The office was shrouded in silence as Iris Dawn sat across from Principal Edan, a man who, despite his towering frame and stern gaze, looked distinctly uneasy. The walls of Blackthorn Institute loomed around them, adorned with ancient relics and artifacts that spoke of generations of magical prowess, the kind Iris knew she didn’t possess.
Principal Edan cleared his throat, clasping his hands as he spoke. “Miss Dawn, I’m afraid that despite your… lineage, your application is problematic. Blackthorn has a proud tradition of cultivating talent in the magical arts, and, well—” He paused, choosing his words with care. “I’m sure you understand that an institution of this nature cannot accommodate individuals without… particular abilities.”
Iris tilted her head slightly, her dark eyes glinting with something just shy of amusement. She’d been told countless times that her mother, Lana Dawn, had the same intense, penetrating gaze. It had the power to make people shift uncomfortably, to question things they’d been certain of. It was a look that revealed she wasn’t here for pleasantries.
“I understand, Principal Edan,” she said, her voice soft but edged with steel. “You don’t want a girl with ‘no abilities.’ A girl who doesn’t fit the image of power you’d like Blackthorn to uphold. But let’s not pretend that’s the whole story, shall we?”
Edan’s lips pressed into a thin line. “What are you implying, Miss Dawn?”
“Only that your precious institute has a reputation for… exceptions. Especially when those exceptions come with influence. My mother Lana Dawn, after all. Surely that name still holds a certain weight in these hallowed halls.” Her tone was laced with venomous charm, an unsettling contrast to her otherwise composed demeanor.
Principal Edan’s face hardened. “I am well aware of your mother’s legacy, Miss Dawn. Lana Dawn was a remarkable figure—exceptionally gifted, revered by many. But her talents were... unique, and it is a great tragedy she is no longer with us. However, Blackthorn cannot simply accept students based on their parents’ reputation. You do not exhibit any magical abilities. None. That’s not something we can overlook.”
Iris leaned forward, a wicked smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Principal, let’s not play games. I didn’t come here for nostalgia or pity. I came here because I belong here, and you know it. Abilities or not, Blackthorn needs a Dawn among its students. The name alone inspires fear, respect, admiration.”
The principal adjusted his collar, a flicker of irritation breaking through his practiced calm. “Miss Dawn, without powers, there’s simply no place for you here. Blackthorn is selective for a reason.”
Iris laughed softly, a sound as chilling as it was hollow. “Oh, Principal Edan. That’s a pity, because if you’re not willing to admit me, I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.”
He raised an eyebrow, almost amused. “And what exactly does that mean?”
“It means,” Iris said, her voice dropping to a whisper, “I know things, Principal. Secrets. You think I don’t know how this school functions behind closed doors? How it’s had its share of… indiscretions? You have students here who have barely scraped by admission standards, but they made it in because of the right connections.I suppose Tristan Alore and Asher Gray.One bullying another fucking” She let that sink in, watching as the color began to drain from his face. “If you want me to start digging, I can. But I’d imagine the scandal wouldn’t look good for your tenure.”
Edan’s jaw clenched, his hands gripping the edge of his desk. “Are you threatening me?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m merely pointing out that my mother’s influence didn’t vanish when she did. And if you’re so certain Blackthorn has no room for me, maybe the press would love to hear about the strange admissions policies here.” She gave him a dark, sardonic smile. “It would be quite the story.”
Edan’s eyes narrowed. “Your mother may have been powerful, Miss Dawn, but you are not her. You lack her strength, her magic.”Iris could sense principal Edan's discomfort. But that's not what she cared about cuz she enjoyed people's discomforts.
“That may be true,” she replied, unruffled. “But I don’t need magic to get what I want. All I need is information. And I have enough to make you think twice.lets take another example shall we? ”
"You wouldn't! " Edan sweted
Iris gave a wicked smirk, "that's a yes to me. I suppose you had an affair with miss Gray. She also threatened you about this as well so you forcibly admitted his son Asher Gray in this Institute... What a shame if your wife finds about this." Iris showed him a video of him and mrs Gray kissing passionately.
He looked away, contemplating, and Iris seized her advantage. “Think of it this way, Principal. If you admit me, you’re showing the world that Blackthorn values legacy, that it’s not bound by rigid expectations. If you refuse me, well… let’s just say I’ll find ways to make sure everyone hears about Blackthorn’s selective favoritism.”
Principal Edan’s face was unreadable as he considered her words. There was a long silence, broken only by the faint ticking of a clock somewhere in the room. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze hard. “You have your admission, Miss Dawn. But know this: I’ll be watching you closely. One misstep, and you’re out.”
Iris stood, her expression smug, victorious. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, Principal. Thank you for your... cooperation.”
As she turned and strode out of the office, she could feel his eyes burning into her back. But it didn’t matter. She’d won, just as she always did, with nothing more than her mind, her mother’s legacy, and the sheer force of her will. She hadn’t needed magic to outmaneuver him. And, as far as Iris was concerned, that was the truest power of all.
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Swan Year
Ficção GeralIt's about a morally grey girl named Iris Dawn who is trying to uncover the truth of her mother lana Dawn Lana Dawn used to study at Blackthorn Institute... This is why iris went to that Institute for her mother. Unfortunately she stumbles upon a bo...
