Magthonous Academy: The Dark Love

The cool breeze gently brushed against my cheek, causing my long, black hair to sway. I squinted as I looked up at the dark sky—no twinkling stars, just an encompassing darkness. Pushing my hair back, I decided to head to the back of the Academy. Scanning the area and finding no one on guard, I redirected my gaze towards the towering walls.

A sigh escaped me as I cast a spell, feeling the stone beneath me rise, aligning with the high wall. Stretching my hand, another set of rocks materialized outside. Stepping on it, I cast another spell to lower it to the ground.

Upon reaching the ground, I sighed again, glancing around before adjusting my black jacket and pulling the hood over my head. Crossing the quiet grass, I reached the town center in the Enchanted World. Hailing a taxi, I stated my destination.

The driver gave me a strange look before driving off, and my eyes glazed outside as I rested my head against the window. As expected, heavy rain poured down. There weren't many enchanters lingering outside, especially considering the current weather. The car stopped, I paid the driver, and immediately felt the raindrops on my skin. But I had no other choice but to head straight to our home. My mother's house.

I halted in front of a weathered wooden house, the garden looking wilted and dry. Sighing, I pondered the reasons why the flowers and leaves were lifeless. The rusty gate creaked as I pushed it open. My shoes were now caked in mud, but I disregarded it. Approaching the door and peering inside, I found darkness. Always darkness.

Without bothering to knock, I opened the door, and obscurity enveloped me. I sighed once more before reaching for the switch. I squinted at the sudden brightness but nearly stumbled upon seeing her.

Her swollen red eyes fixed on me—if looks could kill, I'd be buried six feet under. Her noticeable thin frame, sunken cheeks, pale skin, and dark circles around her eyes were hard to ignore.

"Turn the lights off!" she demanded. I shook my head and removed my jacket.

"Are you even eating properly?" I disregarded her command, glancing around and noticing the messy house. Bottles of alcohol littered the floor, broken glasses, remnants of meals, dirty clothes, blood. I shot my mother a concerned look. "Did you slit your wrist, again?"

She ignored me and hurriedly made her way to the switch. In one click, darkness prevailed again. I closed my eyes in frustration.

"Ma, come on!" I cried out, but it seemed like she didn't care. She left me standing there and entered her room, slamming the door behind her.

A bitter smile formed. I'm okay. I've grown used to this treatment in my eighteen years. I turned on the light again and began clearing the mess. I disposed of the empty bottles and swept away the broken glass.

Where can you find someone doing laundry in the middle of the night, especially during a downpour? I chuckled inwardly before settling on the slightly worn-out sofa. It was past three, and despite being tired, I needed to return to the Academy.

I knocked on Mama's door and listened against the wooden surface. "Ma, I'm leaving. I'll visit when I have the chance. Take care of yourself, Ma. I love you."

Taking a deep breath, I halted the burning sensation in my eyes, locked the door from the inside, and left, still wearing my damp jacket. I put it back on and cast a spell. It automatically dried, and I continued walking.

My eyes widened upon reaching the towering walls of the Academy. Uttering words, the platform I was on levitated. Raising my other hand, I stepped towards the other side. Suspended in the air, I saw a figure approaching, and panic set in as I tried to descend quickly. In my panic, I lost control, crashing down and landing hard.

I wanted to scream, but I might disturb others. Besides, wandering and escaping the Academy were forbidden. I closed my eyes and waited for the expected pain, but seconds passed, and there was none.

Opening my eyes, I sighed in relief, having landed safely on the green grass. Looking up, my mouth fell open when I saw a tall figure staring down at me. Anxiety gripped me upon seeing his dark eyes fixed directly on me.

Swallowing, I stood up, trembling. I had to bow because his intense gaze was too much. I felt the weight of his eyes, even if I couldn't see his face clearly due to the lack of light.

The rain started again, and I was almost transfixed while staring at him. I couldn't see his face, but his presence exuded a familiar intensity.

"You'd be dead if I tell them," His voice was cold and almost hoarse. I flinched, not out of fear, but from the warmth I felt. He sounded so alluring.

"You wouldn't dare because I'll involve you," I tried to sound proud and averted my gaze before walking past him. Moving carefully towards the girls' dorm, pressing eleven on the elevator before it ascends. Upon reaching the correct floor, I headed straight to the far-right end of the building. Retrieving the key from my pocket, I placed it in the lock. The door opened, and I immediately sank into my bed. Striving towards my soft and comfy bed before falling into a deep sleep.

"Zam!" I woke up hearing a high-pitched voice. Jerking awake, I saw my roommate waving outside the window. "Where's Zeus?" I stopped myself from rolling my eyes, got out of bed, and noticed I hadn't changed since early morning.

What time is it? I looked at the small clock beside my bed and nodded. Just on time. It's only six, and classes start at seven. I went to the bathroom and quickly got ready. Looking at the mirror, I marveled at my reflection.

Black long straight hair, almond eyes, long eyelashes, straight narrow nose, small and thin pinkish lips. Sighing as I saw my fair complexion, I tried flashing a smile, but it came out plastic. Forced and emotionless like my eyes.

Hearing consecutive knocks outside, I fixed my hair and went out. Minoa William's face greeted me. She looked irritated, arching her brows at me.

"What a slow head!" she huffed before entering the bathroom.

She's my roommate, the daughter of a major enchanter, Noe William. They say her father is kind, but why didn't she inherit that?

Tidying the bed, grabbing my bag, and slinging it over my shoulder, I glanced out the window and saw the boys' dorm. Our building is more than ten meters away from theirs, so Minoa always waves to her friends.

I glided through the hallway, and almost everyone veered away from me. For those who didn't, their glances were fleeting, accompanied by polite smiles. I paid them no mind. What was the use? I had no interest in feigning friendships. As I descended from the elevator, I exited the building and strolled towards the cafeteria.

A lingering drowsiness clung to me, having barely slept for three hours. The effects of last night's rain left me feeling a bit under the weather. I chose solitude, relishing the quiet embrace of being alone.

They would abandon you eventually, seeking others. As I finished my meal, hushed whispers permeated the cafeteria. I sighed knowing that the so-called stars had arrived — the renowned group of Magthonous Academy. Eleven guys and one girl, among them my dorm mate, Minoa.

Children of major enchanters, held the esteemed title of Royalties. A bitter smile played on my lips as envy coursed through me.

Yet, that envy swiftly morphed into an odd amalgamation of irritation and anxiety when the architect of my troubles walked past. The very reason my mother distanced herself from me.

Fists clenched, I rose abruptly to depart. A miscalculation though. Their attention turned to me, eliciting scoffs from some. Composed, I moved to leave when our eyes met. His dark gaze felt familiar.

I clenched my teeth, averting my eyes from his commanding gaze. It was disconcerting and enervating. With a deliberate effort, I composed myself before exiting the cafeteria. A deep exhale marked my attempt to dispel the inexplicable emotion that gripped me.

I'll ensure you settle all your debts to me, Zeleus Xel Smith. Keep that in mind.