PART ONE

  "Dorophina Windsor! Pay Attention!"

  A sharp crack echoed through the room as Ms Boggles' walking stick struck the stone floor, sending a puff of dust spiraling into the air. The other pupils snapped to attention, their heads swiveling as she advanced toward me with measured and deliberate steps. Each tap of cane reverberated like a countdown.

  She came to a abrupt stop in front of my desk, looming over me with a withering gaze.

  "Hmmm? What?" I mumbled, blinking at her as if I'd just woken from a dream.

  "Daydreaming again!" Ms Boggle huffed, drumming her fingers on the edge of my desk. Her eyes narrowed, as though she could see through my thoughts I was trying to keep hidden.

  "N-No, of course not!" I stammered, keep my eyes firmly on the pages of my notebook, flipping them aimslessy. "I was just..." I

  "See my after css, Miss Windsor!" Ms Boggle snappedm her voice asThe sharp as the cck of her cane.

  "Yes, of course!" I sighed, watching as she strode back to the front of the cssroom.

  The room felt heavier after that, the other pupils casting sideways gnces my way before turning thier attention back to their work, Time to stretch out like an eternity,

  My thoughts drifted back to the dream- or was it a vision?- that had filled my mind earlier. The colors, the whispers, the feeling of magic coursing through the air...It had felt so vivid, so real. Could it mean something? A sign, or perhaps a message meant for me?

  I sighed and slumped back into my chair, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the corner of the page in front of me. the edges were frayed from moments like this-moments when my mind wandered to pces far more exciting than this dreary cssroom.

  The other pupils botled out of the cssroom as soon as the bell rand, their ughter fading down the stone corridor. In thier wake, silence settled like a heavy cloak, leaving Ms Boggle and me in the room.

  She looked up from her desk, her stern gaze locking onto me, and gestured sharply with one hand.

  "Come here," she said, her voice cutting through the silence.

  My stomach sank as I shuffled toward her desk, my feet dragging against the cold floor. Each step felt heavier than the st.

  "Is there something bothering you, Dorophina?" Ms Boggle asked, her tone softer now but still piercing enough to make me squirm.

  The words were on the tip of my tongue. I wanted so badly to tell her about the dream- the vivid colors, the strange sensations, the voice that felt like it was calling only to me. But I knew better. She wouldn't believe me. No one would. And why should they?

  "No, ma'am," I muttured, my lowering as if the weight of my thoughts were too much to carry.

  She he gsses, sliding down the bridge of her nose as her piericng gaze met mine.

  "Are you sure?"

  "I'm quite cerain," I replied, my fingers nevously twirling the ends of my hair. "May I please leave...?"

  Ms Boggle exhaled a deep sigh, her stern expressioon softening into a faint smile.

  "I do worry about you, young dy," she said, her voice carrying warmth and concern.

  "I-I'm fine....really," I muttured, my foot tracing zy arcs along the floor. "It's just...well...

  My voice falterd as a strange sensation swept over me, like an invisible hand gently pressing against my thoughts. It was as if something-or someone- was urging me to keep silent.

  Ms Boggle titled her head, her eyes softening as she rested a hand on my shoulder. The unexpected warmth in her touch only deepend my uneasee

  "I'll ask again," she asked, her voice ced with patience. "Is there anything you wish to me?"

  "No, ma'am," I whispered, shaking my head as my gaze sank to the floor. The weight of words unsaid hung in the space between us.

  "Very well," she sighed, her voice heaqvy with resignation. "Off you go, then."

  I quietly slipped out of the cssroom, my thoughts swirling with a mix of confusion and intrigue. Was was that strange sensation earlier? I had never experienced anything like it before- nor had I read about anything remotely simir.

  The towering, weathered school building loomed behind me as I stepped into the twiglight, it's stone walls fading into shadow. My turned towards Morgana. Perhaps she would know something about this feeling, or at least guide me to someone who could.

  The two suns dipped below the tree line, casting a dusky glow over the horizon. A cold breeze swept through the long grass, brushing against my legs and teasing a quiet giggle despite the heaviness of my thoughts. The path to her cottage stretched ahead, promisig answers- or more questions.

  PART 2

  A small pot hung above the roaring fire in the corner of the room, it's content bubbling softely as the scent of herbs and potions thickened the air, clinging like a invisble mist.

  Morgana sat clouched in her chair, a thin stream of smoke curling from her pipe as she puffed thoughtfully, her brow furrowed in a perplexed frown.

  "Late again?!" she snapped, her sharp gaze locking onto me like a predator sizing up its prey.

  "My apologies," I murmured, pressing my fingers against my temple as if to fend off the dull ache building there.

  "Must that teacher of yours be so...." sge began, her tone dipping with disdain.

  "Be nice, Morgana," I interupted, releasing a weary sigh. "She's only trying to help."

  "Oh, please," Morgana scoffed, tapping her fingers rhythically on the air of her chair. Her lips curled in a wry smile. "How could she possibly help you?"

  "Wasn't it your idea for me to attend school? I said, shaking my head at her, a hint of exasperation slipping into my voice.

  "Yes,well," she murmured, her teeth grazing the end of her pipe as she spoke. "I still expect you to come home on time!"

  Her words hung in the air, heavier than usual. It was the time I'd heard her call this pce 'home'. The realization crept up on me, stiring a warmth deep within- a feeling I hadn't expected but welcomed all the same.

  "So...I was wondering..." I began, fshng her a tentative smile.

  "We'll talk ter, child," she interupted, pressing a finger gently on my lips with a pyful wink. But I knew better. By 'talk', she really meant her dozing off and leaving me to tidy up after her test antics. Not this time. I was determined to get answers.

  "No, now, Morgana," I insisted, pouting as I folded my arms. "Please!"

  She shifted in her chair. her grin widening to reveal the twinkle in her eyes. For a fleeting moment, a memory washed over me- of that cold alley where she'd found me, lost and alone. The warmth of the thoiught sent a tear spilling down my cheek.

  "There, there, Dorophina," said Morgana softly, her hand resting light as a feather on shoulder. "I'll do what I can, I promise."

  "T-thank you," I murmured, brushing the stray hair from my face, my voice barely more than a whisper.

  She listened intently as I recounted everything that had unfolded in css. Her expression turned grave, her brow furrowing deeper with each word. Risng to her feet, she began pacing the length of the room, her gaze darting toward me every so often as if piecing together a puzzle.

  "A voice, you say?" she asked, her voice carrying a sharp edge of intrigue. "Most extraordinary!"

  "There must be something in one of those," I said, nodding the bookshelf in the corner of the room.

  Morgana followed my gaze, a flicker of curiousity lighting up her eyes.

  "Just maybe..." she murmured, threading her fingers through her long bck hair before crossing the room. Her smile widened as her fingertips danced across the spines of the dusty books, her fingertips leaving trials in the grime.

  "Ah-ha! This one, I'm certain of it!"

  "But... Isn't that-?" I began, my heart pounding as my eyes locked onto the familiar cover. That old bck book, tucked away for long as I could remember. Dust had settled deep into its intricate patterns, the corners frayed and timeworn.

  "Indeed, child," Morgana said, blowing a cloud of dust from the cover with a single breath. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. "My old grimore!"

  The curtains flutterd as she pulled them apart and plume of dust swirled around my feet. Within moments, I was enveloped in a shimmering veil of glittering particles. I instinctvely reached out, scooping some into my palm. It was warm-strangely warm.

  Morgana voice broke the silence as began to chant, her tone calm yet commanding: Oh, Great Goddess of Life, grant this child the vision to see what has been to lost to her. Cast down your radiance so she may see again-Magic Veil!"

  What was that? Some kind of spell? I'd never heard her use anything like it before.

  The glittering dust cascaded to the floor, fading into a faint glow around my feet. For a fleeting moment, I felt something stir deep within me, like a light awakening in the very core of my being.

  Morgana exhaled softly and closed the book in her p, her expression serene as a tranquil smile spread across her face. She watched intently, her voice gentle as she asked "How do you feel now, my child?"

  I stared down at my hands in silence, my eyes wide with shock. Then, without warning, my knees gave out, and I sank to the floor.

  "What...just happened?" I gasped, my gaze darting frantically around the room, searching for answers.

  Morgana stayed silent, her gaze steady yet tender, as a soft smile tugged at the corners of her.

  My legs trembled, threatening to give way as I staggered back to my feet. The room spun in a kaleidodcope of bright, distorted colours, forcing me to rub my eyes in a furtile attempt to clear my vision.

  Everything around me shifted like a blured painting, and my head thobbed with a ache I couldn't shake. Unable to hold myself upright, I sank onto a nearby stool, burying my face in my hands.

  Morgana moved to my side, her presence grounding the chaos swirling around me. Her hand came to rest gently on my shoulder, its warmth a small comfort. Her voive barely above a whipser, carried a soothing tone: "Give it time, child. I promised to help, and so I shall."

  "How...How is this helping me?" I groaned. "All I feel is dizzy confused!"

  Morgana's wrinkled fingers brushed my shoulder, the gentle stroke carrying both comfort and quiet reassurance.

  "Just rest now, Dorophina," she said, her voice calm but ced with authority. "I'll tell you more tommorow-I promise."

  PART THREE

  I y in bed, staring bnkly at the white walls of my room. My head still felt hazy, the aftermath of whatever Morgana had done lingering like a stubborn fog.

  The coarse bnket brushed against my skin, prckling and promting me to scratch. It was a small distraction, not enough to quiet the questions swirling in my mind.

  I wish I undersood what she'd done. She promised to help me, yet all I'm left with is this dizzy, confused mess. For someone as knowledgeable as she cimed to be, surely there had to be a better way-something less frustratating and cryptic.

  But no. Here I was, stuck with a throbbing head and still no answers.

  I wrapped the bnket tightly around myslef, moonlight filtered thorugh the curtain and a bitter wind blew inot the room.

  "This is pointless," I muttured, groaning as I grudingly sat up in bed. "How does she expect me to sleep after all this?"

  The floorboards groaned under my weight as I crept out of the room, each step cautious but loud enough to make my heart race, From the lounge, I could hear Morganna mumbling to herself, her words too soft to discern-perhaps she felt bad for what had happened, And she should!

  The door to her room stood slightly ajar, just enough to tempt my curiousity. I hesitated before carefully pushing it open, A single candle flickered on the desk, its light dancing across the walls and casting long shadows over the cluttered space.

  A sharp, overpowering odor wafted from nearby closet, making my nose wrinkle. Nervously, I edged closer, my pulse quickening with every step. Mustering my courage, I yanked the closet door open.

  A cascade of hats and rags tumbled to the floor in a chaotic heap, startling me. I stepped back instinctively, staring down at the mess and wondering what esle be hidden in this enigmatic room.

  "Why on Earth are you out of bed?"

  The familiar voice rang out from the doorway, sharp and unyielding. I froze, my heart sinking as I turned to face her her. She stood there, arms crossed, fingers tapping impatiently against the doorframe, her gaze piercing through me,

  "And what is all this mess?" she demandedm gesturing at pile of rags and hats at my feet. "Care to expin, young dy?

  "I...I couldn't sleep!" I stammered, the words tumbling out before I could think. "I just wanted to-"

  "Enough!" she snapped, cutting me off. "I expected better from you, Dorophina. This behavior is unacceptable!"

  Her words stung, and frustration bubbled up inside me. "Unacceptable? You're the one keeping secrets from me!" I shot back, my voice rising. "You won't teach me magic, you won't expin what you did to me-how is this fair?"

  Morganna's eyes narrowed, her tone cold but controlled. "Fair? Fair, child? Do you think the world we live in is fair? Magic is not a game-it's dangerous, and you are not ready for it."

  "Then why promise to help me if you're just going to hold me back?" I shouted, stamping my foot for emphasis. "I trusted you!"

  Her expression softened for a fleeting moment but her voice remained firm. "You don't understand the weight of what you're asking. It's not just about you- it's about the world, about magic itself."

  "I don't care about the world!" I excimed, the words spilling out in a wave of anger and desperation. "I just want answers! I just want to know who I am!"

  The room fell silent for a moment, the tension hanging between us. Then Morganna sighed deeply, the sound filled with weariness. She raised her hand, amd with a click of her fingers, the pile of rags and hats flew back into the closet, the door snapping shut.

  "You still have a long way to go before I can teach you," she said quietly, her voice tinged with disappointment.

  "That's not fair," I muttered, tears welling in my eyes.

  "Enough," Morganna said, her tone sharp and commanding. "To your room, now!"

  "And if I refuse?" I chalnged, crossing my arms, and sinking onto her bed, defiance clear in my stance.

  Morganna paused, her gaze heavy with frustration and deeper- something I couldn't quite read. The room seemed to shift as she clicked her fingers again, the windows flying open with a loud crash. The icy wind whipped through the space, and her voice echoed, powerful and unyielding: "I won't tell you again, Dorophina. GO TO BED!"

  PART FOUR

  The force of her command hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, I just sat there, trembling. My eyes brimming with tears as I clutched the bnket tigher around myself, seeking some shred of comfort.

  "Morganna...please," I whispered, my voice barely audible, shaking with desperation. "You promised to help me. You said I could trust you. Why are you pushing me away now?"

  Morganna's stern expression faltered, softening into something almost vulnerable. She sighed deeply and stepped closer, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on her weary face. Slowly, she knelt in front of me, her hands gentle as they rested on my shoulders.

  "I'm not pushing you away, child," she said quietly, her tone gentler now, though tinged with sadness. "I'm protecting you. From things you can't begin to understand."

  "But I need to understand!" I cried, tears spilling over as I grabbed her hands. "I need to know who I am- what I am! I feel like I'm breaking into pieces, and you're the only one who can help me put them back together!"

  Her gaze softened futher, amd for the briefest moment, I saw something in her eyes-a flicker of pain, as though my words had cut straight to her heart. She squeezed my hands tightly, as if anchoring me to her.

  "Oh, Dorophina," she murmured, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You remind me so much of myself, once... so of questions, so desperate for answers. But I learned the hard away that some truths are heavy to carry all at once."

  "But I'm not you," I said, my voice trembling. "I can handle it. Whatever it is, I just-I can't keep feeling this lost.

  Morganna hesistated, the weight of unspoken truths clear in her eyes. Finally, she leaned in and pressed her forehead gently to mine, her voice a whisper.

  "I see you, my sweet girl. I see the strength in you. But strength needs time to grow, like a seed a tree. You must trust me, even when it's hard."

  I wanted to scream, to argue, to demand more from her, but her words-her touch-drew the fight out of me. I slumped forward into her arms, clutching her tightly as my tears soaked into her robe.

  "I don't know how to do this without you," I whispered.

  "And you won't have to," Morganna replied softly, wrapping me in a protective embrace. "I'll be here, every step of the way. Just...give it time, my child.