Aria had imagined her first day at Aster Academy a thousand different ways.
In every version, she walked confidently through the grand gates, her clothes perfect, her smile bright, her destiny obvious.
Reality… was different.
She stood in front of the Academy gates, clutching the strap of her bag, staring up at the enormous entrance carved from silverstone. The school towered like a shimmering fortress—spires tipped with crystal, banners floating gently even though there was no breeze.
Students streamed in from every direction—some chatting excitedly, others floating on small enchanted platforms, and a few riding glowing beasts she didn't have names for. Their uniforms were crisp and neat.
Aria looked down at hers.
A little crooked.
A little wrinkled.
And her braid? Already trying to undo itself.
"Great start…" she muttered.
Still, she squared her shoulders. "Okay, Aria. First day. New world. Don't embarrass yourself."
She stepped forward.
And immediately tripped over absolutely nothing.
A hand caught her elbow just before she face-planted into the ground.
"Whoa, careful!" a cheerful voice laughed.
Aria looked up to see a girl around her age with short pink hair and bright green eyes. She looked like the human version of a sparkler—energetic, glowing, slightly unpredictable.
"I'm Liri," the girl said, helping Aria steady herself. "You must be new. I would've remembered a face like yours."
Aria blinked. "O-oh, I… yes. I'm new. I'm Aria."
Liri grinned. "Cute name. Come on, I'll walk with you before you accidentally injure someone. Or yourself."
Aria managed a laugh. "Thanks. That would… probably happen."
They joined the crowd, and Aria tried her best not to stare at everything, but it was impossible.
A boy snapped his fingers and conjured a floating book that followed him like a pet.
Two girls in blue uniforms were levitating a bird made of pure fire between their hands.
A tall student wearing an emblem shaped like a crescent moon walked by, and everyone else gave him space.
"Who's that?" Aria whispered.
Liri sighed dramatically. "That, my dear, is Kalen Dravenhart. Top of our year, prodigy of elemental magic, rumored heir to the Moon Circle, and the reason half the girls here can't think straight."
Aria noted the way he carried himself—calm, controlled, distant. Almost too perfect.
"He looks… serious," Aria said.
"Oh, he is," Liri replied. "But don't worry—he never notices anyone unless they explode or summon a demon by accident."
Aria's stomach flipped. No pressure.
They reached the Grand Hall, and Aria nearly forgot how to breathe.
Rows of floating chandeliers drifted under a glass ceiling enchanted to show the sky. Tables hovered inches above the floor, shifting gently to make space as students sat.
A woman stood on a raised platform at the center. Her silver robe glittered like liquid starlight.
"That's Headmistress Veyra," Liri whispered. "She's powerful. And terrifying. But mostly powerful."
The Headmistress raised a hand, and silence rippled instantly through the hall.
"Welcome, students," her voice echoed—calm, commanding, and somehow soothing. "This year, Starcrest Academy opens its doors to many new faces. Some of you are born to magic. Some discovered it by accident. And one among you…"
Her eyes swept the hall.
And stopped on Aria.
Aria's breath caught. Students turned to follow the Headmistress's gaze. Heat rushed to Aria's cheeks.
"…is carrying an unfamiliar aura," the Headmistress finished slowly.
Liri leaned over. "Uh… Aria? Did you—like—touch a forbidden artifact before school started?"
Aria whispered back, "I tripped in a forest. Does that count?"
Headmistress Veyra continued. "We expect discipline, curiosity, and growth from each of you. This academy will shape your future—and for some, your destiny."
She lowered her hand, and the hall resumed its lively hum.
"Aria," Liri said quietly, "did something happen to you before you got here?"
Aria's fingers tightened around her bag. "I… woke up in this world with memories missing."
Liri stared at her. "Okay, wow. That's… a lot."
Aria forced a smile. "I know."
Liri bumped her shoulder gently. "Well, don't worry. You're stuck with me now. I'll help you survive this place."
Aria felt warmth bloom in her chest. A friend. On her first day. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
Their first class was Elemental Foundations, and Aria sat nervously at a desk while Liri whispered gossip beside her.
The instructor, a tall woman with sharp features and eyes like storm clouds, strode in.
"Professor Maelis," Liri whispered. "She once froze an entire classroom because someone wouldn't stop talking."
Aria swallowed.
"All right," Professor Maelis said. "Before we begin, I want to see the level of my students."
She snapped her fingers, and a floating orb of water appeared.
"Each of you will manipulate this orb. Simple. Show me what you can do."
Students went up one by one.
Some shaped the water into ribbons.
Others made it sparkle with light.
One boy accidentally exploded it all over himself.
Then it was Aria's turn.
Her legs felt wobbly. Her palms damp. She stepped forward, every eye on her.
"Relax," Liri whispered from behind. "Just… don't drown."
Great advice.
Aria placed her hands near the water orb. It trembled—like it sensed her. She took a breath.
Please don't embarrass me.
The water glowed.
Then lifted.
Then spiraled—
Then suddenly wrapped around her wrist like a bracelet of liquid silver.
The room went silent.
Professor Maelis stepped closer, eyes sharp. "Interesting."
Aria panicked and let go. The water splashed harmlessly onto the floor.
Maelis gave her a long, unreadable look. "Aria, stay after class."
Aria froze. Liri mouthed: You're either in trouble or you're special.
Aria didn't know which was worse.
When class ended, Aria approached the professor. Her hands shook.
Maelis folded her arms. "Your magic responds to instinct rather than intention."
"I… don't know how to control it yet."
Maelis nodded slowly. "Because it is old magic. Not common. Not simple." She paused. "Has anyone tested your affinity?"
"My… what?"
Maelis sighed. "As I expected. Report to the Divination Wing this afternoon. You will undergo an affinity reading."
Aria blinked. "Is… that dangerous?"
"No," Maelis said. "But the results might surprise you."
Great. More mysteries.
More pressure.
But also… a strange flutter of excitement.
She bowed. "Thank you, Professor."
As she turned to leave, Maelis added:
"And Aria? Don't fear your magic. It hasn't chosen you by mistake."
Aria's heart thumped hard.
Magic choosing her?
In this new world, on her first day, Aria realized something important:
She wasn't just a student.
She was someone the Academy—and maybe destiny—was already watching.