The wicked path: the chronicles of a witch

Chapter 9: My Sister Saved Everyone... NOT

The academy buzzed with excitement following what was hailed as Elysia's remarkable feat. The story spread like wildfire—Elysia, the unexpected hero who had bravely saved the academy from a potentially disastrous magical crisis. The faculty and students alike celebrated her with a fervor that seemed to grow with each passing hour. The accolades poured in, and the Ruby Slippers, a prestigious symbol of extraordinary achievement, were ceremoniously bestowed upon her.

The truth, however, was far less glamorous. In the chaos of a magical mishap involving the disappearance of the Crystal of Clarity, I had been the one to locate and recover the artifact. The act of heroism was mine, though it had gone unnoticed by those around me. Elysia, caught in the midst of the confusion, was mistakenly credited with the heroism, a twist of fate that had inadvertently elevated her to the status of a celebrated savior.

In private, I confronted Elysia. We stood together in the academy's dimly lit library, a room filled with ancient tomes and enchanted artifacts. The weight of the situation hung heavy between us.

"Elysia," I began, my voice laced with frustration, "I need to talk to you about what's been happening."

Elysia looked up from the Ruby Slippers she had been admiring. "What's wrong, Demi?"

"The truth is, I was the one who found and returned the Crystal of Clarity," I said, struggling to keep my voice steady. "You were given the credit, but it was my actions that saved the day. It feels like no one knows the real story."

Elysia's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and guilt reflecting in her gaze. "I had no idea," she said softly. "I didn't know it was you who did it."

"It wasn't your fault," I reassured her, though the bitterness was hard to mask. "The situation was chaotic, and things just turned out this way. But seeing you receive the Ruby Slippers while my efforts go unrecognized is difficult."

Elysia looked conflicted, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of the Ruby Slippers. "I don't know what to say," she admitted. "I'm grateful for the honor, but I don't deserve it if you were the real hero."

"It's not just about the slippers," I said, trying to remain calm. "It's about the fact that the truth hasn't been acknowledged. But it's also about you—how do you feel about all this?"

Elysia took a deep breath, her expression thoughtful. "I don't want to take away the recognition from you, but if I'm honest, I'm not sure how to address it. If I told everyone the truth now, it might cause confusion and backlash. It seems like the moment has passed."

Her hesitation was palpable, and I could sense the weight of her decision. "I understand," I said quietly. "It's a difficult position to be in. Just remember that it's not the accolades that define our worth but the integrity behind our actions."

Elysia nodded, a mixture of relief and resignation in her eyes. "I'll keep that in mind, Demi. I'm sorry things turned out this way, and I'm grateful for everything you did."

With that, we parted ways, each carrying the weight of the situation in our own way. Elysia continued to wear the Ruby Slippers with a sense of responsibility, while I accepted the reality of being the unsung hero.

In the end, the incident became a quiet chapter in our lives—a reminder of the complexities of recognition and the often unseen efforts that go into moments of triumph. Though the world saw Elysia as the savior, I found solace in knowing that the true story, while not widely known, was understood by those who mattered most.