Swan Year

Welcome to Blackthorn!!

Iris Dawn followed the faint tap of heels echoing through the empty stone corridors of Blackthorn Institute. Shadows clung to every corner, only broken by the dim, ancient lamps flickering on the walls. It was the kind of darkness Iris thrived in, one that matched her inner world of skepticism, sarcasm, and just a touch of spite.

The woman leading her-a strict, hawk-eyed professor with a clipped voice that Iris found mildly irritating-hadn't uttered more than a few brisk words since collecting her from Principal Edan's office. Perhaps she'd been warned about Iris's sharp tongue. That suited her just fine; she wasn't in the mood for small talk.

When they reached the dormitory wing, the professor finally spoke, her tone as sharp as the pointed end of a quill. "This will be your room. You are to share it with Ashley Gray, who's already settled in." She turned, her lips pursed in disapproval. "Mind yourself, Miss Dawn. Blackthorn has little patience for-"

"For troublemakers? Don't worry," Iris interrupted, her gaze hard. "I only cause trouble when people get in my way."

The professor sniffed, unimpressed, and with a slight incline of her head, she turned and strode off, her footsteps fading into the distance. Iris let out a sigh of relief, finally free of the judgmental stares. She reached for the brass door handle and entered her new room.

Inside, the contrast hit her instantly. The walls were lined with warm hues, decorated with neatly arranged photos, soft fairy lights, and an overwhelming sense of... cheerfulness. The source of the brightness sat cross-legged on the bed, a girl with light brown hair and a smile so radiant it was almost offensive.

"Oh! You must be Iris!" Ashley beamed, her voice honey-sweet. She hopped off the bed and extended a hand. "I'm Ashley Gray. I'm so excited to be rooming with you!"

Iris eyed the offered hand as if it were a dangerous spell. She shook it reluctantly, her own grip firm and cold. "Charmed, I'm sure," she replied dryly, taking in Ashley's bubbly aura with mild disdain.

Ashley didn't seem to notice Iris's sarcasm, her enthusiasm unfazed. "So, how are you finding Blackthorn so far? Isn't it amazing?"

Iris raised an eyebrow. "Amazing might not be the word I'd use. Then again, I don't come here for magical dorm decor."

Ashley blinked, looking a bit confused, then laughed nervously. "Well, I guess we're opposites then! But that's okay. They say opposites make the best friends."

"Oh, we'll see about that," Iris muttered under her breath, noting the irony. She wondered if Ashley was aware of her mother's... connections to the Principal. There was something strangely innocent about her, almost too innocent. But Iris could play nice-at least until she figured Ashley out.

After dumping her suitcase unceremoniously on her bed, Iris turned back to Ashley. "Give me the grand tour?"

Ashley's face lit up. "I'd love to! Blackthorn's got some really interesting spots. There's the library, which is supposedly haunted, the training arena for the more gifted students, and-oh! You have to meet some of the others!"

They left the room, Ashley chattering excitedly as she led Iris through the winding corridors. Her voice droned in the background, but Iris's attention was elsewhere, scanning every corner, every detail of Blackthorn. She felt eyes on her, whispered murmurs floating through the halls as they passed groups of students.

Ashley brought her to a large courtyard, where a few students loitered, each radiating their own aura of magic and mystery. One boy caught her eye immediately-he stood a bit taller than the rest, with messy light blueish-gray hair and a laid-back expression. He seemed to glow with a quiet warmth that made him look oddly out of place in the austere surroundings.

Ashley waved him over. "Tristan! Come meet Iris!"

Tristan Alore approached them, his smile gentle and inviting.As far Iris knows he is bully,"Hey, nice to meet you, Iris." His voice was rough, with a hint of toughness, and Iris couldn't help but be intrigued. He was multiple storms clinging together. She made a mental note to dig deep about this Tristan.

Before Iris could delve deeper, another student joined them, this one with a sharp, almost predatory look. He had storm-gray eyes and an air of someone who thrived in confrontation. He gave Iris a cool, almost disdainful glance.

"Who's the new girl?" he asked, barely hiding his boredom.

Ashley jumped in, ever the eager diplomat. "Asher, this is Iris Dawn. She's new here, and she's my roommate!"

Iris didn't miss the flicker of irritation in Asher's gaze as he took her in. There was something almost resentful in his eyes, though she wasn't sure if it was directed at her or if he was simply used to glaring at everyone.

"Pleasure's all mine," she said with a cold smile, meeting his stare with equal intensity.

Asher scoffed, a hint of a smirk on his lips. "Just don't get in my way, and we won't have any problems."

Iris chuckled darkly. "You'll know if I'm in your way, Asher." The words hung between them, and for a moment, neither of them looked away.

Tristan laughed, the tension dissipating. "Come on, Asher, give her a chance. Not everyone's a threat or a toy, you know."

Asher shrugged, casting Iris one last calculating look before turning away. "We'll see."

Ashley tugged at Iris's arm, eager to continue the tour. "Come on, Iris! There's so much more to see!"

They moved on, but Iris's mind was already spinning with thoughts of the students she'd just met. Tristan Alore, the mean one. Asher Gray, the son of her recent blackmail material. And Ashley Gray, Asher's sister and her bubbly roommate with a mother far more interesting than she'd realized.

Iris felt a strange thrill, a sense of excitement that had nothing to do with magic. She was here at Blackthorn, not because of her abilities, but because of her cunning. And as she surveyed her surroundings, watching the students who eyed her with curiosity, she couldn't help but smile to herself.

She may not have magic, but she had power. And if Blackthorn thought it could control her, they were sorely mistaken.