Chapter 4 #2
“Well, I can assure you that this is very real, and though it will be an adjustment to the life you thought you knew, you are about to step into something so much greater than anything you’ve experienced.”
My breath catches in my throat as the words wash over me, and even though I feel like I should be terrified, I’m not. It’s like I’ve been waiting my entire life for this, to discover that there’s something greater out there waiting for me.
“Why is it just coming to me now?” I ask.
“Magic is not always apparent to those who have it. Many people exist with low-level abilities without even realizing it, attributing their powers to luck or talent. From my notes here—” she shuffles through some papers on her right before plucking one out and scanning it, “—it indicates you may have an aptitude for manipulating plant life?”
“Yes.” Apparently more than I thought.
“If you’ve tended to plants before, does it seem to come as second nature, almost as if you have a secret talent that others don’t?”
I nod.
“Well, there you go!” She releases the paper and clasps her hands together with a bright smile.
“You’ve had the magic inside you all along.
The power of it, though, comes from intention and emotion.
Your… incident was a strong emotional trigger that released the latent power inside you, and your intention of fighting for your life amplified it. ”
“That makes sense,” I say.
“Believe me, we’ve had students here who have discovered their magic through much more volatile and damaging circumstances. Once you’re here, you’ll learn how to control your power. And on that note, let’s talk about the academy.”
My chest flutters with excitement.
“Arcadia Academy, as you may have guessed by now, is a college for magicians. Usually, students come for their bachelor’s degrees and spend all of their college years here, but there are some outliers like yourself.
Students choose a major, just like in a ‘normal’ college, but they also specialize in an Affinity.
Affinities are the seven magical classifications, which can be broken down further by skill.
You’ll learn more about that in time, though.
Since you’d be coming in for a graduate degree program, you would need to take a significant number of credit hours in order to catch up on the general magic education courses and be certified in your Affinity.
It would be an extremely demanding schedule. ”
“So I’d still be doing my botany degree at the master’s level, but I’d also be taking classes for magic and whatever Affinity I have?”
“Exactly, though we’ll do all we can to space these out for you and give you the support you need. We’ll also do what we can to put you in classes that count toward both your degree and your Affinity certification.”
“Okay…” The next question I ask has my heart sinking as I brace myself for disappointment. “How much does attending cost?”
“Considering the unique circumstances of your acceptance, we’re prepared to offer you a full scholarship that covers housing, tuition, and meals on the condition that you’re able to maintain your grades and work hard in developing your abilities.”
My jaw drops. This can’t be happening. Aside from my responsibilities with my family, the only thing that’s been keeping me from attending a grad program has been the extremely high costs.
Even with financial aid, I would need to take out loans.
But now I’m being told that not only do I have the chance to attend a magical academy, but the costs are completely covered?
“But why me?”
“Because you have the potential to do extraordinary things if properly trained. Most of our students come from wealthy families, and our school receives significant funding from the greater magical community. So, we do what we can to help out the students who need it most.”
How they know my financial situation, I’m not sure, but I’m not in a position to argue. “That’s incredible,” I breathe. Then, shaking my head, I add, “I’m sorry. I’m a little shocked right now.”
“No worries,” she says with a professional smile. “I’m in my office currently, but I’d be happy to give you a view of campus out my window. If you accept our offer of admission, you’ll also receive an admissions package in the mail with more information and photos of campus.”
“I would love to see it.”
She turns her computer toward the window to her left, moving it closer until I’m able to see past the glass.
The view that greets me is beyond anything I could have anticipated.
Paved paths wind through a manicured lawn of dark green grass, snaking to the massive stone buildings scattered in the distance.
One stands out among the rest—a massive stone castle built from dark, almost-black stone, with arched stained glass windows at regular intervals along the facade and spires pointing toward the bleak, gray sky.
Other stone buildings in various sizes and shades of gray and black are scattered about the island, and I can just make out the coastline off to one side.
It’s magnificent, like something out of a dark fairy tale.
“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, awestruck by the vast beauty of what I’m seeing. It feels like too little time before Clara turns the camera back toward herself.
“It is,” she agrees. Then, becoming more serious, she adds, “There’s one more thing you should know.”
“What’s that?”
“Arcadia Academy maintains strict secrecy about its existence and purpose. Magic is dangerous, and the world at large isn’t ready for the knowledge that it exists. Those of us entrusted with this power have a responsibility to protect that secret.”
“So, what would I tell my family?”
“They would need to believe that you are attending a normal graduate program, albeit one that’s rigorous and hands-on. The informational materials we send you will be enchanted to look different to those who do not know of the existence of magic.”
Guilt wells up inside me again, and it’ll only compound if I have to lie to my family about doing something that will already hurt them.
“When would the semester start?”
“Three weeks from today. We would arrange your transportation to the island and provide housing in our graduate residence halls.”
It’s barely enough time to prepare, but maybe that’s better. It’ll give me less time to talk myself out of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even now, I’m paralyzed by the enormity of the decision but already know what my answer will be—what it has to be.
If I don’t do this, I’ll never be able to forgive myself or stop wondering what if?
I have to go. There’s no other option.
“Then I’d like to confirm my enrollment,” I state. My heart pounds, but the spark of exhilaration inside of me provides a sense of certainty that this is the right path for me.
Clara beams. “Wonderful! I’ll arrange for your admission materials to be sent immediately, and I’ll email you with some forms to fill out regarding personal and academic information.”
My voice shakes as I smile. “Thank you so much. I’m nervous, but really excited for this opportunity.”
“I think you’ll quickly find that this is where you’re meant to be. Congratulations,” she says, “and welcome to Arcadia Academy.”