Annika's POV
They said death is inevitable.
If so, then why haven't I had the chance to have that eternal rest yet?
Oh, the things I did just to be at peace.
I unconsciously touched the scars on my face and then down to my left and right wrists.
I smirked as a thought came to mind.
The things that I am about to do.
I should be more creative, I guess.
I am done with self-pity and cowardly acts. I want to go extreme, challenging, and adrenaline-rushing.
I quickly looked away from the window as we passed under a line of trees. Its shade made me see my reflection on the glass, which despises me the most.
I hate seeing myself in the mirror because of the reasons I want to forget.
"We're here," Aunt Lucy, my mother's sister, said quietly. Sadness is evident in her voice.
I was instantly pulled back from oblivion and looked out the car window.
The surroundings were surprisingly not what I had in mind.
Thinking that I will be studying in a school of magic where weirdos and society's outcasts were placed, I was under the impression that this place would also look like hell on Earth.
A dark place, ruins will be everywhere, haunted buildings and scary statues are on sight.
Well, that's what we were told since we were kids.
This place is, after all, for the condemned.
I could say that I'm disappointed. I look around and see nothing but greenery. The grass was well-maintained, trees dancing as the wind blew slightly, giving the place a cool breeze. Few students can be seen under the tree's shade in groups with books in hand.
How scenic.
I thought sarcastically.
Royal Academy of Arcane Arts.
I read the signage mounted at the top area of the building where the car made its stop.
"There's still time to run the hell outa here, kiddo." Uncle Mike grinned as he pulled out my two pieces of luggage from the trunk. He is my aunt Lucy's husband.
Aunt Lucy stood beside him and looked at me with sad eyes. Both adopted me when my parents passed away when I was still a baby. Since then, I considered them my real parents. We were a happy family along with their two biological sons, my cousins. Not until that tragedy happened.
I gave them a half-hearted smile. The kind of smile I had been practicing since that day.
"There's no turning back. Don't worry, I'll be fine," I reassured.
"You know I had always respected your decision and listened to your opinions. But I think this time, I want to interfere with everything that you are thinking. It is not right for you to be here. Let's go. I can just call the headmaster and cancel your enrollment. I will call out the judge and reopen the case," she said with pleading eyes.
Aunt Lucy held my hand and tugged me, but I stood still.
The case. Judge, hearing, lawyers...
I am so fucking tired of all of this. The case, the endless battle I had to face. The constant criticism, the look of disdain I get from everyone as if I were the only one at fault.
"Aunt Lucy, please stop." I said with annoyance in my tone. I did not mean to disrespect. These people were the only family I had. The few who loved me and understood me.
I know they cared for me so much. It antagonizes me knowing that they are hurting because of me.
And that is why I wanted to be gone. To end everyone's misery. Especially mine.
"Just…" I stopped and took a breath.
"If you really want to help me, then this will be the best route."
Defeated, Aunt Lucy let go of my hand and instead hugged me tight.
"I'm sorry. I should have protected you more."
I held her back, fighting the tears that were about to fall.
Crying is for the weak. I am done being weak.
"We've been through this. It's not your fault, Aunt Lucy. I will be fine, I promise."
She let go and touched my right cheek where the three-inch diagonal scar is.
"Please don't do anything stupid again." She said with her soft and loving voice I will surely miss.
"I won't." I smiled.
Because what I will be doing here will be far from stupid. It will be more than just being stupid.
And it made me excited for the coming days.
Will I finally have my peace? No one will ever stop me here.
"Good morning, Andersons. Welcome to Royal Academy of Arcane Arts." A well-dressed man walks down the five flights of stairs, smiling from ear to ear.
He is indeed good-looking in his early years. It is evident in his facial structure and body build.
We all faced him as Aunt Lucy wiped the tear from her eyes.
"Good morning, Mr. Blackwood. We are glad to finally meet you in person." Uncle Mike and this so-called Mr. Blackwood shake hands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well." He said while looking at me from head to foot.
"This is our daughter Annika Anderson." It warms my heart every time they introduced me as their own despite me calling them aunt and uncle for the last seventeen years.
"I apologize Mr. Blackwood for being too emotional right now. I just can't help it. This will be the first time Anni will be far from us for so long." Aunt Lucy didn't hold back anymore. She was practically sobbing.
"Oh dear. Let's not make this hard on Anni hon." Uncle Mike tends to her.
"I don't mind Mrs. Anderson. It is normal for parents to feel that way. That's why we have prohibitions once Miss Annika enters to doors to the academy."
"What prohibitions are we talking about Mr. Blackwood?" she asked, confused.
"We should discuss this one inside my office, I suggest." He said while motioning for us to take the stairs up to the front door of the academy.
Just as we are up the stairs and enter the front door, the bell suddenly rings, and students are now walking all over the hall.
The look of disgust is not new to me. It doesn't bother me at all.
I could sense everyone's eyes were on me as I was walking, but a tugging feeling of someone's stare caught my attention. I looked around and saw a pair of blue eyes from someone with bright red hair. He looks stupid with that ring on his lips.
I walked past him and followed the headmaster to his office.
But not long before, I heard him saying, "New target unlocked."