Aurelia woke up very early in the morning . The environment was serene, but something felt off like something big was about to happen. Yet, this didn't affect Aurelia's excitement. All she knew was that she was about to enter one of the most famous colleges, and she didn't want anything to ruin her mood.
She had gone through a lot to earn a scholarship, and she was glad that she was finally going to her dream school. Aurelia was a very beautiful girl,and her voice when she sang had a particular melody that could draw anyone to tears. Though she was only seventeen, she was determined and ambitious. She always did anything she set her mind to.
Although she never knew her father, her mother, Marlene, took great care of her and loved her dearly. Whenever she brought up the topic of her father, Marlene would gently dismiss it, always saying, "when the right time comes, you'll know everything". That answer left Aurelia confused and curious, but she chose not to push any further.
What troubled her more, however, were the nightmares.
Strange, vivid dreams haunted her, especially on the ninth full moon. In them, she found herself surrounded by dark shadows, fanged beasts, clawed creatures, and mythical beings she once believed were only part of stories. She would always wake up drenched in sweat, heart racing, fear clawing at her throat. But she never told her mom, she didn't want her to worry.
Still, today was different. At least she thought it was but none of that mattered this morning. She was going to college.
She had been accepted into Raven wood college, a prestigious institution known far and wide. It was a school for the elite, and most students came from influential, powerful families. But thanks to her scholarship, Aurelia had earned her place. She felt honoured. She was finally stepping into the future she'd dreamed about for years.
She would be staying on campus as a boarding student, and her excitement bubbled over. She couldn't wait to meet new people, make friends and maybe just maybe, have a few adventures or even some fantasies
if you know what I mean, wink
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AURELIA'S POV
I walked into our warm , cozy living room and saw my mom in the kitchen, stirring something delicious, smelling on the stove. The rich scent made my stomach growl. I placed my luggage at a corner and ran to her.
"Good morning, mom" . I greeted grinning as I tried to peek into the pot.
"Good morning, darling. How was your night?" She asked, turning slightly to smile at me.
"It was glorious" ,I said dramatically, placing a hand on my heart like some noble lady in a movie. She chuckled.
"So, Mom, what's for breakfast?" I asked excitedly, already guessing she made my fave—spaghetti and meatballs.
"Hmm, take a guess," she said playfully.
"Mom!! You know I'm bad at guessing," I said, laughing and emphasizing the *Mom* part.
"Well, there's no need for that because you already know what I'm making," she said, amused.
"Okay, Mom, you win. You made my favorite, right?" I said, grinning.
"Not just one—I made all your favorites. From hand pies to sweet potato hash with fried eggs," my mom said, smiling as she hugged me.
"Really, Mom? I can't wait. Gosh, I'm starved!" I said dramatically, holding my stomach and bending slightly.
Mom just shook her head and laughed. We talked some more, and I felt unusually happy today. I silently prayed I could always feel like this. But, well... fate had something else in store for me.
Soon, breakfast was served, and we sat down to eat. All my favorites were laid out, and I was so happy—and so grateful to Mom—that I was almost in tears. I would really miss her. She was the only true friend I had. Other kids never wanted to mingle with me; they always said I was "weird" or "strange." And though I pretended not to care, it hurt.
But Mom never let their words define me. She always said, *“Being weird means you’re special.”*
Noticing I had gone quiet, she reached across the table and squeezed my hand.
"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked gently.
"No, no, it's nothing. It's just... I'm gonna miss you. I'm going to miss every moment we've shared. I think it’s going to be hard without you around, Mom," I said, my voice thick with emotion.
"Aww, sweetie, quit acting like a child and be more like a grown-up. Come on—you’re seventeen for God’s sake. Or do you want me to change my mind about you being a boarding student?" she said, teasingly dramatic.
Yeah, she had been totally against me being a boarding student at first. But I begged, convinced her I’d be mature and independent. She reluctantly agreed. And now, hearing her say she might change her mind? That sobered me up fast.
"Fine, Mom. You win this time. I’m very strong, and not even a single tear will fall when I leave. I won’t even miss you!" I said, pretending to throw a tantrum while shoving a spoonful of food into my mouth.
Mom burst out laughing. "Aww, so cute! Okay now, just smile for Mommy. Smile!" she said while tickling me.
She tickled me like a little child but look, she’s treating me like one. Well, that’s why I loved her anyway.
I laughed till I couldn’t breathe. My mom saw this and stopped her actions but kept laughing.
"You see, I knew you could never stay angry with me," she said, smiling.
"Well, I would actually miss you, mom," I said as I hugged her waist.
"Me too," she replied softly, patting my head gently.
We stayed in that position for a few quiet moments until she broke the silence.
"Eat your breakfast quickly, or you’ll be late," she said more seriously.
With that, I quickly ate my breakfast and got ready to leave. But while eating, I noticed something strange my mom had gone uncharacteristically silent. It made me wonder, but I didn’t want to ask.
Then suddenly, she said, "Follow me."
I was surprised by her tone. She looked so serious and somewhat nervous.
I was scared too, because I didn’t know what was in store for me.
I followed her silently to her room, where she brought out an ancient wooden box with carved inscriptions. I couldn’t understand them. They looked... mystical.
She beckoned me to sit beside her on the moderately large bed, and I did.
Then she began to speak.
"Aurelia, my dear. I have something to tell you. And I think it’s time you knew the truth," she said, looking directly into my eyes.
Her hazel-grey eyes locked with mine, filled with a seriousness I’d never seen before and just beneath it, a hint of fear and nervousness.