Feeding the Fyre

Chapter 2

Enya realized the bus had gone dead silent, dramatically changing the atmosphere of the vehicle.

She cautiously glanced over Hadyn's shoulder and was paralyzed by what she saw. A dead angel, wings torn and bloodied, was draped across a big oak tree. Enya could smell the horrible stench of the angel's corpse through the window. It was as if someone had combined skunk spray, sulfur, and sewer water and sprayed the mixture all throughout the bus.

The sight of the angel was even more repulsive. Unimaginable filth covered its once-beautiful form, and it seemed that worms and vultures had recently discovered the corpse. But what really worried the occupants of the halted vehicle was that angels were notoriously hard to kill. The only known way to hurt them would be to use powerful Dark Magic.

The bus soon returned to its regular speed, but the riders stayed quiet long after the angel was far behind them.

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"Enya. Enya!" Hadyn exclaimed, shaking Enya awake.

"What?" she replied groggily.

"Look!"

Enya turned towards the window and was amazed by what she saw. Stretched out before them was a beautiful crystal castle with spiraling towers rising to meet the blue, cloudless sky. Seven small towers made out of different vibrant shades of crystal surrounded one larger one, representing the seven elements and the Council of Miraveil.

As they drew closer to the magnificent building, Enya noticed the glass bridges connecting the towers were full of students waiting to assess the new competition.

The bus slowed to a halt, and kids of all elements and ages flocked out, mouths hanging open as they took a look at the entrance to the school. An intricate gate stood before them with twisting silver letters that spelled out "The Miraveil Academy of Magic & War". Suddenly, the metal that blocked their entry dissolved into nothing, and a path was revealed.

"Man, this place sure pulls out all the stops," Talia said to herself before rushing down the path after the other new students.

Enya was swept along with the other first-years, still staring in awe at the beautiful school. She snapped out of her trance when Hadyn linked her arm through hers, winking. "Come on, we don't want to be late for orientation!" she beamed, pulling Enya forward.

As they sauntered down the long dirt path leading towards the castle, Enya noticed many types of plants she had never seen before.

"Oh!" Hadyn exclaimed, noticing Enya's interest. "You haven't traveled much, have you?"

"No," Enya replied, marveled by the amber buds of a flowering plant. "I've lived in the city my whole life and never left it until today."

"My father is really into potion-making, so I've seen plants from all over Miraveil," Hadyn informed her with a big grin.

"That's amazing. My father works in the logging industry, so... your family is much cooler."

Hadyn chuckled and punched Enya's arm. "Hey, I was born into it. Just like you."

"Yeah," Enya responded, laughing halfheartedly. Her family just seemed so boring. Eventually, they reached the entrance to the castle and were greeted by an elderly man who Enya felt honored to be around even though she had no clue who he was. His white curly hair was a stark contrast to the deep blue robes that wrapped around his skinny torso.

"Welcome, my friends, to the Miraveil School of Magic & War," the man croaked, his voice hoarse and wavering. Even so, you wanted to listen to every word. "I am your headmaster, Joseph Marks, and if you have any concerns please tell me. Now, if you would follow me inside, I have many things to show you."