Adventures in an alternate dimension

Chapter 1 - The Beginning

Ashlynn's POV

I wasn't happy about going to a boarding school where I would be away from my older brothers, but I was told "it's for the best!" I didn't know what that meant, but I decided to go anyway. Why? Well, when Shane said "go," you went. I had learned over the years that he had a sixth sense for danger, especially when it came to me.

It was a rainy day when I arrived at The Magic Academy with my oldest brother, Shane. Rain or shine, The Magic Academy was a stunning structure to behold. Nestled in the heart of the forest, it seemed as if the magic itself was the mortar bonding the stones together and holding up the building.

I was nervous as I entered the gates and headed towards the main building, Shane by my side. A few other students and instructors passed by and nodded hello, but otherwise everyone seemed wrapped up in their own tasks and affairs.

The headmistress's office was exactly as you would expect - well-furnished, and looking out on the main courtyard. She welcomed us in with her warm smile, and sat down at her desk to take a quick look through my application. Shane, however, remained standing to the side.

Eventually she looked up and looked at me, and spoke. "Welcome to The Magic Academy, Ms. Draxton. Your brother here has told me very good things about you, and has spoken highly of your potential. However, I do have a few questions."

I nodded nervously as the headmistress looked at me. I noticed that Shane was looking at the floor intently, but I could tell that inside he was still very much focused on the conversation. 

The headmistress continued, "I know that you have had some struggles recently, things that we would rather not go into detail about. However, I need to make sure that you are well enough to be at the academy, and also that you're not going to cause trouble while you're here. Can you guarantee me both of these things?"

I shifted uncomfortably, my eyes downcast. "I... I promise. I won't cause any trouble, and I'm okay. Honestly, being here means I will be away from my troubles... away from anything that might remind me of them."

Shane's eyes flickered to you at that last remark, but he kept silent and watched the headmistress intently.

The headmistress sighed. "Very well, but we have zero tolerance for misbehavior here. And... I have also been made aware you have an affinity for fire, which is not something I take lightly. Do you understand?"

I nodded silently again, and Shane stepped forward. "She gets that. Look, she's had a rough few months, and she is not completely over it. But she genuinely wants to be here, to learn, to become better. To learn some fire spells and not be afraid of them. You know she's had a lot of practice with controlling this power, right?"

The headmistress nodded. "Yes, I am aware of her progress. And if she has been practicing her fire control, especially her fire suppression, then I believe she will do well here."

"Absolutely." Shane said with some confidence, clearly knowing what the headmistress was thinking.

She turned to me, and continued. "Very well then. One more quick question, and then I think we're ready to begin."

Shane leaned in a little closer, sensing that I was nervous. The headmistress's eyes flashed with a faint light as she prepared for the next question. "What are you most excited to learn?"

I turned to look at Shane before responding. "I'm very interested in learning necromancy." I felt a chill go up my spine as the words left my mouth. Shane stiffened slightly by my side, clearly surprised by my sudden, bold choice of magic. But I knew. I couldn't explain why, but something about the very nature of necromancy had always drawn me in. The idea of being able to control the dead, to harness their power, to have them do my bidding... it was too much to resist. And, I knew there was a way to do it, if I studied hard enough, and had the courage and the will to learn.