Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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​​

I needed to cool off and I dashed out of the bed with the lake as my destination.

The water is warm due to the lava that is running under the lake, but it's the most refreshing spot in this damned place that is hot and humid.

Several harpies were on the right and I took to the left, hoping that my non-glowing skin will help in not attracting attention.

Warm water touched my toes, and I went further in without stopping to remove my clothes.

I swam some distance away from the shore when I decided to stop.

Is this enough? Did the winds around me subside? I couldn't feel the breezes at this point so I looked around, trying to see something in the darkness.

I held my breath when I realized that the reflections of the stars on the surface of the water around me were rippling more than they should.

I looked to my left and I saw Duke floating nearby, offering me his hands with a deep gaze locked on me that demanded my trust.

"Hold on to me and pedal with your legs… that's how you will learn…"

Oh, God! This was the scene of him teaching me to swim! Why is a teenage version of Duke here, in my reality? I'm losing my mind.

No, this is not real. Stay in the present, Serina!

I straightened my body and closed my eyes, allowing myself to go under the surface. It's not like I need air to breathe, anyway.

The water was getting warmer and I focused mightily on suppressing the reflex to breathe because I'm in the water. It might not kill me, but lungs full of water can't be pleasant.

Duke's smiling face flashed in front of my eyes and guilt swelled inside me.

Do I have the right to think of him as a liar who didn't stick to his promise, when just a few minutes ago I promised I will go to him, even though I knew I will not?

I am a liar, just as he is, but I'm a bigger hypocrite.

I got distracted for a moment and I inhaled fresh air. What happened with the water?

My eyes snapped open and found myself hovering above the water surface with a massive whirlpool below me whose walls were rising together with me.

The calm lake was covered in tall waves that raged in circles together with my personal whirlpool.

How do I stop this thing? Do I want to stop it? I will just plop down in the water and be carried by the currents I created. That can't be good.

I swallowed hard when I realized that the grass next to the lake is filled with glowing shapes that stood stiffly and gaped my way.

To make things worse, one of the harpies watching me had a two-piece outfit and another one had a dress that reached her knees.

So much for not attracting attention.

And just like that… I blacked out.

…

"Ugh…", I groaned as I moved.

Nothing ached, but I felt stiff.

"You are awake?", I heard Treva's voice on my right.

My eyes fluttered open, and I found myself in a room that was much bigger than my previous one. There were glowworms on every wall, and other than the comfy bed I laid on, there were two chairs, a table, and a sofa. The furnishing was lavish compared to the one I had, and the entrance to the room had a thick covering for privacy.

Was that a window on the wall behind me? There was a red glow coming in and I pushed myself up and approached the window to see outside. My eyes opened wide when I saw a river of lava far below.

Compared to my previous room, this was an upgrade to a luxury suite.

"Where is this?", I asked.

"You got a new room.", Treva said with a big smile on her face.

Considering the cold treatment I received so far, this didn't feel right. "Why?"

"After your display of might, Archousa and Manteio decided to treat you as our top prodigies. I never saw anyone fly or cause such a disturbance without wings.", Treva said in a whisper. She sighed. "Ah, I wish that my room is this glamorous."

I glanced at the bed that was soft and more than twice the size of my previous one.

"You are welcome to crash with me."

Treva's luminous eyes widened. "Really?"

I stifled a laugh. "Sure."

As much as the news sounded good, something scratched at the back of my head, telling me that I shouldn't relax. "Uhm… Treva, what can you tell me about prodigies?"

Treva thought for a moment. "Other than this room, you also get better food and personal training by Archousa and Manteio. They will invest time and resources in you. Prodigies end up going to important missions and are our top warriors. You can climb in ranks and gain recognition…"

The more Treva spoke, the more my stomach dropped. If they are investing so much in me, will they let me go?

I probably wouldn't think much about it if not for Aldus's warning not to allow them to assimilate me. And the fact that they are suddenly treating me well, definitely points out that there is some hidden agenda.

I cursed myself for that outburst in the lake. If I could control myself, I would lay low, learn some basics about controlling air and leave this place. My plan was to return to Aldus as soon as possible and to figure out the fine details on my own.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. There is no point in panicking. I can't leave because I didn't learn anything, and I will worry about leaving this place after I get a grasp on air control.

…

Treva brought into the room tray with apples and peaches. They were fresh and ripe, and I drooled a little.

"Come, join me…", I called Treva who nervously glanced at the door before accepting my offer.

"Mmm…", Treva moaned in pleasure while chewing a peach, some juice dripped down her chin.

"I assume you like it."

"You have no idea. I never tasted fresh fruit before. That is reserved for the ones of high standing.", Treva said in a lowered voice and I wondered what her standing was. It didn't sound like it was high on their hierarchy of importance.

Treva scooted closer and explained how their potential is measured when they are kids, and everyone gets treatment based on the results of those tests. And it's not just the treatment, their occupations and their futures are set from that point onward.

I found that to be sad and oddly similar to my past. They got their labels at a young age, and no chance to show that they can do better. In the same way, I was labeled as unworthy and that followed me even after switching school.

Discrimination is everywhere.

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