Spellbound

The Greenhouse

My legs shake and my hands tremble in my lap, as my nerves and excitement battle one another. I've done everything I've needed to do. Accomplished what needed to be accomplished, and I fought to belong, where I know I belong...

When Lilith leaves me outside of Datura's classroom, my excitement takes a backseat and my nerves take full control.

I make my way through the sea of students, immediately shouldered out of the way by a girl with a ginger bob and scar across her eye—

She smiles at me with malice in her eyes, "Where's your guard dog?"

My heart sinks into my stomach as I scan the crowd for Avery—she's nowhere. Not even in her desk at the back of the room, which is now proudly occupied by a smug Giselle. She and the others watch me through narrow eyes, as I take my place front and centre—I hear them snickering from the back row, but decide not to give them the satisfaction of turning around. If I was nervous before, it just magnified. Where the hell is Avery?

When Datura finally steps forward, the class falls silent, "Everyone up," without hesitation, the whole class obeys, "Follow me."

We follow him into the corridor, up a flight of stairs, and through a series of twists and turns until we reach a sealed oak door.

From the jacket of his jacket pocket, Datura plucks out a golden key. With a delicate click, the magnificent door of oak parts for us.

"Welcome to the Hall of Founders."

All at once the history of the room escapes. Whispers only I can hear swirl through the air, through me—some louder than others, all battling one another to be the loudest, begging to be heard. It's almost overpowering as they weave through me completely—stealing the breath from my body.

It takes a few seconds longer than I'd like, to regain my composure and stand straight. I get a few nasty looks thrown in my direction as the others jostle me out of the way—but once I feel whole again, I follow them inside.

The air is cold and sends a chill through my whole body, yet now, I remain stable.

Directly centred in the middle of the room, is a marble replica of the leafless tree outside Alexandra castle—just as poised and beautiful. The plaque beside it reads:

'Planted as a sign of peace and new beginnings'

My heart is instantly warmed by its presence, and makes me emotional in ways I can't quite comprehend. Peace and new beginnings. What a beautiful ideal, and yet something that may never be attained...

Datura directs my attention to the ginormous portraits hung proudly on the walls. The six founders of Pagus: Aura Erion-Hellenway—Aero, Seraphina Eldrid-Token—Pyro, Cordelia Collin-Brooks—Hydro, Zola Carlton-May—Terra, Imala Strombon—Warlock...and Vidette Ashthore Rowe.

I stare up at the portrait of a young woman, faith and war in her golden eyes, the weight of the world upon her shoulders—and yet, no information, just a name on her plaque. There's a strange familiarity between us—a memory I can't quite reach. I feel a strong pull towards her—I know she has a story to tell, I just don't know how to access it.

I stare at Vidette's portrait for such a long time, I barely hear the last bell of the day. Not until Datura places a hand on my shoulder, am I finally broken from my trance.

"Who was she?"

Datura follows my line of sight, "Ahh, Vidette Ashthore-Rowe. She was instrumental in the founding of Pagus," he tells me, "She had a unique gift, one that was lost centuries ago. Without her, our world wouldn't be what it is today."