That night, the Richardson house felt unusually quiet — the kind of silence that settles when something unseen is shifting.
Alexa lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the day again and again — the bathroom, the fire, the screams.
A soft knock sounded.
"Come in," she said.
Seylah stepped in, closing the door behind her. She sat beside Alexa.
"Hey," Seylah said gently. "You okay?"
Alexa sighed. "I don't even understand what happened."
Seylah studied her. "You didn't bring anything to school, right?"
"No," Alexa said firmly. "I swear. One second they were holding me down… the next… everything exploded."
Seylah nodded slowly. "I believe you."
Alexa looked at her, surprised. "You do?"
"Of course," Seylah said softly. "You're my sister."
They shared a quiet moment.
"Try to sleep," Seylah said, squeezing her hand.
"Yeah… I'll try."
Seylah left, closing the door softly.
—
Downstairs, Daniel and Olivia stood in the kitchen, voices low.
"It's begun," Olivia whispered.
Daniel nodded slowly. "Sixteen… right on time."
"She manifested in public," Olivia said, worried. "That's dangerous."
Daniel looked toward the stairs. "Do we tell her?"
Olivia hesitated. "We may not have a choice."
Suddenly —
Knock. Knock.
Both froze.
Daniel opened the door.
No one stood outside.
Only a single envelope rested on the doorstep — thick parchment sealed with silver wax marked by an intricate crest.
Olivia stepped closer. "Arcadia…"
Daniel picked it up carefully. "They've come."
—
The next morning.
Alexa came downstairs slowly.
Tyler looked up from his cereal. "You're trending at school."
"Tyler," Olivia said sharply.
"What? Everyone's talking about the explosion."
Alexa sighed. "Fantastic."
Daniel cleared his throat. "Alexa, sit down. We need to talk."
Her stomach tightened. "Okay…"
Olivia placed the envelope in front of her.
"What's that?" Alexa asked.
"It arrived last night," Daniel said quietly.
Alexa picked it up. The parchment felt warm in her hands.
She broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
She read aloud.
"Miss Alexa Richardson,
Following recent manifestations, you are formally invited to attend Arcadia Academy — an institution devoted to the training and protection of those born with extraordinary gifts.
Your presence is expected immediately.
Transportation will arrive at dusk.
Headmistress Seraphine Vale."
Alexa blinked. "Arcadia Academy…? Is this some kind of prank?"
Tyler leaned forward excitedly. "Is it a magic school?!"
Seylah frowned slightly. "Mum… Dad…?"
Daniel took a breath.
"It's real," he said.
Alexa laughed nervously. "Okay, seriously — what's going on?"
Olivia met her eyes. "Alexa… magic is real."
Silence fell.
Alexa stared. "No."
"The fire yesterday," Daniel said gently. "That was you."
Her voice trembled. "I could've hurt someone…"
"You need training," Olivia said softly. "Arcadia Academy will teach you control."
Alexa looked down at the letter, heart racing.
"A school… for people like me?"
Daniel nodded. "Yes."
Alexa swallowed hard.
"…Then I want to go," she said quietly.
Outside, the wind stirred — as if answering her choice.