame?

Of course I couldn’t. I’ve never been that kind of person. I can’t help think of what others’ reactions would’ve been in that situation though. How would they have reacted and what would they have done. What would Natalia had done differently? Would she have taken the chance as well, or would she have sat back and watched what happened preparing to make her move only when necessary?

I shake my head to clear my thoughts and lead everyone down to my room. We all walk in and settle around, me and Natalia taking the bed and Kano and Vivian poofing in two chairs.

“So let’s start with you, Vivian. The rest of us have known each other a bit longer so we know more about each other.” I suggest tilting my head in a way to indicate that she doesn’t have to if she doesn’t want to. She nods before staring off in thought for a second. She zones back in finally ready to share her thoughts.

“Hey guys I’m Vivian.” Natalia mutters out an obviously and I bump her shoulder. Kano covers his mouth trying not to how his grin at Vivians small joke. “I’m 22 and I was born into one of the greatest families in Eatithra.” I listen on, my mouth dropping into in oh when I hear that she’s a year older than me. I would’ve thought with her attitude and her appearance that she’s way younger than me.

“My mother was the queen’s advisor for a long time before the king fired her for ‘conspiring against him’. Personally, I’ve always thought of him as an idiot but we’re not even going to go there. Now as for my father he was one of the Army’s generals specializing in long-range combat and he was especially skilled with the bow. That is, until the king fired him for ‘flirting with his consort.

Basically, my family was well off before the ing decided that he wanted to cut off the queen from having any reliable sources in the castle. He took away all of her allies and anyone he thought was loyal to her. But not to worry because my parents’ reputation never fell when he let out these rumors and whispers about him.

After all the people were and still are only loyal to the queen. If they had known what he was doing to the queen I’m sure he would have died a lot sooner than he did. Although, I must say that I’m quite grateful for that. Otherwise I would’ve never gotten to see his demise.” She finishes speaking and I look at her astonished, Kano looks just as surprised with his draw dropped taking in this new information. Natalia though just sat there unbothered with an unbothered expression and knowing her, maybe she was unbothered, or maybe she knew all of this from the beginning.

It would explain why she didn’t deny my choice when I chose Vivian to come with us. Because she already knew Vivian and her background so they knew she could be relied upon. It could also be the reason she was with our group in the castle in the first place. Because her family had personal ties with the queen and knew that Vivian would keep her safe.

If that was true though in the end wouldn’t Natalia have been the mastermind behind everything? In the game of chest one side was light and the other was dark. I know that she isn’t dark because she’s been with me the whole time and never had a chance to slip away. So does that mean, contrary to my belief that I was never the puppet master on our end but she was?

I mean, it’s not a bad thing especially when your leader is someone as skilled as her. Still, it’s peculiar because the person in the dark realm seemed to be targeting me. Well who knows, I guess it doesn’t matter now as long as she didn’t cause any harm and the battle is over for good.

Kano still looks shocked though and I look on in amusement as the thousand-something-year-old dragon stammers for words.

“How did I not know that my comedy buddy had such a serious background. Isn’t this such a serious oversight!” Kano yells as he stands up shaking Vivian’s shoulders. She blushes embarrassed at his reaction to who her family is. To be honest I think I can understand why she didn’t really tell anyone of her family’s social status. Although this school is one for training to protect our society we still have annoying teen drama as well.

Actually, all things considered, I’m actually kind of glad that they’re immature about something like this. That means that they haven’t lost their innocence to this war and that makes me happy. I would never want anyone to feel so helpless about something that they couldn’t control. And because of this school for the first time in forever, I have friends.

I have a family who cares about me and loves me even though they don’t know me that well. These people that cherish me, and I cherish them as well. As we all sat together laughing I couldn’t help but thank whatever deity there was out there that they finally gave me a chance at happiness. And falling asleep that night I couldn’t help but wonder how the time spent with my parents would go and if they would still love me.

But their smiles appeared in my restless mind and eased my worries as I fell asleep casting my fears aside for another time.

In the morning I awoke to my two mothers sitting at my bedside embracing each other and whispering words of comfort and affection into each other’s ears. I couldn’t help but let out a raspy chuckle at them having come into my room at such an early time. Then again, both of them probably couldn’t sleep plagued by ill-fated dreams. I knew the feeling and as tragic as our family story is I want it to become something better. And that has to come from genuine connections that we make with each other, starting now.

“So what exactly are you guys doing in my room so early.” I ask them still chuckling lightly under my breath.

Faye looks up, uncomfortable and afraid not really knowing how to answer my question. I lay my hand on hers as a way to rouse her into a calm state and sweetly smile at her.

“It’s okay you know. It was just a question, not a big deal. I just wanted to know what you guys were up to it’s not a bad thing that you’re here.” I tell her softly trying to make her feel casual and less tense.

“I wanted a chance to talk to you. I hadn’t gotten a chance to do that yet and I didn’t really know what else to do. I asked your mom about it and she just said to come and talk to you so here I am. I guess you could say that she’s my moral support.” Faye says uncomfortably, shifting in her seat.”

“Well then,” I start lightly “ What was it that you wanted to talk about?” I ask her, unsure of where this conversation was going.

“I just wanted to talk about you. Get to know you and bond with each other.” She says and I just nod my head watching her expressions. Mom’s hands slid down to grab Fayes rubbing them gently to keep her from panicking.

And for some reason the gesture made me realize that I hadn’t been calling Faye my mom this whole time. I call her by her name every time and even though I’ve never really needed to say her name I can’t help but feel guilty about it, This is my momma after all. A woman who went through so much for me and deserves the world. And more than anything I want to help be the one to give it to her.

We sit in silence for a while, waiting for momma to gather her thoughts. We wait for minutes that feel like hours as we silently stay there in my room.

“I knew about you y’know.” She says all of a sudden garnering my attention and confusing me at the same time.

“Pardon?” I ask her.

“As a punishment or some form of torture they made me watch you. Almost every moment of your life I had to watch from afar. I saw it all, your unhappiness, your uneasiness, your rage, and I could never do anything to calm you down. I could never do anything to help. And for the longest time, I kept asking myself ‘why am I so useless’ because I couldn’t even help my only child.

So I’m sorry Natalia that I just sat back and watched all of this happen. Watched as the sadness in your eyes deepened and your heart blackened. It was all that I could do. Wish you the best. Pray to whoever could hear me that you would be okay even if I didn’t believe in them. I just wanted my baby to be okay.” She cried out still trying to hold in her sobs and be strong for me.

I watched as mom’s hands tightened around momma’s a sign that she wished she could’ve done more to help momma see that this wasn’t her fault. And If mom couldn’t get through to her then I could at least try to.

“Momma you don’t need to fear anymore. You aren’t with them you’re free and you will never go back to those retched people. And you are to blame for my mystery. Blame the people who took and kept me. Blame the people who helped them to it. Blame the people who took your love from you, and you from your love but never blame yourself.

Because with you I can tell that I will get nothing less than unconditional love. I don’t have to worry that I won’t be enough or that you won’t love me for who I am. I know that you persevered through that torture for me and mom and I couldn’t be more grateful that you did. Our family wouldn’t be complete without you. You are a part of our home now and nothing could change that.” She begins to let out her sobs once she hears me call her momma and she continues to cry throughout my speech.

I know that she may not believe it not. That one day’s worth of affirmations won’t make up for years of misdeeds ut I want to promise that one by one me and mom will help her get back to where she wants to be in life.

All I want is to see my family happy. I’m sure that’s a normal request who wouldn’t.

“Yeah what Thalia said, besides who else would keep the bed warm if you weren’t there. And who would I have to cuddle at night? No one! And that’s absolutely preposterous!” Mom jokes and momma lets out a choked sob that sounds very similar to a laugh. I smile happy to see that our words of encouragement were getting through to her even just a little bit.

Spending this time together made me so happy and I couldn’t help but imagine more family days like this nothing but happiness in our wake and joyous days coming. So as we walked to the cafeteria still happily chatting together I couldn’t help but remember the promise I made. I would protect this peace that we have found. I cannot and will not let anyone break us apart anymore.

Finding a table to sit down was not that hard. We chose to sit at the same table as Natalia who was already eating. She head looked up when she heard someone sit at the table and smiled when she noticed it was us. We smiled back at her my mom’s looking at each other before looking back at her. I groan already having an idea of what they were going to do next. Mom knew that Natalia was my twin soul and Faye as another draceonsa could probably read the signs. It wasn’t really hard to tell. Even the light interactions we had in front of momma yesterday may have been a hint at the more intimate relationship that was slowly developing between us.

“So Natalia,” mom starts and I turn my head in embarrassment. For the first time in my ife someone is about to get the talk from someone who actually cares about me. It’s actually kind of endearing but at the same time I wish they wouldn’t. “What are you're plans for my daughter?” Mom finishes. I bang my head against the table and I look back up to see them all looking at me in amusement.

This is disconcerting to say the least. I just want to walk away and leave but I haven't even had breakfast yet. After they all stare at me for a few more seconds my mom’s look back at Natalia waiting for an answer. I must admit that maybe I’m looking forward to hearing what she has to say as well. Just a little bit though.

“To be completely honest I don’t really have plans for our future.” She says. I look back down at the table trying to hide the expression on my face. The glimpse I got of my mom’s face when they heard it as well was all that I needed to know. That is, until she continued speaking.

“Don’t get me wrong I’d love to see where we go but we both have a lot of emotional baggage to get through. We’ve both been alone for so long and I want to be better mentally before anything happens. I would hate if I hurt her because of my carelessness. Plus neither of us is really use to affection. I just want to take it slow and connect naturally.

So yeah, that’s why I don’t have any plans for our future together. Because I want to develop things naturally. Just because we have a bond doesn’t mean we shouldn’t spend the time to get to know each other.” I keep my head down still, staring at the table, but this time trying to hide my smile. And I know that my parents are relieved as well when I hear momma speak.

“It’s a good thing that you weren’t finished after your first sentence, otherwise I would’ve had to kill you.” Momma jokes, except…. I’m not really sure it was a joke. Looking up to see her facial expressions she has a smile on her face and a slightly cheerful tone but you can tell by the dangerous glint in her eyes that she meant business.

In a way I think she made the same pact to herself that I made. To protect my family at all costs weather it be physically or emotionally. I guess that’s another thing I got from her. Her loyalty. And I must admit that it’s a rather beguiling quality.

“I think out of the hardest things in the world to do, rejecting Thalia or telling her no would be the most difficult.” Natalia jokes back with a small smile. I can tell though, that she read the threat and mom’s eyes and responded in kind with this as a reaction.

Y’know in some ways they’re quite similar. I think they’ll probably get along well. I’d actually love that, well as long as they don’t try to double team me.

Mom just laughs at the whole interaction, wide smile on her face, and sparkling eyes, misty with tears of joy. She sniffles and turns her head so that nobody will see before turning back. She looks at me and I look right back at her. At this point I’m sure she knows I saw her reaction when she brings her pointer finger up to her mouth and whispers a quite shhh before winking.

I laugh before finally standing up to get food. They all look at me curiously and I look back at them just as confused.

“Why are y’all all staring. I’m hungry and I want to get some food.” I tell them, watching them watching there reactions as they all let out and ohh. Mom and momma both stand up as well coming with me to get some food whilst Natalia stays to finish her own.

Once we get back to the table I realize that I hadn’t seen Kano or Vivian yet. It’s pretty early and it’s breakfast so I’m not that surprised but it still popped up in my mind.

“Do you know where Kano and Vivian are?” I ask her as I sit down, mom and momma joining right after me.

“They decided to let you have some family bonding tie and I guess to them that included me. Oh and also they sai that they wanted to sleep in.” She responds, stuffing her spoon into her mouth one more time before pushing the empty parfait container away.

I nod before giving in to my empty stomachs desires and stuff the spoon into my mouth. I dance at the taste of the parfait smiling while wiggling in my seat. What? Food is really good okay. Who doesn’t dance when they’re eating?

Natalia smiles at the expression on my face before resting her head own on the table, still looking over in my direction. She closes her eyes probably to rest while the rest of us eat our food. All three of us had decided on the parfait as well deciding that it was the best option for breakfast today.

Once we finished eating we all decided on what we wanted to do today. And what better way to bond as a family than to just play board games and spend time with each other. Although knowing my competitive streak I probably should’ve figure that my mom’s would have one as well. And really it was obvious that Natalia loved competition so Uno as the first game of the night had definitely been a bad idea.

Natalia had been the first one to call Uno out and momma had flipped out and mom had died of laughter watching her fit. She kept yelling that Natalia had cheated and that there was no way she could’ve won. She even claimed that Natalia and I had conspired at one point. I couldn’t help but laugh when she had yelled that out.

I guess we figured out who was the most competitive out of us that’s for sure. Mom had definitely gotten frustrated at some points too, arguing whenever a draw two or four card was placed. When me and Natalia had placed draw fours one after the other and she had to draw eight cards she almost flipped. I could see it in the way that her eyes kept twitching that she was barely holding on to her sanity and once Natalia had shouted that she was out she lost it and threw her cards.

I was slightly better than those two but not by much. I glared at Natalia for like half of the game because she kept making me draw cards. I swear if Natalia hadn’t been my twin soul one of us would’ve ended up killing her by now.

It only got worse after we decided to play clue. For some reason or another Natalia kept winning. I don’t know how she kept figuring things out before us but almost every round we played she won. Nobody wanted to stop until someone beat her at least once and I swear momma almost jumped at her when she had guessed the room, weapon, and murder weapon on her last turn.

We had decided on monopoly being our last game of the night since it took the longest to play and lets just say I sincerely regret it. Everytime anyone had to pay for landig on someone elses plot they either argues about it for five minutes or tried to bargain the price. I almost found it hilarosius te way everyone acted like this was real life. Everyone was taking the game too seriously, me included, and we all struggld against each other.

It was like mental warfair, all of us trying to use tricks and buy up all the plots. At one point momma even went so far as to try and steal some money from the bank which she was put in jail for. I couldn’t help cracking u laughing as she moved her character piece to the jail cell and she stared me down the entire time. Everytime I chanced a glance at mom I saw the serious concentrated look on her face but I could still see the glee in her eyes.

Us all finally meeting each other was a miracle. If that man hadn’t stumble upon us while we were riding in the forest would I have had the chance to help my mom? And if Ashley hadn’t told us about saving the queen would she still be stuck with the king?

It’s scary to think about. Because if we hadn’t gone to save mom I would’ve never found out about momma. She would still be entrapped stuck watching me live out my life whilst in captivity.

I eventually need to thank that man. I think during the time that we were gone he had left and went back to the village or something like that I’m not sure. All I know is that he deserves my thanks. Without him I never would’ve been united with my family.

I understand my mom’s glee. The feelings I get whenever I see my moms’ hug and hold each other and joke around with Natalia are amazing. It’s the best feeling in the world and it’s something I don’t want to ever let go of. Mom looks up from the board and looks at me staring at her. She smiles at me before it twists into a smirk. She had just bought another plot. I smile back at her, taking the die from her hands and resuming the game.

When we finish the game momma is sitting smug with a smirk one her face having finished with the most money. Natalia sat back with a satisfied smile, she wa the second richest in the end. I came in third earning a high five from Natalia and mom just glared at all of us having come in last place.

“You were so cocky while we were playing now look what happened. I guess it’s karma.” I taunted, sticking my tongue out at her.

She stuck her tongue back at me and momma, Natalia, and I laughed. It seemed so immature of her but I know that her childhood was taken from her just as mine was. She had no time to have fun after getting out of school before getting married. It was just straight into a horrible relationship with no foreseeable end in sight.

I’m happy we can be so playful together. Our relationship is nothing I had with my kidnappers. And speaking of which, I just can’t get that situation out of my head. All of the time I had spent with them, good or bad though motley bad, I never would’ve expected this. At the worst I thought I might’ve been an unwanted adoption but now I know it was something much more sinister.

And they were such prominent and wealthy people. They're business was well off and they're assets were huge. And even though all of this was bad I can’t help but think that them adopting my actual last name was the worst. They used the name with pride, flaunting they're last name as if it was a gift from whatever god they worshiped. In the end though, it was a stolen name, taken from a child that they had stolen.

They took my life away and stole me away from what could have been a happy life. And they still had the nerve to take my last name and put it out there from everyone to see. They promoted and flaunted it and used it as a symbol for they're wealth but all I felt when I heard it was sadness and disdain. Of course, I don’t really feel that way about it now because I know the truth, but I still feel contempt for the people who had adopted it and uncomfortable and angry when I think about it.

Sensing my tumultuous mood momma lays a gentle hand on my shoulder. I sit my hand on top of hers and give her a weak smile, lips quivering slightly, trying to show her that I am okay.

With them n my side I know that I will be okay. Any signs of upset or anguish and they come running to my side ready to help. These are the people who love me and I acn’t help but love them as well. I can’t imagine where I would be now if I had not escaped from those cruel people and found my way to them or in Natalia’s case, if she hadn’t been assigned to me. They gave me hope for a brighter future and a happiness that would last for the rest of my life.

But unfortunately, that hope would also be my reckoning. The forgotten battle which I so carelessly cast aside and disregarded as finished was raging underneath the shadows ready to burst cold.

But for now, lazing around my room with Natalia and my mothers watching movies and making jokes danger was the least of my concerns. And so days like these continued on for two weeks. The headmaster had decided on letting me take a break after all that I had went through on my first month before forcing me to finish the tests into the Omada’s by taking my battles exam.

Apparently the rest of my classmates hadn’t gone through the battles either because as soon as I stepped in the room the other students began to cheer thanking me for postponing the tests. I smile mirthlessly, they were happy that the tests were postponed but at what cost? My and my family’s lives were put in danger multiple times all for the sake of the war and this stupid school.

And yes, I know that they don’t know what happened so I shouldn’t be upset with them but that doesn’t change the way I feel. I’m upset that it seemed like all of this was fake. Nothing that happened seemed to affect the younger students as if they were unaware of what happened in the real world. If the headmaster wasn’t telling them what they were fighting for wasn’t this all for naught?

And if they knew that this war was going on they had to have known that the castle blowing up had something to do with it. No matter how you twist it there’s no way that the students hadn’t heard what had happened to the castle. The king died in that castle so if the news had been suppressed so easily then the royals obviously weren’t that important.

But I knew that simply wasn’t the case because of the display the students put on when they were bowing down to mom. And then if they truly were blind to all of this didn’t that just make them stupid.

I slap my face and shake my head getting rid of all of my other thoughts besides the battle. I knew that the battles would be tough and if I didn’t keep my head in the game and focus I wouldn’t win at all.

My first battle I was faced against a tall scrawny guy with shaggy brown hair and lanky limbs. I couldn’t speak much about it myself since I knew that I didn’t look very muscular. Training with Natalia I learned two things. One never judge a book by its cover including it’s shape or size and two strategy is everything. You could be going against someone two times bigger than you and easily beat them if you fight with you're brain and not just with you're body.

Diving head first into a battle is not a good idea. You should observe and watch every move carefully. Even the slightest error could help expose you're opponents weakness and in a life or death situation that weakness may help save your life. Being strong is great…. As long as it isn’t the only thing you rely on, which is the downfall of so many people thinking they can win based on just strength alone.

It’s easy to underestimate your opponent especially when they appear smaller or weaker than you. But you never truly know until the battle has begun.

When the bell had rung, which is so cliche by the way, I let my opponent charge at me. I quickly side stepped once he reched me and grabbed his arm with my left hand and punched him straight in the stomach with my left. He coughed as he gasped for air breaking out of my grasp to step back again before trying to kick me in the side. I easily blocked his attack and grabbed his leg.

Although the others trained longer than me it seems as though Natalia was a better trainer then whoever they had. His movements were sloppy and slow. He was strong enough especially for his lanky stature sure but he didn’t have enough control of his limbs. And because his limbs were so long and he didn’t have much control they were easy to take advantage of. With his slow reaction time it was easy to tell that he wasn’t trained in agility and only really focused on one are in training, strength.

I knew that some people would have this problem but I honestly didn’t expect this from my first fight of the day. After the first hit the battle was already won. Although he had put up a decent fight afterwards it just wasn’t enough. The first blow I landed on him proved to be detrimental to his stamina and longevity in this fight.

Needless to say, with the way the first fight went I easily dominated all the battles that I was put through. Now some of them did prove to be more challenging then others but in the end the results were all the same. And to be honest I was actually quite disappointed with these results. These people have been training since childhood? Then why were some of them so exceptionally weak. Sure I now have real world experience on the subject but that doesn’t mean that I should beat them. I guess this proves that the length of training doesn’t always matter.

Is it not the fact that these people have been slacking? After all, while I was in combat fighting a war they were here hanging out and eating snacks with friends. The thought only made me angrier and I couldn’t help but tap my fingers onto my thigh to help calm myself down. Sure these last few weeks I had time to relax but what about before that? I was out there fighting their battle.

Heading back down to my room to cool down after the tests were finished I immediately freeze and stiffen up when I see a note at my door with the same handwriting as the one seen at the portal addressed to me. I look around tersely, checking to see if anyone was in the hallways nearby who could’ve left this note. A theory that me andNayali talked about earlier popped into my head. We had talked about how anyone could be this mysterious person since we know nothing about them It could even be someone from school.

Seeing nobody close enough to my room I cautiously open my door looking around for anything that looks out of place. My muscles loosen a little whilst I look around, still cautious but not overly so as I take a seat on my bed and open the note.

My eyes immediately darken and I can hear Adira growling in my mind as I call for the headmaster as well as Ashley and the rest of my group of friends to come down to my room as soon as possible. I wait on my bed tensley contemplating every single move I made and whether it had all been a part of this persons master plan.

My body shakes in anger and I repeatedly tap my thigh trying to calm the flood flowing inside of me before it overflows.

Everyone gets here as soon as possible rushing into my room to check for danger. This includes Ashley who rushed in just as quickly as the others when she heard my apprehensive tone of voice.

I waited for everyone to settle down before showing them the letter passing it down from person to person each of their faces dropping as they read and looked on in anger and fear. I know that each one of them felt the same as I did.

We all knew that a storm was coming and the mastermind wanted to play a dangerous game. The only real question on everyone’s mind was: Could we take him?