In Bloom (Twisted Wonderland x OC)

1: Welcome to Night Raven College

"Best of luck, bambino. I'm so proud of you," my mom tightly hugged my brother, "You're going to do amazing in school."

"Thank you, mamma," he turned his smug gaze to me, "Tough luck, sis."

The only reply he got was the hissing from Grim standing beside me. The fire blazed brighter on my familiar's ears and his pitchfork shaped tail raised up in the air. Though he could talk, Grim never wanted to waste his energy on my arrogant twin  brother.

Cassiano was always the one everyone in the family would brag about. He was supposed to be the one to carry on the Salvatori family legacy, while I remained in his shadow.

He confidently approached the ebony carriage parked outside our house, ready to start his new life at Night Raven College. His fingers found their way around the handle, but the door refused to open. Try as he might, it remained shut.

"What's going on?!" he yelled at the carriage, as if hearing his frustration would magically make the door open. When he was exhausted from pulling, Cassiano resorted to kicking the door, but I noticed the horses starting to tremble.

"Cassiano, stop!" I ran to him, Grim following beside me, "You're making the horses nervous."

"Who cares about the horses?!" he gave another kick to the door, "This carriage is meant for me! Why is it not letting me in?!"

I shrugged, "Maybe because violence isn't the solution to everything?"

"Alright Little-Miss-Know-It-All," he stepped to the side and motioned at the door, "You open it then."

My hand was a hair length away from the handle when a faint click was heard. My fingers wrapped around the cold metal handle and I pulled it open with ease, revealing the large black coffin inside.

Cassiano shoved me over to the side, but the door closed once again.

My gut began to twist at the crooked smile rising on his face, "Sis, go ahead and open it."

"What are you planning?" I took a few steps back. My brother's ideas always ended in disaster.

"Just open the door, get inside, and quickly come out," he growled, "I will get on this carriage."

Fearing my brother would throw another one of his temper tantrums, I did as he instructed. Once the door allowed me entry, the black coffin inside opened, offering me a cushioned place to sit. With me inside, Grim curled up beside me.

"On the count of three, you jump out and I jump in," he began to rock back and forth, preparing to launch himself inside, "One, two-" he bolted for the door, but it slammed shut when he was one step away. He pounded on the door with his fists, but the carriage had a mind of its own. The carriage began to get pulled along by the trotting horses.

I wanted to climb out, but my strength and energy began to dwindle. I glanced at my familiar and noticed he purred as he slept. I tried to fight against the drowsiness, but I could no longer keep my eyes open. Once my head rested on the pillow inside the coffin, the lid gently shut.

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I woke up to the ember light seeping in through the opened coffin. Though I had a major headache and was still relatively weak, I wanted to get to the bottom of this.

Once I sat up, I took in the grand chamber I was in. An enormous circular mirror floated in the center of the room. The fire from the torches along the stone walls provided light to show dozens hooded figures in violet ceremonial robes embellished with gold details. Murmurs and gasps were exchanged between each of them at the sight of me.