Obscuratus Anima

Heir of Serpentine

When Leah entered the class, she noticed her teacher handing out their results. Leah went to take her usual seat by the window but noticed that Leo's seat was free, so she walked up towards that seat and sat down. The entire class was so stunned by her actions that it went silent. Leah smirked at the looks on their faces and took her paper, which the teacher gave her personally. "Leah, you've performed exceptionally again. If anyone here wants to achieve something other than being a rich brat, I ask you, as your tutor, to learn something from Leah. Her consistency has been praised by all those who have taught her and are still teaching her. She's excelled more than she hoped for and has every reason to be proud."

Leah looked at her teacher, who was surprisingly sweeter than usual. It was only then that she saw her marks. She couldn't believe her eyes.  She scored full marks, and she felt happy. With such results, she could inherit her father's business while allowing her brothers to pursue what they love. But, this happiness of hers was short-lived. Leo walked into the class and noticed the girl sitting in his seat and was enraged. "Who do you think you are to sit in my seat? You lowborn fool without money, get lost from here. And if you sit here again, I'll make your entire family pay." Leo screamed at her. "Hehe... Who do I think I am? Hmm... I'm Leah Serpico. Why? Are you that foolish that you forgot my name, Mr. Reeds? As for why I sat here. I remember someone telling me that new term, new seats. Wouldn't it be too much to go back on your own words?" Leah snickered. "So that's how you want to play it. Guys, take her stuff and throw it out of the window."

The moment Leo said that two men in black appeared in front of Leah. "Who do you think you are to talk to her that way?" Before the men could do anything, the principal appeared from behind. "Step away from Ms. Serpico right this instant. Mr. Reeds, I shall have a word with your father on the misuse of power on the campus. Leah, your father called the office. He wants you to come home. You're free after this class and can leave." "Thank you, sir," Leah said and headed for the gates. On her way home, Leah stopped by the cemetery to put flowers on her mother's tomb. When Leah reached, she noticed lavish presents outside her house. "Dad, what's going on here? Today is the day mom left us, and there's a party going on." Leah was stupefied. "Not like that. The board of directors have acknowledged you as head of the Serpentine Corporation. You, my daughter, are now officially the heir of the Serpentine empire. Don't worry. If you feel it's too much, I could always drag one of your lazy brothers to take on the position of chairman." Leah was emotional hearing her father's words. 

The Serpentine Corporation, the business she longed to work for, was now hers. She had the best day of her life today. Amidst the sadness of her mother's death, there was a reason to celebrate. She was no longer only Ms. Serpico. Now, she was Chairwoman Serpico. "But Dad, what about you? What will you be doing after I take on the position?" Leah suddenly thought. "I've wanted to travel to different places for a while. I'll be able to fulfil my wish now. Thank you, child, for easing my burden." with those words, they hugged each other warmly. 

The next day, Leah went to the inauguration of the new building acquired by the Serpentine. She met Leo's father, Mr. Archie Reeds and knew that Leo would be nearby. She did not want that bastard Leo to know her true identity. So, to avoid him, she took a glass of champagne from the waiter who passed by her, had a few sips, and acted like she was drunk. Her father approached her and told her to return home. She wasn't afraid of anyone anymore. But, she pondered on her way back from the ceremony whether she had to fear herself. Leah brushed off that thought and took a nap, as there was still an hour before they reached the campus.

When she reached, she got down a few metres behind her gates and started walking towards the gates. She knew that she wouldn't be questioned for her late arrival since her first two classes were free. Leah headed towards the library and looked through the books on the shelves of sciences. She had always loved how the brain worked and wanted to explore more. She wanted to be number one. Leah never wanted those who treated her like crap to rise to her position. She wanted them to look at her with respect. Those who refuse her words will pay the price and repent. If she did not wish for their prosperity, they would fail. Surprisingly, she found a book out of place in the library titled 'The Dark Arts'. She had never seen this book before. The book's title piqued her interest, and she asked the librarian if she could read the book. "Why, dear! Of course, you may take the book. I must say I missed you this morning. I thought you were absent since you were ill or injured. Anyway, I'm glad you're well. You are the only one who makes good use of this library." The librarian spoke in an excited tone.

"Oh! Could I know what this book is about? It doesn't even have a description on the cover. Is it okay to read it? I feel like this book is about forbidden magic." Leah joked. But the librarian's words surprised her. "You're not entirely wrong. If this were the medieval ages, people would be considered witches for reading this." With that, the librarian began typing away and doing other work, leaving Leah with a hundred more questions.