Alchanore~ School for Magically Gifted

Chapter 3.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chapter 3. - Metamorphasis ⭐️⭐️⭐️

My first day of college commenced with my gracelessly stumble out of bed toward the open, wooden-framed window.

The cool, aromatic air gently caressed my face; sending subtle shivers down my spine as it swept paradisically through my long, untied hair. I glanced out upon the once hilly landscape which had since been concealed by a heavy blanket of darkness. The sky was still bestowed with the soft light of a few shimmery stars; though, they were now becoming increasingly replaced by vibrant slithers of red and purple hues as the morning sun eroded through the darkness.

I smiled to myself as I discovered a small bundle of clothing that'd been placed on the bookshelf opposite my bed. Amalie had set aside some clean clothes for me the night prior to liberate me from the immodest white lace night gown that I'd somehow acquired. In amongst the garments were brand new socks, underwear, slightly worn black shoes and a grey woollen dress. The dress was not flattering; it was much too big and hung loosely and sack-like over my rather petite frame- I wasn't about to complain, however.

There was a faint bustling of nurses moving quietly around the corridors as I glimpsed around my olive-green room for the very last time. Accalia and Harlow had come to collect me bright and early, it was clearly evident that it had been a particularly early morning for Harlow; he stretched and yawned continuously, his hair even messier than it had been the day prior and his school uniform looked scruffy and crinkled. Accalia, however; was bright and alert- her uniform beautifully pressed and her presentation immaculate.

"Have you collected all of your things together?" Accalia inquired in an adept manner as she strode around the room.

"Ah.., I have no things." I responded, simply.

"Oh..," Accalia paused for a moment, clearly taken slightly aback. "No, I suppose you don't- Anyway, right this way."

Accalia proceeded out of the room and lead the way down the corridor. She moved with such velocity that I found myself almost having to jog to keep up with her. Harlow was much less enthusiastic; following on a few paces behind, loitering languidly.

After what had oddly felt like months I was incredibly eager to be leaving the cramped yet unusually charming room. I made a zealous attempt to wholeheartedly embrace every aspect of my new, uncharted surroundings- although, admittedly; they were rather dull.

I frowned a little, slightly disappointed.

The tone of hospital was habitual and expected. The monotonous grey walls were heavily plastered with posters consisting of medical jargon, time tables and work rosters. The staff moved through the hallways in a purposeful, proficient manner; no doubt tending to charts and assisting other patients.

As we ventured further down the hallway the narrow structure of the building expanded into a much vaster, open space. Along the walls I began to sight surreal yet realistic-looking paintings of animals with humanesque features. I squinted at them curiously in passing.

For the first time we also began to pass the rooms of other patients. Although each door appeared to be closed, the faint echoes of hushed mutterings egressed through the walls into the latitudinous, open foyer. Upon each door hung a coloured plaque inscribed with odd symbols and numbers. Perhaps some sort of code? I mused to myself.

It wasn't until several moments later that I started to realised that this was in fact the main residential area of the hospital which encompassed all of the other patients; that I, for some reason- had been segregated away from.