The stench of rotten garlic clung to the air as I slowly opened my eyes. My breathing was heavy, each inhale reminding me that I was alive again. The first thing I saw was my mother's eager face hovering over me.
"Finally, you're awake," she said, a wide smile stretched across her lips.
I blinked at her, my voice cold. "How long has it been?"
"Twenty-eight years," she answered without hesitation.
"What?" I shot upright, the sound echoing through the chamber. My feet splashed into the crimson pool of blood around me as I stalked closer to her. "What do you mean twenty-eight years? The plan was clear — on the night of October 5th, at 1:05 a.m., I, Marina Willows, would be resurrected at the community park! That was the deal!" My voice cracked with rage.
My mother only shrugged, her smile unfaltering. "Time slipped away, darling. One moment it was eight years… and before I knew it, twenty-eight had passed. Don't blame me. I've missed my beautiful, stubborn little princess." She smothered me with kisses like I was some pet dog.
"Get off me, woman!" I shoved her back, uncaring if she stumbled. My mind was already racing. Think, Marina. You always have a plan B. Think.
I pressed a hand to my chin, trying to concentrate, but of course my mother couldn't leave me alone. She never could. Even before Papa died, I couldn't stand how foolish and childish she acted. To this day, I still wonder how he ever loved her.
"Why don't we go home and get you a nice bath, darling?" she cooed, massaging my shoulders. And damn it, it did feel good to stretch outside that coffin.
I brushed her hand away. "Just because I'm back doesn't mean you can touch me."
When we finally arrived home, nothing had changed. Her ridiculous cats still roamed the halls. My room looked untouched, as though I'd never left. I went straight to the bathroom and slid into the tub, letting the hot water wash over me.
"No matter how many years have passed," I whispered to myself, "I can't forget my mission. I will kill those who destroyed my life. And I'll start with the Phoenix family — Hendrix Phoenix, my father's so-called best friend. It would be a shame if he's already dead."
"You're still talking to yourself, honey." My mother appeared in the doorway with a glass of wine, smirking.
"And you still don't know how to knock," I muttered. "What do you want now, Mother?"
"You haven't changed," she whispered, though I heard every word. Then, for once, her expression grew serious. "You'll be starting school at Phoenix Academy — just like you always dreamed. I spoke with Hendrix. He agreed to enroll you, under the story that you'd been studying abroad in Green Town and only just returned home. No one must know the truth."
"Got it," I replied coolly.
"Lucky for you, this world runs on magic, or you'd look as old as me." She laughed.
"You mean ancient," I shot back.
Her eyes narrowed, but she pressed on. "Listen, Marina. At Phoenix Academy, your purpose is clear: find the truth behind your father's death. Never reveal your true age, or why you're there. Understand?"
I met her gaze and nodded once.
She softened again, planting a kiss on my cheek. "And maybe, just maybe, make a few friends this time." With a laugh, she danced out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
That night, sleep refused to come. Time crawled too slowly. By dawn, I was standing at the gates of Phoenix Academy with my mother, my luggage heavy at my side. My patience was thinner than glass. All I wanted was to begin my mission.
"How long do we have to wait? Where is he?" I snapped at the woman by the window, who ignored me entirely.
The door creaked open, silencing the room. An old man entered, his smile soft but sharp.
"Hendrix," my mother gasped, rushing forward to embrace him. "It's so good to see you again!"
"It's been many years, Zara Willows," Hendrix said, his voice warm. "But you're still as beautiful as the day we met."
I gagged inwardly as she blushed.
"And this must be Marina." His gaze fell on me, steady and calculating. I stared back, unflinching.
"Don't you remember her?" Mother teased. "My daughter — your best friend's child. Surely you haven't forgotten?"
"The last time I saw her was on her tenth birthday," Hendrix said, eyes softening. "You look just like your father."
I rolled my eyes, earning a sharp slap from my mother.
"Don't mind her," she laughed. "She has… memory problems."
"I see." Hendrix settled into his chair, facing us both. "I hear you've returned from abroad and wish to study magic here."
"Yes," I said simply.
"Good. From today forward, you are officially a student of Phoenix Academy. Despite being a dark witch, you'll find a place here." He gestured toward the stern woman by the window. "Mrs. Sonic will guide you through everything you need to know. Ask her if you have questions."
"Come along, Marina," Mrs. Sonic said, her voice clipped.
"Thank you, Hendrix," my mother beamed. "I promise Marina will behave."
He chuckled. "We'll see."
As we left, I whispered to myself, "This is going to be interesting." My lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile.