Chapter 8
The rest of the weekend unfolds in the controlled chaos of student arrivals, and I spend most of my time avoiding Max, eating three meals a day in the dining hall, and meandering around campus.
I don’t run into Alaric at all after that first night in the greenhouse, though I do catch AJ in the dining hall one afternoon.
We have lunch together, and he tells me about all of the preparation and organization they’re doing at the library, and I tell him about my less-than-ideal roommate situation.
When I mention that Max is a vampire, AJ’s face pales. “Seriously?”
I stab a piece of grilled chicken with my fork. “Yeah? Isn’t that a normal thing with people who know about magic?”
“Normal isn’t the word I’d use. We all know they exist, but they usually keep to themselves. The vampires have their own school somewhere near Japan called Avalon Academy.”
I make a mental note to research more about vampires when I have time.
Before I know it, it’s Sunday evening, and I’m moving with a throng of students toward the massive auditorium on the western side of campus. Tonight is orientation for all new students, both freshmen and transfers.
We all filter in, filling the fold-down theater-style seats, and excited chatter fills the semi-circular seating area, creating a collective low hum that echoes in the vast space.
Seven banners hang from the high ceiling above the stage, each bearing the same emblems as the stained glass windows from the castle.
As I look around, I note the variations in the student body.
A part of me had worried that I’d be surrounded by hundreds—if not thousands—of eighteen-year-olds fresh from high school.
And while that demographic seems to make up a significant portion of the attendees, I note dozens of people who are in their twenties or thirties, and one woman who looks to be in her fifties.
She could be staff, but from the apprehension and anxiety in her expression along with the backpack slung over her shoulders, I suspect she’s a student—maybe someone returning years after her undergrad career to get her master’s.
I can only speculate, but it warms my heart to see the diversity amongst the new students, not just in age but in every visible aspect.
The seats fill rapidly, and as soon as the clock strikes seven, a severe-yet-elegant-looking woman in a navy blue pantsuit walks across the stage, the rhythmic tapping of her heels echoing as the room falls quiet. Her blonde hair is streaked with gray and twisted into an elegant updo.
“Welcome, new students, to Arcadia Academy,” she begins in a tone that commands respect, and there’s a round of applause.
“I’m your Chancellor, Dr. Florence Aldrich, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here tonight.
I’m here to provide you with information that will be essential to your time here as a student. ”
An air of nervous excitement sweeps over the room.
“You are all here because you possess something rare and precious: the capacity to manipulate reality through will and knowledge.
You are here because someone recognized that capacity and deemed you worthy of attending our prestigious institution.
You are here because you have the power to be something extraordinary, to make a difference in our world.
“Arcadia Academy was founded centuries ago by practitioners who understood that magical education required structure, discipline, and above all, secrecy. The ordinary world is not ready for the knowledge of who we are or what we can do, and our existence here depends on maintaining that boundary between magical and mundane. Therefore, the first and most important rule is this: We do not reveal ourselves. We do not demonstrate our abilities to those without power. We do not jeopardize the safety of this institution or our fellow practitioners through carelessness or ego. The consequences for intentionally breaching secrecy are severe and nonnegotiable. Expulsion is the minimum penalty, with the likelihood of legal ramifications that extend beyond the Academy’s jurisdiction.
“Additionally, while the practice of magic unattended is permitted within reason, the use of magic to cause harm is expressly prohibited and will also result in expulsion and potential legal involvement. Under no circumstances is Dark Magic or Blood Magic permitted. Do not take these warnings lightly.”
The weight of the chancellor’s words is heavy upon the audience. She leaves a few seconds of silence for the severity to settle in, then continues.
“We expect complete commitment to your education here at Arcadia Academy. This is an elite, prestigious institution that is designed to challenge you and push you to your limits. As many of you are aware, the magical element of your education is organized around specialized tracks. These—” she gestures to the banners above “—are the seven Affinities.”
She begins with the one depicting a stack of books and a quill.
“Classicists study the history and original languages of magic—Latin, Ancient Greek, Sumerian, others long dead to the mundane world but living here.
They work with runes, written spells, and the deliberate construction of magical formulae through linguistic precision.
If you're drawn to the academic study of magical theory and to understanding the why behind the power, this may be your path.”
Next, the color-coded image of a human brain.
“Mentalists work with consciousness itself—thoughts, emotions, memories, dreams. They can sense what others feel, influence decision-making, construct mental shields, and otherwise interact with people’s minds.
This track requires unusual discipline and strong ethical grounding.
The mind is sacred territory, and those who trespass irresponsibly face consequences both magical and moral. ”
The following banner is the colorful spiral eye.
“Illusionists manipulate sensory perception.
They create visual, auditory, and even sensory illusions.
They're our artists, capable of making others experience things that exist nowhere except in the practitioner's intention. Defense against hostile illusions is also within their purview.”
The belladonna plant is next, and I hold my breath waiting for her to go into detail about my own Affinity.
“Naturalists work with the living world—plants, animals, and the natural elements of this earth. They can encourage growth, communicate with non-human consciousness, and understand the patterns that govern natural systems.”
“And while Naturalists work with the living world, Materialists—” she gestures to the banner with the items levitating over an upturned palm “—manipulate non-living matter. Through both mental and physical efforts, Materialists are able to manipulate physical matter at their whim. Knowledge of alchemy is tied deeply to this Affinity.”
Next is the crescent moon banner. “Generalists study broadly rather than deeply, taking from all tracks to become jacks of all trades.
They're versatile, adaptable, capable of functioning across multiple magical specialties though masters of none. Many choose this path for its flexibility, particularly those intending to work in fields requiring diverse skill sets.”
“Lastly, we have the Special Operations track.” The final banner is the dagger. “These are our students who will take on arguably the most dangerous of careers in the magical world. This track focuses on combatives, espionage, gathering intelligence, and surveillance.”
The audience is rapt with attention as she continues.
“Many of you already know your Affinities, which will make choosing your educational track easier. For those of you who are unsure, you will have the opportunity to sample each track through your foundational courses. By the end of your first year, you’ll declare an Affinity and begin to take more specialized courses. ”
I wonder what it might have been like had I discovered my magic earlier. What if I’d been like AJ, having had the shocking realization at seventeen years old instead of twenty-four? My entire life would be different, and my heart aches for what could have been.
“It’s important to remember that while your magic will be categorized, it is still unique.
Each individual’s powers are unique in some way, and techniques that work for one may not work for all.
While we know a significant amount of information about how magic functions, there are still many spiritual elements that we do not quite understand.
“All of this information is available in your student handbook, but I’d like to review a few key items. First, the ferries run on a regular schedule Friday afternoon through Sunday evening for those of you who need to leave the island for any reason.
If you miss the ferry back for any reason other than a life-threatening emergency, it will result in a penalty on your record.
It is your responsibility to keep time. There are a few small shops on the eastern edge of the island, outside the campus gates, and you are welcome to visit those at any time.
Secondly, please review the dress code in your handbook and dress accordingly.
This is not a typical college, and we hold our students to high standards in all regards.
On Saturdays and Sundays, you’re permitted to wear street clothes, but Monday through Friday, anytime you leave your dormitory, you are expected to adhere to the standards we’ve set.
This means no sweatpants, pajamas, jeans, or T-shirts.
Exceptions will only be made in specific courses; Special Operations students will wear all-black uniforms designed with their physically demanding courses in mind, and students working in lab settings are permitted to break dress code only for those courses. ”