Normal can be the most beautiful thing there is...
No one knows that more than Aline and her brother.
Aline Blake never knew what was going to happen. Only thirteen years old, she had no clue about life's dark secrets. But that would soon change...
...
Simon stepped out through the large door. On his arm he had his barn owl - whose name he now knew was Stella. He went and took his seat next to Aline. Their parents sat on either side of their children. Aline looked at Stella with wide eyes. "Bird," she said. He laughed and nodded. "Yes, Aline. It's a bird." "Can I... pet?" she wondered. He nodded again and extended his arm for her to reach. He watched as she gently felt the feathers. She touched them gently, as if they were a valuable object that would cost a lot to repair if damaged. Simon smiled. He had always perceived Aline as an animal lover and her gestures proved him right. She didn't want to hurt the owl. It took several more hours before the ceremony was over, and by then Aline had fallen asleep. It was almost midnight. Simon said goodbye to his parents for the moment, kissed his sister on the forehead, and then went with the other youths who from tonight would belong to the Rubies. He was nervous, had never really thought about the next step if he could link with a Mystic. But now he was standing here, along with all the other talented youngsters who were going to take the test. Now he just needed to make it too.
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