Bethany's POV
I quietly watched the three foxes playing around in the garden. I was up in a tree—like always, hiding, watching from afar. They didn't know I was here. They were laughing, hugging, smiling like the world was perfect for them.
It must be nice to have siblings or friends.
Something I'll never experience.
I have no siblings. No friends either. I lost my parents when I was young. I've grown used to being alone.
Maybe that's why… even if it hurts, I've already accepted it.
"Tyra?"
I blinked in surprise when I heard my name. Startled, I lost my balance and fell from the branch I was sitting on.
"Oww!" I shut my eyes in pain as I landed on the grass. My back… ouch. If only I had used my wings, I wouldn't have fallen.
But wait… how did that princess see me? Wasn't I far away? Even the people with her didn't notice me.
I heard footsteps approaching. I opened my eyes. "Sorry, did I scare you? Are you okay?" she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
I wanted to say, "Do I look okay to you?" but nothing came out. I just stared at her blankly.
"Your eyes…" she whispered, her face stunned.
No.
Did she see them?
I quickly stood up despite the pain. I covered my right eye with my hair. "D-don't look!" I glared at her.
I already knew what would happen next. She'd avoid me too. She'd call me a monster. Just like everyone else.
Flashback
"Can I join your game?" I asked, forcing a smile. But they all ran away.
"There's the cursed fairy!"
"Let's go!"
"Don't play with her. She's scary…"
End of Flashback
It hurt. Even back then, I had accepted it.
To everyone else, I was a monster.
Back to the present, she was still looking at me, clearly puzzled. "Huh? Why?" she asked. She even moved closer.
I backed away. "Your eyes…" she repeated.
I shook my head. I didn't want to hear it. I was sick of it.
"D-don't say it!" I closed my eyes tightly.
"I'm not a monster! I'm not!"
I wanted to run, but my body wouldn't move.
Then I felt her hold my hand.
No!
My eyes flew open. I'm not wearing gloves!
I stared at her. She touched me… and she's still alive?
Why wasn't she affected by my power?
"Guess you've calmed down," she said with a smile. She let go of my hand and sat on the grass.
"Why do you keep saying you're a monster? Of course you're not."
I didn't say anything, but I sat down too—still a bit far from her.
"Why do you hide your eyes?" she asked, glancing at me from the side. "They're unique… and beautiful, you know?"
What?
My eyes widened. It was the first time someone ever said that to me.
"Do you really mean that?" I asked shyly. "Everyone says they're scary."
"That's ridiculous. Your eyes are beautiful. They're different, yes, but not scary. And you are definitely not a monster."
I smiled secretly. It was like a new door opened inside me. This is the first time I've ever felt this.
I'll truly treasure this moment.
Aviel's POV
"Where's Lia?" I asked Gale when I noticed she wasn't beside us anymore.
"No idea," he answered casually.
I smacked him on the head. "Go look for her!"
"What the heck!" he protested, scratching his head. "Want me to smack you too?"
"Try me." I raised an eyebrow.
He stepped closer, grinning. "Fine. I'll really try—"
"That's enough," Lia interrupted.
I rushed to her. "Where were you?"
"Yeah, why'd you disappear?" Gale added, glaring at me. "Aviel was picking on me because of you."
"I just checked on something," she said softly.
I narrowed my eyes. "What exactly?"
"Nothing." She laughed. "Come on, we'll be late."
She started walking ahead. As I followed her, I shot Gale a nasty look. He caught up with a sigh.
I smacked him again.
"Ow! What the heck!" he yelled while chasing after me.
Suddenly, he grabbed my arm. "What if we made a deal?" he said with a mischievous grin.
"What kind of deal?" I asked, raising a brow.
"Every time you hit me, I get a kiss."
I turned red. "What?!"
"Isn't that fair? You get to hurt me. I get a kiss. Compensation… or a cure for your 'violence.'"
He was still grinning. What a shameless idiot!
Eviliana's POV
As Tyra requested, I didn't tell Avy or my brother what happened. She didn't come to class either. She said she was resting because her back hurt from the fall—I felt guilty, but she said it wasn't my fault.
It's lunch break already and my brother wasn't here—he said he had to go to the Headmaster's office.
Avy and I were quietly eating when someone suddenly sat beside her.
"Hi, mind if I sit here?"
We exchanged glances.
Uhm… you're already sitting, aren't you?
"What if I said no, would you leave?" Avy asked sarcastically.
"Avy!" I said sharply. Then I smiled at the guest. "It's okay, Miss, you can sit."
"Thanks," she replied.
"Tch," Avy scoffed.
"I'm Isla. Isla Seo. From Class C," she introduced herself.
"Eviliana. Nice to meet you, Isla."
"Likewise." She smiled. "You?" she asked Avy.
"Aviel."
"Nice to meet you, Aviel."
Avy just nodded and went quiet again.
We ate silently, the cafeteria noise filling the space.
"You're the ones who topped the entrance exam, right?" Isla asked.
I nodded. "You guys are amazing. I almost didn't pass."
I was surprised. "Why?"
"I don't have wings, and I'm slow too. I was the 24th placer."
Avy raised a brow. "How'd you pass, then?"
"I copied you."
"…What?"
"I mean… I copied your abilities. I'm a mimicker and a shapeshifter."
"Really? Did you become as fast as me?" Avy asked smugly, raising a brow.
"No…" she admitted.
"Exactly. That's because it's not an ability—it's a talent. T-A-L-E-N-T."
Isla scratched her head. "Okay, fine."
"So… who did you copy?" I asked.
"The second placer."
So, it's Tyra. She really does have speed. That explains it.
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