Vanessa has spent her life believing she was abandoned, shuffling between neglectful foster homes and haunted by strange nightmares. When her suppressed magic resurfaces, she is thrust into the mysterious world of Alfea, a school for fairies. There...
The courtyard buzzed with activity as new students arrived for the beginning of the term. Alfea seemed more alive than ever, the air tingling with anticipation and excitement. Vanessa stood at the edge of the crowd, her arms crossed as she watched the first-year students file through the gates.
She recognized the telltale signs of nervousness in some—the shifting of bags, the awkward glances—but one student stood out. A girl with fiery red hair, her posture confident yet hesitant, walked through the gates. Vanessa's heart clenched.
Bloom.
Vanessa's younger adoptive sister radiated the same fiery energy that had always made her stand out in the human world. But here, in the magical realm, that fire carried a different weight. Vanessa's chest tightened as Bloom's gaze swept over the crowd and landed on her.
"Vanessa?" Bloom's voice was hesitant but familiar, a reminder of the life they'd shared before Vanessa had discovered the truth about her heritage.
"Bloom," Vanessa replied, her voice quieter than she intended.
Bloom's face lit up with a grin as she closed the distance between them. "I can't believe you're here! When you disappeared a year ago, Mom and Dad were worried sick."
Vanessa stiffened at the mention of their adoptive parents, but she forced a small smile. "There's a lot to explain."
Bloom's smile faltered slightly, her eyes scanning Vanessa as if searching for answers. "Yeah, there is."
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The sisters made their way to a quieter spot in the courtyard, the noise of the bustling crowd fading into the background. Vanessa felt the bond thrumming faintly—Alexander and Sky were nearby, their presence a steady comfort.
"So, this is where you've been," Bloom said, her tone a mix of curiosity and accusation. "Alfea. A school for fairies."
Vanessa nodded, her fingers brushing the locket around her neck. "I didn't have much of a choice. I found out... things about myself. About who I really am."
Bloom frowned. "And you didn't think to tell me? Or Mom and Dad?"
Vanessa's chest tightened. "It wasn't that simple, Bloom. There's so much you don't understand."
"Then help me understand," Bloom said, her voice rising. "You just vanished. No calls, no letters—nothing. Do you know how that felt?"
Vanessa looked away, guilt twisting in her stomach. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I just... I couldn't stay in the human world anymore."
Bloom crossed her arms, her expression hardening. "Well, now I'm here. So maybe you can start explaining."
Before Vanessa could respond, the bond pulsed sharply, and she looked up to see Alexander and Sky approaching. Sky's grin softened the tension, while Alexander's steady gaze settled on Bloom.
