Threads of Shadow ☽

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ two ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

Dolls like me were the rarest of finds, especially the ones with a touch of magic. Today was a special day, I shook out the nerves and straightened my skirt. Today I'm wearing pink.

Brown-skinned girls ruled the world. Period. I stood as an exception—an elusive treasure coveted by those who knew the secrets woven into my seams. The sun's embrace grew stronger, casting a golden glow across the surface of my skin, its warmth reminiscent of the rich, sun-drenched sands of a Dubai desert. 

With every step I took around my room, there was an air of elegance that accompanied me, a regal poise that seemed to be an innate part of my very being. My eyes held a depth of knowledge, and my smile, a hint of mystery that beckoned those around me to explore the enigma that was Ellerie.

As the weight of the day settled on my shoulders, I released a steadying breath, my fingers dancing over the fabric of my skirt to chase away any lingering wrinkles. An undercurrent of anticipation swirled within me, mirroring the gentle rustle of my skirt caught in a playful breeze. And in the midst of a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues, I made a deliberate choice. 

Today, I adorned myself in pink—a color representing audacity and determination, a declaration of my presence in a world that often overlooked the extraordinary. My skirt wasn't just any skirt; it was the uniform of Hexla High—a prestigious school of mystic arts that welcomed all mystics invited to attend this year.

The initial color it came in was a rather bland shade, hardly befitting someone like me. With a flick of my fingers, a quick gesture that felt as natural as breathing, I commanded a color shift. Pink blossomed across the fabric, a vibrant transformation that matched the peppy, pretty, and almost perfect essence of who I am.

Mina's laughter bubbled through the room, a vibrant melody that matched the excitement hanging in the air. Fingers danced playfully with the chopsticks as she indulged in her famous gimbap, each bite a testament to her culinary prowess. "Can you believe it?" she exclaimed, her words an exuberant burst. "Juniors already! Who'd have thought?"

Nervous anticipation threaded through my voice as I replied, a mixture of hope and years of hard work condensed into a few words. "Yeah, let's just hope the placement matches the effort," I mused, fingers tracing patterns on my skirt "I studied my ass off." 

Pausing mid-bite, Mina cast a teasing glance my way, mischief glinting in her eyes. "You're practically a magical prodigy," she quipped, her fingers tapping away at her phone screen with a knowing grin. "But you know how it goes on the Mystic dating app, right? Everyone's catfishing a witch."

A giggle escaped my lips, a playful release of tension I couldn't contain. "Okay, okay, I get it," I admitted, a grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. "You're right. The more witches the less stitches." We laughed. 

Mina's gaze softened, an affectionate smile curving her lips. "They're going to have to let you in," she murmured, her curiosity shifting as she raised an eyebrow. "Did you reave darkness last night?" Her question held a touch of intrigue, as if she already knew the answer but wanted to hear it from me.

A confident nod was my response, confidence lacing my voice. "Yeah, I needed the extra edge," I confessed, remembering the rush of energy and the dance of shadows that had fueled me. I slung my purse over my shoulder, the weight of anticipation settling against my side. With a determined step, I headed toward the door, my stride a blend of purpose and excitement.

Mina, ever my ethereal companion, followed, her presence settling delicately on a pile of flowers that she effortlessly transformed into a cushion. Perched amidst the petals, she observed me with an understanding that was as magical as the world we were a part of.