Beneath Dark Skies

Lights Are On

"Blood is what makes us; embrace the full spectrum of your family's legacy, for every shade of history, be it light or dark, contributes to the unique individual you are."

-The ties that bind: Understanding family legacy,year unknown

The soft light of dawn seeped through the window, painting the room in a gentle, golden glow. I lay in bed, the warmth of the blankets wrapping around me like a hug. The lamp on the bedside table cast a soft, reassuring light, its shade creating playful patterns on the walls.

I pulled myself from under the covers. The oversized T-shirt I’d borrowed from my brother pooled around my ankles, the fabric worn and familiar, carrying the faint scent of laundry detergent mixed with something distinctly masculine. It was a comforting reminder of home, or at least the way things used to be.

My eyes skimmed the dorm’s interior, the mess from last night’s unpacking still strewn across the room. I’d spent hours reliving the chaotic events of yesterday—high on caffeine and replaying my carefully crafted murder plans. Now, it all left me utterly drained. One pillow, embroidered with a vibrant phoenix, caught my attention. Its bold colors clashed against the muted tones of the room like an unexpected burst of life.

At my desk, arcane research materials were scattered, half-drowned in a sea of melted candle stubs. A small magical globe spun lazily, its surface shifting from deep indigo to soft pink, casting subtle hues that flickered across the desk like living light. A self-stirring mug sat beside it, the coffee inside swirling in a hypnotic dance, while a miniature enchanted bookshelf hummed faintly, sorting through my scattered scrolls as if it had better things to do than I did.

The clock on the wall ticked backward with a rhythmic click, its hands moving in a deliberate counterclockwise motion, as though time itself had decided to mock me this morning.

In the bathroom mirror, my reflection looked back at me with tired eyes. My auburn hair, now a dull bronze-brown, fell in uneven waves around my face. The morning light highlighted the red marks and acne on my skin. I gave a wry smile, watching the reflection of my green eyes, once bright and clear but now shadowed by sleeplessness. I splashed cool water on my face, the chill against my skin a sharp contrast to the warmth of the room.

Just as I was about to turn away, a loud knock on the door jolted me. Oh no, I’m not ready! I thought, my voice bursting out before I could stop it. "I'm coming!" I blurted, rushing to the door. My hands fumbled with the handle, swinging it open with a creak, and a rush of cool morning air flooded into the room.

"Izzy?" I exclaimed, blinking in surprise as I caught sight of her. Her presence brought with it the sweet, calming scent of lavender, blending with the crispness of the outside air.

Izzy stood in the doorway, her smile bright and welcoming. She leaned against the doorframe with effortless ease, one hand resting on her hip, as if she’d been there all along, just waiting for me to catch up. "Hey, Skye."

Her laid-back posture, combined with the way the morning sunlight highlighted her hair, made me pause for a second. "What are you doing here?" I asked, my surprise laced with a tinge of curiosity.

She grinned, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Oh, I live just across the hall," she said casually. "I saw you come in yesterday, so I figured I’d check in and see how you're settling in."

"Oh, you know," I said, gesturing dramatically to the phoenix pillow with a playful sigh, "couldn't sleep last night. This oversized bird wouldn't let me rest."

"Yeah," Izzy chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she laughed. "I hid mine under the bed straight away."

I flopped down on the bed, the mattress creaking softly beneath me, and looked at her with curiosity, propping myself up on my elbows. "So, what exactly did your trial look like?"