Chapter Text
I sat in class, utterly bored, as our teacher droned on about the history of the isles. I had no interest in learning about the past. It just seems… useless to me. I sighed, looking at the book sitting on his desk. My book… sorta. It was a text book about bard magic that I had nagged from an upper classman. I mean, it’s not like they were using it anyway.
I sighed. Can’t anything interesting happen? Please? At least let me read a book on magic. I just want to study so that when the Emperors coven comes to pick a student I’ll be ready. I hummed, just thinking about that day.
I honestly can’t wait. I mean, joining the most powerful coven in all the isles. Getting to work under the most highly praised witches. Going on epic quests for the emperor. Learning all sorts of different spells from different magic groups. It sounds so… amazing!
“(Y/N)!” I glanced up at the teacher, who was staring at me. He seemed very unamused. “Can you please tell us what species of demon was first recorded after the isles were established?”
I huffed. Here he goes again, picking on the one kid who obviously wasn’t paying attention. “I don’t know. And frankly, I don’t care.” I stared back at him evenly. I wasn’t about to back down to him. His subject is the worst.
“(Y/N), don’t make me send you to Bump’s office again. I doubt he’d appreciate it being your second visit this week.”
I groaned, pushing back in my chair and grabbing my bag. “Oh, please. Anything beats sitting in your class.” I made a small circle with my finger and teleported my book into my hands. I looked at him expectantly, “Can I go?”
He just sighed, waving a scaled claw at me, “Yes, yes. Just… get out of here.”
I smiled, walking out as the other students stared at my retreating figure. I didn’t really know any of them. It’s not that I don’t try to make friends. It’s just that I feel they’d only hinder me from my goal. I need to focus on my magic if I want to join the Emperors coven.
I quietly made my ways through the familiar halls. I’ve visited Principal Bump enough times that I could get there with my eyes closed. Not that all my visits were due to bad behavior, though.
Ages ago, when I was barely old enough for the baby class, my family was attacked by… something. My memory is fuzzy about the whole ordeal but I’m sure I was the only one to survive. I think the shock of the incident left me on auto pilot. I went straight to school and Bump took me to his office. After figuring out that I was left alone, he took me in. Bump has been my parental figure ever since. He’s actually a really nice guy once you take the time to know him.
I reached his door and knocked. “Who is it?” I heard from the other side.
“(Y/N).”
“Just a moment.”
I heard a few muffled words but one of Bump’s abominations eventually opened the door.
I walked in, ready to explain that history is a useless subject when I saw… Lilith Clawthorne? The head if the Emperors coven. Oh. My. Titan. Bump seemed to recognize my growing excitement and cleared his throat to catch my attention.
“(Y/N). What brings you here?” He gave me a pointed look.
Oh, shit. This is not the time to complain about history. I shifted on my feet. “Well, you see,” I held up my book. “I thought I should dedicate my time to studying current magic over histories.” I paused, glancing nervously at Lilith as she stared at me. “Mr. Garters disagreed.”
Bump sighed, opening his mouth to speak but was cut off by Lilith. “That book is a little advanced for you, isn’t it?”
“Oh.” I looked down, “Not really. Bard magic comes pretty naturally to me. I mean, most magics do. Maybe not potions, though.” I smiled awkwardly, patting the book. “But yeah, this stuff is easy.”
“Really?” She raised her brows, looking down at me. He gaze felt like it penetrated my soul as she examined me head to toe. I feel really small right now. “Well then.” She turned to Bump. “Make sure this one participates in the trial next week.”
“Oh, Lilith, they’re a few years too young, don’t you think?”
“But they say they’re talented. You yourself said they’re one of the best.”
He hesitated, “Well, yes. They are. I just don’t know if trying for the coven so soon is smart choice.”
I straightened. Trying for the coven? Do they mean the coven? “Of course I’ll be trying during the trial. For the Emperor’s coven, right?” I didn’t even care that I spoke out of turn.
Lilith smiled, looking at me. “Yes. I’m glad you’re showing interest.” She patted my shoulder. “I haven’t seen you do anything yet but from what Bump has told me, you have potential.” She walked to the door, nodding to the man at the desk. “I’ll see you both then.”
We were silent for a moment, processing her words. She had left so suddenly but what she had said hung heavily in the air.
“(Y/N),” Bump started eventually. “Please reconsider.”
I looked at him, mildly exasperated. I know he’s only concerned but he also knows this is something that matters to me. Deeply. “Why would I? You know this has been my dream since forever. Besides, she said I have potential.”
”What if you get hurt? You’d be younger than everyone else during the trials.”
“Trust me, dad.” He never properly adopted me. It’s not something you have to do to keep a kid here. However, he raised me and it was the only term that felt right. “I’ve seen the upper classmen. If I don’t try out they’ll make a mockery of this school.”
He grimaced. He would never say it but I knew he agreed. Even the youngest of the Blights could probably beat some of the kids in the upper classes. “Okay, fine. Let’s say you get accepted. What then? You leave school to join a coven full of adults? They’ll work you like you’re grown. Besdies, who will you talk to? It’s unhealthy for someone your age not to have friends.”
I shrugged. “I’d manage. Besides, I can always crystal ball you.” That prompted a small smile out of him.
“What about your magic?” I froze. “You know how the emperor judges those with Wild Magic. You’d have to give it up.”
“I wouldn’t mind.” I tucked the book into my bag and crossed my arms. “Maybe Emperor Belos will have a better way to get rid of it.”
Bump sighed, “What if he hurts you, (Y/N)?” I shrugged. “Oh, so you just plan on leaving your old man all alone? I took you in. I deserve to see you grow up.”
“If I prove my loyalty he won’t kill me.”
He could feel my dedication from where he sat across the room. He knew I won’t back down. We stared at each other for a long time until he cracked a smile. “Fine then. I can’t stop you. I expect you to practice for the trial then. You’d better win.”
I grinned, determination sparking through my veins. “I won’t let you down.”