The dust on the training grounds cleared to reveal a cloudless sky. Beneath the open heavens stood the victor—Caitlyn.
Her light skin was coated in a mixture of dust and dirt, her white and lime hair gracefully flowing in the wind, and her silver eyes gleamed with determination as she raised her sword to the sky and shouted:
"I won! I defeated Scarlet…"
Scarlet, lying on the warm floor of the training grounds, pretended to be unconscious. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she muttered to herself,
"I lost…"
Two hours after the match, Scarlet walked into the main office of the Seraphyne mansion and bowed her head.
Sitting behind a desk was an older man with streaks of gray and lime green hair. His warm smile illuminated the room as he said in a gentle tone,
"Tell me, Scarlet, why have you sought me out? It is unlike you to come to my office without a prior summons…"
Scarlet responded aloud,
"Duke Charles, I have a question and a favour to ask of you…"
Charles smiled even more and said,
"Speak freely now, child. After all, I am the one who raised you."
Scarlet slowly lifted her head.
"Has the lady found a maid to accompany her to Leyward Academy?"
Charles's smile grew wider.
"No… No, she has not…"
Scarlet began to smile brightly.
"I would like to accompany the lady to the academy as her maid…"
Charles replied in a hearty tone,
"You sure can, Scarlet. I suggest you start packing now."
Scarlet left the room, and from the shadows of one of the bookcases appeared a maid. Her striking topaz eyes and sleek black hair drew Charles's attention as he let out a heavy sigh and said,
"Fiona, inform Ellie that she won't be accompanying my youngest anymore…"
Fiona bowed and slowly sank into the shadows.
Charles rose from his seat and walked toward the window with a sinister smile.
"I have my work cut out for me… now how will I clean up your mess, Cleo."
Charles opened his drawer and grabbed a brush and a rag. He tied the rag over his nostrils and walked toward the bookcase, pulling out one of the books, which opened a secret staircase.
Charles slowly descended the staircase, clearing away the cobwebs and dust as he went, until he eventually reached two massive stone doors inscribed with an ancient runic language. Torches on either side held purple fire.
He breathed a heavy sigh and said aloud,
"Pluto… open the door, please…"
A loud whack echoed as the doors flew open, revealing a massive hay nest with an azure dragon laying in the center.
Charles looked to the left and right sides of the room to find the area thoroughly trashed. Dead animals and bones were scattered everywhere.
He muttered to himself,
"Looks like I got my work cut out for me—"
A loud voice cut him off.
"What is it that you need, Casper? Can't you see I'm in the middle of my decade-long nap…"
Charles looked at the dragon with a tired expression and said,
"For the last time… I'm not my grandfather Casper. I am Charles. And you've been asleep for two decades now… Your Royal Highness."
Caitlyn dragged her body up the stairs to her bedroom, only to find her crystal ball missing. She slapped her face to see if it was just an illusion—but to no avail.
She turned her room upside down searching for it. Hours passed, and when her body could take no more, she collapsed. The mark on her hand began to shine brightly.
Caitlyn opened her eyes to the strange realm once more. But this time, she was seated on a throne atop a floating rock, overlooking two halves of a round table with six people seated on each side, arguing.
Confused, she rubbed her eyes. The realm fell silent as they all turned to look at her—their fear palpable.
Unknowingly, she cracked a smile… as a new side of her began to surface.