Spellbound [wlw]

10

As the sun peeked over the horizon, Amari rubbed her sleepy eyes and stumbled out of bed, the soft sunlight filtering through her window. The first week at the academy had been a blur of new experiences, but today, she would start her classes.

Nerves fluttered in her stomach as she pulled on her academy uniform, her mind already racing with thoughts of the day ahead. The tension between her and Fiona was still palpable, but she couldn't deny that they had grown closer, bound by their shared experiences in this strange, new world.

Amari gathered her books and made her way to the classroom, her footsteps echoing down the hall. As she approached, she saw Lily waving at her, a bright smile on her face.

"Hey, Amari!" Lily called out.

"I saved a seat for you. You've got to tell me about the classes you've signed up for."

Amari took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "Thanks," she said, settling into the seat beside Lily. "I've got the regular subjects, but also Dream Walking, Ghost Whispering, and Supernatural/Human Ethics." Amari finished, her voice trailing off as she noticed Fiona sitting across the room, her head buried in a textbook.

"And Fiona's in this class, too."

Lily glanced over at the other girl and shrugged. "Well, maybe you'll finally learn to get along." She chuckled, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "Or maybe this class will just be a battle ground."

Amari couldn't help but smile at Lily's humor, but deep down, she knew that her relationship with Fiona was far more complicated than that.

Amari settled into the rhythm of the day, her classes passing by in a blur. As she walked through the corridors between classes, she was aware of curious glances and whispered conversations. But she kept her head high, a sense of pride welling within her.

At lunchtime, Amari found a seat at a table with Lily and her friends. The room buzzed with chatter and laughter, and Amari could feel herself beginning to relax.

The table that Amari and Lily sat at was a mix of supernatural species, each student unique in their own way. Amari smiled at a gorgon student her eyes hidden behind her sunglasses and exchanged a friendly nod with a centaur student with a mane of glossy black hair.

"So, Amari," said a mermaid student with hooded emerald eyes, "how do you like the academy so far?"

Amari sipped her juice, savoring the sweetness.

"It's been quite an experience," Amari replied, noticing the curious gazes of her companions.

"I'm still getting used to it all, but I think I'm starting to find my place."

The gorgon student gave her a wry smile. "You certainly made a splash when you arrived. Everyone's talking about the new girl with the mysterious background. No one knows who your family is or where you came from, even I'm curious."

Amari felt a flush of warmth rise to her cheeks. "I just want to fit in, like everyone else."

The mermaid giggled. "Oh, darling, you'll never fit in here. But that's what makes you oh so interesting." The mermaid finished, leaning in with a mischievous grin.

"Don't mind Marissa," Lily chimed in, "she loves a good mystery. Just ignore the gossip and do your best, Amari. That's what we're all here for, right?"

Amari nodded, grateful for Lily's support. As lunchtime came to an end, she glanced at the door, sensing something was about to happen. That's when a teacher made an announcement about the headmaster being at the auditorium for a briefing on an upcoming competition.