A Raire Gift

Chapter 1

 Everything was unclear, like peering through fog. Only one thing was clear: Loreal—the village head—was dead. The fire had been directed to a weak point in our village's defenses, directed by a spell weaver —a person gifted with magical abilities. When I was younger, I was close to Loreal, more so than most.
A week passed, time seemed slowed. I stared at the wall of my room, sorrow still filling my mind. It seemed like a trial just to get out of bed. I dressed myself and made my way downstairs.

"Are you ready to leave?" my mother asked. She was, of course, talking about the claiming day —the day would tell someone if they had the ability to use Magik, and if so, how powerful it might be— which had been postponed due to the funeral. Just weeks ago, I would have done anything to see if I was capable of Magik, but after what had happened I didn't want to go anywhere. We walked down the road to the community center, my heart heavy.

We entered the large building, where I saw only four other people. A girl around my age, the test administrator, the doctor who lived on the outskirts of the forest, and the head of the blackwing, Gabriel.
"Ah, now that this year's testees have arrived, we may start. Miss Willows, have a seat," Gabriel instructed. The administrator already looked tired, even before anything had begun.

"Hold your arm out and I'll take a sample of your blood." I held my arm out reluctantly, as I had always hated medical needles. "The blood is so that we can register you if you ever make a contract. Or if we ever need to track you down for breaking the law." She said this as though we'd rob someone the second we left the building. "Doctor Shana, go ahead and put these someplace safe." The doctor took the two small vials of blood and left the room. "Now, you'll both be tested separately. Lianna Brook, follow me, and Audrey Willows, wait here for a moment." she stepped into a small curtained off room and ushered the other girl, Lianna In after her.

It was maybe half an hour before Lianna pushed the curtain aside. She looked dazed, and unsteady. She staggered to the door and left. The doctor appeared. "Audrey Willows, it's your turn."
I could never quite explain what exactly happened. All I can remember is a light and a voice telling me something, but it kept changing and its words were muddled. I can't remember what the voice said, and I can't name the moment I fully came to my senses, but my mother and Gabriel were talking. No, talking's not the right word, they were arguing. I heard only a few words, my mind still foggy, but what I did hear left me worried and confused.

"Wizard..."

"Her father..."

"You know I cannot bend the rules, friend or not." My mother looked angry at that last sentence.

"She's my daughter! I won't let you just take another member of my family, not again." Her words seemed strained.

"You know that's not true, you may have been her temporary guardian because of your brother, but she's not your daughter-" Gabriel started.

''She is!" My mother sounded like she was on the verge of tears. What is this all about? Not her daughter? That couldn't be right. It couldn't... could it?

"She belongs with us Daina, at the academy, and you know it." Gabriel seemed exasperated at this point. I, on the other hand, was confused, tired, and I wanted an explanation.

"What's going on? Wizard? Not my mother? What does all this mean..?" My voice trembled as I spoke. I had no idea what was happening, and I was scared.

"Miss Willows- no, Raire, I suppose, please leave the room. Your guardian and I need to speak." Guardian? Leave the room? What was I, a child? Surely fourteen was old enough to hear what was going on with my mother, or whoever she was. I stormed around the corner, but didn't walk any further. I listened.