(The golden morning light streamed through the tall windows of Orvellan, gently waking the students. Suddenly, soft chimes echoed around the dorms, and tiny fairies fluttered in carrying scrolls sealed with a shimmering Orvellan crest.)
(One fairy landed on Calla and Talia's bed, tapping Calla on the forehead.)
Fairy:
"Wake up! Important message from the professors."
(Talia sat up groggily as the fairy handed them the scroll.)
Talia (reading):
"All first-year students must gather in the grand corridor within half an hour. A guide will escort you."
(At the same time, Lyra and Selby received the same message, Even the boys received, although Damon just scoffed and went back to sleep — temporarily.)
(Soon, the fairies returned, fluttering around the dorms.)
Fairy (to everyone):
"Time's up! Follow us."
(As all the students gathered, the air in the corridor buzzed with curiosity. Then, a tall woman stepped forward, dressed in deep violet robes, her silver-streaked hair tied neatly, her eyes sharp yet composed.)
Mrs. Nightvale:
"Good morning, students. I am Professor Elowen Nightvale — your guide in the art of magical strategy and mental prowess."
(She glanced around with a subtle smirk.)
Mrs. Nightvale:
"Here at Orvellan, magic isn't just spells and potions — it's about the mind, about partnership, and how well you adapt with others, even those you don't align with. Today is not just any day — it's your actual first test at Orvellan."
(She gestured to the grand stone arch behind her, runes softly glowing across its surface.)
Mrs. Nightvale:
"This is the Fable Gate, a portal forged from ancient magic. When you step through, the gate will choose a partner for you — someone from an opposite house."
(She walked slowly, her presence commanding.)
Mrs. Nightvale:
"You'll be transported into a special chamber. Your task is simple — escape. But remember, only by working with your partner can you succeed."
(Students looked at each other, a mix of excitement and apprehension.)
Mrs. Nightvale (smiling slyly):
"Now… who's ready to take the first step?"
(Doman stepped forward, an arrogant attitude evident on his face as he walked confidently toward the gate.)
Professor Nightvale:
"Good, Mr. Draycott. Step inside."
(Doman entered the gate, turned once to glance back, and suddenly a light flashed — and he vanished. When he opened his eyes, he was inside a dimly lit room. In front of him stood a door, firmly locked.)
(After him, several students stepped forward one by one. Then, Talia walked ahead, standing inside the gate, and in an instant, she was transported into a room of her own.)
(Next was Calla. She too stepped inside and soon found herself in another empty chamber.)
(Then Aren stepped forward. As he was transported, he arrived in the room where Talia was already standing, examining the door.)
(Without hearing him appear, Talia got startled and, in reflex, shut her eyes and shoved Aren backward.
Aren (shouting):
"Ow! What the—!"
(Talia opened her eyes, realizing who it was.)
Talia:
"You?!"
Aren:
"Yes! Why did you push me?!"
Talia:
"Ah… nothing."
(Then Aren noticed her staring at the door. There was something written on it:
"To get out from here, Talk.")
Talia (reading):
"What? What are we supposed to talk about?"
Aren:
"Even I don't know…"
(Meanwhile, other students kept entering the gate, appearing in different rooms. Eventually, Owen stepped forward — and he was transported directly into the same room as Doman.)
(Doman was sitting on the ground, his hand on his head. When he looked up and saw Owen, he instinctively flinched, his expression pure irritation and dread.)
(Owen simply smirked at Doman's reaction.
Seeing that smirk, Doman scowled and stood up sharply.)
Damon:
"Why did you come here?!"
Owen (calmly):
"I guess you didn't hear what the professor said. Anyway… would you like to move aside? There's something written on the door behind you."
(Damon turned to look. On the door, glowing faintly, was written:
"Sometimes, you need to tell what you are hiding inside.")
Damon (confused):
"What? What does that even mean?"
Meanwhile, in the corridor—
Lyra (to Selby):
"I guess it's our turn now, Selby."
Selby:
"Yeah, let's go."
(Selby stepped forward first. )
(Selby appeared in the room where Calla was already standing. They both froze, staring at each other in silence. Then their eyes shifted to the door, where glowing words appeared:
"Sometimes we need to forgive.")
(They both read it quietly, neither saying a word yet.)
(Meanwhile, Lyra found herself alone in a room. She stood with crossed arms, slightly irritated.)
(Moments later, a girl appeared , her eyes scanning the room nervously.)
Back to Talia and Aren.
Aren (cheerfully):
"Hey, how are you?"
Talia (confused):
"What? Why are you asking me that?"
Aren:
"They told us to talk, so I just asked!"
Talia (rolling her eyes):
"You dumb, I don't think they meant casual conversations."
Aren:
"Then tell me, what should we talk about?"
Talia:
"I don't know either."
Aren:
"Ugh… okay then. Since you're a Veilborn, tell me — which of your parents was the wizard?"
Talia:
"My dad."
Aren:
"Oh… so, does he work in Orvellan or something?"
Talia (softly):
"My dad passed away."
Aren (genuinely sorry):
"Oh… I'm sorry."
Talia:
"It's okay. What about your parents? How did they react when they found out you're a chosen wizard?"
Aren (shrugs):
"I'm an orphan. My parents died in an accident when I was three. I grew up in an orphanage… but when I turned fifteen, I left. Wandered around, tried to survive. Then I met this old man — Mr. Frostglen. He said if I helped him with his work, he'd give me food and shelter. So, I stayed with him — he was as lonely as me."
Talia (listening quietly):
"Oh…"
Aren:
"When I got the letter from Orvellan, I showed it to him. At first, he thought it was a prank. But then Professor Scandel came to meet me and explained everything. Mr. Frostglen agreed to let me go… though I had too many questions. I annoyed the professor so much that he gave me a book about Orvellan!"
(laughs)
Talia (laughing too):
"Haha! That's so you — annoying!"
Aren (pretending to be offended):
"Hey!"
Talia (smiling):
"You know… I didn't even know my father was a wizard. Neither did my mom. They hid it from everyone — even me."
Aren:
"Why?"
Talia (shrugs, smiling faintly):
"I don't know."
Meanwhile, in Owen and Damon's room…
Damon (gruffly):
"Tell me — are you hiding something inside you?"
Owen (calmly):
"No. I have nothing to hide."
Damon (grabbing his collar):
"Huh? Tell me, or else—"
(Owen pushed him back, drew his wand, and pointed it coolly.)
Owen:
"Hey, back off. I know it's you who's hiding something. You were sitting there looking anxious. So just admit it — what are you hiding inside your heart?"
Damon (defensive):
"I'm not hiding anything."
Owen (mockingly):
"Should I turn you into a rabbit or a mouse? Which would you prefer?"
Damon (gritting his teeth):
"You're going to use magic on me?"
Owen:
"I can."
(He waved his wand like he was about to cast a spell — and at that moment.)
Damon:
What, you think you can scare me? Tch. Huh? I'm just saying this because I want to get out of this room.
Owen:
Seriously? Then why not just get out by using magic?
Damon:
(Smirks) I thought you were smart… but I guess not. In this room, magic works — but teleportation spells don't.
Owen:
Ohh, okay. Then tell me quickly.
Damon:
Hmm. Me and my twin, Lyra, have known about magic since we were small. Our mom and dad used to teach us little spells. And when I was 13, I learned enough magic to kill someone.
In my school, I always sat alone… and some boys used to bully me. I stayed quiet all the time. One day during break time, they came to me — no one else was there, just them and me in the class. They started bullying me, and honestly, I was okay with that. But then… they brought up my sister's name and started talking rubbish about her. That's when I just couldn't stay silent anymore.
I used magic, and I was this close to killing one of them… but I held myself back.
They all got scared and reported me. My mom and dad came to the school. The boys kept saying I did magic, that I was a wizard.
So my mom changed their memories, made them believe I just fought with them — no magic involved.
But when we got home, my parents locked me in my room. I was alone.
They hated me… even my sister, the one I stood up for, she stopped talking to me.
After two years, I finally stepped out… just to come here.
Owen:
Oh… but why? Why did they hate you?
Damon:
You know that Novaborn boy who caused all that mess? Because of him, my parents believe that if you're an Aetherborn, you should never hit first.
Till someone doesn't touch you, you shouldn't strike — because we're Aetherborn, not Novaborn.
Owen (laughs):
That's… rough.
Damon:
Yeah, I know.
In Calla and Selby's room
Selby:
Ahh okay… see, I'm sorry. I hid everything because I was scared. There was a Novaborn boy who ruined everything for the Aetherborns. So my dad told me to never be friends with a Novaborn.
When I got to know you were Novaborn… I hid it.
But then, spending time with you and Talia, I realised I was wrong. I wanted to tell you… but then I found out about Talia being a witch too.
I was going to tell you everything, but then it all got messed up.
I'm sorry, please forgive me.
Calla:
Hmm. I'm not really angry anymore. Actually, yesterday I was coming to talk to you… even to apologise. Because when I thought about you, I realised my anger wasn't right. I should've understood you.
But then… Lyra came and you went with her. I just got… jealous.
Selby (laughs):
Oww, you got jealous?
Calla:
Huhh? Hmm.
(They hug each other.)
Calla:
I'm sorry.
Selby:
I'm sorry too.
Meanwhile, Lyra and the girl:
Lyra:
From which house are you?
Seren:
Ah… I'm from Veilborn.
Lyra:
Ah, then okay. What's your name?
Seren:
Seren Holloway.And yours?
Lyra:
Lyra Draycott. Let's figure things out—look, there's something written here.
"Everyone lies to each other in their respective rooms."
Cut to Aren and Talia:
Aren (laughing):
You're too friendly. Can you tell me—why did you get angry at me yesterday?
Talia:
Oh, that! Calla and Selby are my besties. They weren't talking to each other, and yesterday Calla was finally about to talk to Selby. But then you tripped and grabbed everyone's attention, so Lyra noticed Selby and took her away. That made Calla angry again, and she walked off. So… I got mad at you.
Aren:
Ahh, that's why! But why weren't they talking?
Talia:
That's a long story.
(At that moment, the door opens and a flash of light appears. Talia and Aren smile, hold each other's hands, and step out.)
Mrs. Nightvale:
Oh! Miss Caldwell and Mr. Blackmoor, you both are the first to come out. That's impressive!
(Talia and Aren exchange a proud look.)
Cut to Owen and Damon:
Owen:
So… that's why you hate Novaborns, huh?
Damon:
Not exactly hate… but yeah, kind of.
Owen:
I think you don't need to hate Aren. From what I've seen, he's just a silly and clumsy guy.
Damon:
Let it be… I told you what I wanted to.
Owen:
Yeah.
(Suddenly, their door opens too, and they both step out.)
(Other students begin coming out as well.)
Cut to Selby and Calla:
Calla:
What do you think… who's with Talia?
Selby:
Who knows?
(Their door opens, they hug again, and step out. Talia sees them and, excited, slaps Aren's arm.)
Talia:
See! See!
Aren:
I'll see if you stop hitting me!
Talia:
Oh—sorry, sorry!
(Talia waves at Calla and Selby. Calla notices.)
Calla:
Look—there's Talia with Aren!
Selby:
Oh yeah!
(They walk towards them. Aren notices Owen and Damon stepping out.)
Aren:
Heyyy Owen!
Owen (noticing):
Huh… this silly boy.
Damon (laughing):
You're right. I really don't need to be afraid.
(They walk over.)
Aren:
Oh, who came with you, Owen? You both were together, right?
Owen:
Yes.
(Damon, while standing, shifts his gaze to Calla and keeps staring at her. Owen notices and whispers to Damon.)
Owen (whispering):
She's a Novaborn, you know.
Damon:
Hey, shut up.
Aren:
What are you both whispering about?
Damon:
None of your business.
Talia:
Hey! So now you two are talking?
Calla:
Yeah, I guess magic wants us to be together.
Selby:
Yeah!
(The three girls—Calla, Selby, and Talia—hug each other.)
Cut to Lyra and Seren:
Lyra:
What a lie…
(Then suddenly, their door opens.)
Lyra:
Huh? How did this door open? Anyway…
(They step out. Lyra notices Selby with Calla and others, but doesn't see her brother Damon with them.)
(Professor Nightvale approaches.)
Mrs. Nightvale:
Students, gather up now and head to the Grand Refectory for lunch.
(All students went to the Grand Refectory and seated themselves according to their houses.)
(Lyra sat down and noticed Seren sitting in the Novaborn section.)
Lyra (to herself):
So she lied to me. Let it be… I need to do something to break Selby and that Novaborn girl's bond.
(After everyone settled, Miss Coldhollow stood up.)
Miss Coldhollow:
"Students, as I mentioned, today you will be introduced to your house's special subject. But before that, I would like to introduce you to your new professor — Professor Richard Henderson."
(Hearing this, Calla, Talia, and Selby were shocked. They exchanged glances and then turned to look at the professor walking in.)