Moonlight Magic

Chapter 17

I slowly forced my eyes open as they adjusted to the bright light that now flooded the room. I blinked a few times and sat up. Scanning the room, I noticed the extra closet and dressing table standing against the other walls. There was a closed door other than the one with a lock that most likely led outside.
I gradually shifted to the edge of the bed until my feet touched the floor. My ankles felt completely normal and I tested it by putting a little weight on it. No pain at all.
I lifted myself off of the bed and shuffled towards the closed door, cradling my bandaged arm. It still stung if I moved it too suddenly or if I stretched it out. I'm dreading the nasty scar it'll leave behind.
Reaching the door, I turned the knob and pushed it open. It revealed a tiny bathroom with a bathtub, sink and toilet. My reflection in the mirror above the sink had oily, disheveled hair and pale, sallow skin. Dark eye circles were threatening to surface, accompanying my hollow eyes. I looked like crap. Thankfully the cuts and bruises that I swore I had were gone.
Returning to the room, I tried the other door. It was locked from the outside. Figured. They wouldn't make the mistake of allowing a girl with an unknown psychological status to freely roam the place and potentially freak out, causing a big commotion.
I walked over to the closet and yanked it open, hoping they left some clothes for me to change into. It was bare except for a pair of cotton pants, a singlet and T-shirt neatly folded with a note on top that read, 'Found these that looked about your size. Thought you might like to get changed. Ivan.'
I grabbed the pile and headed back towards the bathroom. There was a clean towel folded by the sink so I decided I might as well have a quick shower.

*****

I sat on the bed after I had showered and dressed in the clothes left for me. It had been hard to shower without getting my hair and my arm wet. Somehow, I managed.
It was really quiet for a long while. I couldn't catch any sound from outside until sunset when someone knocked at the door.
"Come in."
The lock clicked and the door opened. It was Ivan along with another lady who stepped into the room behind him. She had silky, blonde hair that was cut to shoulder length with vivid blue eyes. The woman stood a head shorter than Ivan and was wearing a smart, white blouse paired with black, tailored trousers. Her feet were covered in ballet flats that were decorated with a single buckle. Overall, she appeared young and had a kind face.
"Good to see you awake, Rebecca." Of course she already knew my name.
"It's Becky," I corrected.
"Yes, of course. My apologises," the woman said.
"This is Ophilia Tuskane. She's the Deputy Headmistress here at the institute," Ivan explained.
"I know you've already spoken to Ivan and have been through a bit in the past few days but I want to assure you that you are safe here."
"Look, I came here was to get some answers. At the moment, a lot of things still don't make sense to me."
"I understand and I'll answer as much of your questions as I can. But any other further knowledge you seek I will be unable to provide," Miss Tuskane said.
"Then please... Miss Tuskane enlighten me, what is this place? Why be in the middle of nowhere?"
"Please, call me Ophilia and I shall explain," she said. "The Cremlim Institute is a place for special students. This is a school that teaches magic."
This did not surprise me as it would have a month ago.
"Students attend here to learn how to control their powers, learn different ways of utilising magic and most of all, this school is an environment created for supernatural beings like us to feel safe."
"So, something like Hogwarts?"
"Not quite. And as for your second question, you are aware of all the stories telling the dangers of the Black Forest. Well, it's for both ours and the humans' protection. When normal people stumble on things outside of the scientific textbook, chaos breaks out," she explained. "By surrounding the forest with myths, a sort of smoke screen is created to ward off any unnecessary conflict. And not to mention, if you weren't who you were you wouldn't have been able to find this school."
"Why's that?"
"You're not human, Becky. All magical beings have a inner compass needle that guides you towards areas hidden by magic."
"If I'm not human, what am I?"
"That is not for me to answer."
Fine. "Then what about you two? You're not human are you? Are there any humans here?"
"Yes, we're not human. More specifically, I'm a mage and Ivan's a sorcerer. And no, there aren't any humans around."
"Mages and sorcerers?"
"Magic users are divided into levels and groups. Sorcerers are in the top level of casters along with necromancers."
"Necromancers?!" Goosebumps bloomed over my skin and I shivered.
"Yes, they exist but aren't undead as most might believe," she supplied when she saw the expression my face must've shown. "Whereas mages such as myself are on the lowest tier of the caster group. However, those that are fae or otherwise are grouped differently. They can still use magic but in a much different way than casters. But don't worry, you'll learn more. Soon."
My head was spinning. Who knew it was all this complicated. What was I?
"What about the book? Where is it?" I demanded.
Ivan started to cut in, "Like I said the night before, it's-"
"I know what you said but again like what you said the night before, I have every right to not trust any of you and I don't, especially when you used magic on me against my will."
He at least had the decency to look away when he got called out. "I'm sorry. I had to keep you from getting too worked up when you barely had any strength."
Ophilia sighed. "Becky, I thank you for keeping the book safe till now and bringing it here. You are right not to trust anyone including us. The thing is, that tome is not meant to be owned by anyone."
"What are you going to do with it then?"
"That is not for me to decide."
"What about my parents, Ophilia? They were very intent on killing me. Probably still are."
"Again, not for me to tell."
"Then when am I gonna get my answers?!" Anger bubbled in my chest. What was the point? I needed answers and all I got was 'Access Denied'.
"The Headmistress is who you need to speak to. She will see you when you are well and ready to meet her. For the time being, I have to get back to work. Please, feel free to ask for me if you need anything." With that she upped and left.
Ivan was still standing there. I turned my attention to him. "What about you? Don't you need to leave as well?"
"Not yet." He ran his hand through his hair and started, "Look, about last night, I-"
"Just leave it." Laying back down, I pulled the covers over myself and faced the wall. "Sorry but I'm tired. If you wouldn't mind."
After a moment, I heard his footsteps move away and the door creaking opening. Just before the door closed, I barely caught his soft whisper.
"I'm sorry."