“Come-in!” my mother’s voice was muffled as I stood outside of her office, my shaking hand resting on the doorknob. I took a deep breath, my mind still reeling.

I had just been attacked in the school library by a shadow monster that, until now, I’d thought was only a legend. Now that I knew Umbrath’s were real, their existence—especially at a school full of witches—could only mean one thing. That someone was experimenting with dark magic; a practice that had been forbidden for as long as anyone could remember.

Thankfully I’d made it out relatively unharmed, but I had failed at catching or defeating it. Now it was lose to prey on the other young witches of the school, and it was all my fault. Not only was I embarrassed at my failure, but now I had to face my mother, the High Witch of Litreateine, in shame.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! I hissed at myself over and over. How could I let this happen? I was supposed to be leagues ahead of my peers, and yet, I’d failed such a simple challenge. Maybe I didn’t deserve to be the Heir Apparent after all.

“Is someone there?” my mother’s voice came again through the door, more irritated now. A pit in my stomach had formed, but I ignored it as I twisted the knob and poked my head in.

“It’s just me, mom” I said softly, afraid to meet her gaze. How could I admit this failure to her? She’d been such an extraordinary student when she attended the school many years ago, and she expected me to live up to the same standards. Unlike my mother, who had accomplished defeating an entire coven of witches using dark magic, I couldn’t even stop a single demon that had been summoned with it. What would she think of me?

Corrine Gaelaseia sat at her desk with a look of annoyance plastered on the smooth skin of her face. When she saw me, her expression lightened slightly, though the hard look didn’t quite disappear entirely. Her green eyes and light brown skin glowed in the candlelight on her desk, illuminating her as if she were an angel of vengeance.

“Evielynae, I don’t know how many times I’ve told you not to keep me waiting. It’s rude”. My mother greeted me.

I flinched, hesitating at the door. I didn’t say anything for a moment, the words I wanted to say tumbling over and over in my mind. I didn’t know where to start, but I knew I couldn’t keep her waiting much longer.

“Sorry, mom. I didn’t mean to. It’s just, something—” I started, but was cut off before I could finish.

“If you say, ‘something came up’, Evie, I swear to Cyathea you will regret it” her voice was harsh. She stood and gestured to me to take a seat in front of her desk. It was unlike her to swear to our Great Goddess Cyathea, and the fact she had meant she was already in a bad mood. Great, I’ll just make it worse!

My mother had always been rather strict with me, as any ambitious mother who wanted their child to exceed their expectations would be. As her only child it was made worse, as I was expected to succeed her on the throne. There wasn’t room for failure in her eyes, and that reflected heavily on our relationship.

“I wasn’t going to say that” I muttered, slumping down in the cushioned chair and turning my gaze out the window.

She watched me with inquisitive eyes, though she didn’t say anything. Her lips puckered in that all-knowing look she always seemed to have, before she sat back down and folded her arms in front of her neatly.

“Spill. What happened?” she said, her voice much softer now. Despite the strained relationship, my mother wasn’t stupid. She did know how to be supportive, and she seemed to always know when there was truly something that bothered me. Regardless of her need to push me beyond her own expectations, she was a good mother; most of the time anyway.

I looked up at her, focusing on her face. It took everything in me not to let the tears start spilling down my cheeks. I had to keep it together. The situation was bad enough, she didn’t need to be dealing with her blubbering daughter on top of the disaster I’d failed to stop.

“Something bad has happened” I started slowly, my voice barely above a whisper. I knew she would be disappointed in me, and I desperately wished I could be anywhere else right now.

“And what might that be?” her voice was calm, despite the tension still between us.

“I was in the library just now, and I was attacked” I started, staring at my hands resting in my lap.

“Attacked? Evie, are you still getting picked on? You shouldn’t let that bother you—those girls are just jealous” I could tell she was losing patience with me, so I shook my head quickly.

“No, no, it’s nothing like that” I spat out, getting flustered.

“Then who attacked you?” her voice was short. Oh Gods, I hoped she would believe me.

I could barely belief what I was about to tell her myself, and I worried about her reaction. I took a deep breath, feeling the lump settle in my throat before I replied.

“A monster” I whispered, looking up at her.

She blinked coolly, studying me. She was probably assessing the situation, trying to make sense of what I was saying. I don’t know what I would believe if I was in her shoes—I hope I didn’t sound crazy! What if she thought I was making this all up?

“What kind of monster?” she finally asked, amusing me.

I thought back to the feeling of uncontrollable dread that had settled over me in the library. The feeling of being tugged by an invisible grip into the dark shadows and the monster waiting for me there. I will never forget the hairsplitting screech of the monster’s laugh echoing in my ears. A shiver ran down my spine at the memory.

“I think it was an Umbrath” I said after a tense moment.

“Hmm” she said, diverting her gaze out the window. She sat like that for several minutes before she stood abruptly and walked over to that window. In front of it was a small bronze cart, stocked with a crystal flask of a strong, deep wine, and two matching crystal drinking glasses.

She poured herself a glass and downed it, before pouring herself another and turning to face me, drink in hand. She looked at me, though it felt more like she was looking through me. Her eyebrows were scrunched up, and her eyes were darkened as she mulled over the information.

Finally, she shook her head and sat back down, turning her full attention back to me. “You’re sure?” she asked.

I had expected her not to believe me, but it still made me angry when the words left her mouth. Part of me wondered if it was because she didn’t think I was capable of facing such a thing—I knew I didn’t live up to the legendary young witch she’d been, but I was still one of, if not the best in my generation. The other part of me wondered if it was because I’d grown up reading fairytales. Did she think I was imagining things based on those twisted stories I’d spent years studying?

Whatever the reason, I wouldn’t just make this up. I knew it was her job to question things like this, but it still pained me that she had questioned me.

“Yes, I’m sure” I said through gritted teeth. She nodded her head, setting the glass down in front of her.

“Alright.” She took a pause. She seemed to be choosing her next words carefully, but she appeared to believe me now. Or at least, she was entertaining me. “What happened to it? Did it hurt you? Is it dead?” her rambling voice made my red-hot emotions begin to temper into trepidation.

Moments from the library flashed in my mind as I braced myself to tell my mother the next part. The image of the Umbrath pressed against the dark glass with the flame of my soul-fire pressed against its throat was still vivid in my mind. It disappearing right before my eyes still left me in shock.

I gulped, feeling the lump in my throat grow again. This was the part of the conversation I was afraid of; admitting my failure to my mother. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, before responding.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

“I’m okay” I responded, before looking away. The next words sat on the tip of my tongue for a moment, before I finally had the guts to spit them out. “But it got away” I said quickly, wincing as I waited for her angry retort.

“Hmm” was her only response again.

Now I was getting worried. My mother was never this calm when addressing my failures or shortcomings. I panicked, working myself up to the thought that whatever was going to happen would be worse than I’d originally thought.

“You do know what this means, don’t you?” her next words resonated. Here it was, here was the usual disappointed tone I was used to hearing when I admitted I hadn’t lived up to her hopes.

“It means that everyone in this school is now in danger because I was reckless and let it get away” I admitted, taking a shaky breath. She dismissed my words with a quick flick of her wrist, but didn’t otherwise respond. I nervously continued, “It also means someone is using dark magic, doesn’t it?” I asked feebly, though I already knew the answer.

My mother looked me in the eyes, nodding slowly. I could see the frustration in her gaze. I waited for her to scold me for letting the monster get away, but she stayed silent, staring at me for several long moments.

“I’m sorry I let it get away” I whispered weakly, letting my own disappointment at myself drip into my voice. I could feel hot tears build up in the corner of my eyes, and I did my best not to let her see them.

“I’m just glad you are okay, Evie. Umbrath’s are creatures of nightmares—I’m not sure even the most skilled teachers at this school could have taken care of it” her voice was soft, but I could still here the aggravation as she spoke.

I was so surprised at her response I whipped my head back to face her. It was unlike her to make excuses for me, so I was caught off guard by her words. My stomach did summersaults as the nerves continued to grow.

“What do we do now?” I asked, almost afraid of the answer.

She didn’t say anything for a long moment. Instead, she downed the rest of her glass of wine and looked at the empty glass. My fingers twitched in my lap as I watched, waiting for her response.

Just then, a new idea popped into my head. Perhaps I wasn’t a failure, not yet anyway. If only I could find the monster and take care of it the way I should have in the library, it would make up for my mistake in the first place. I mulled over the idea in my head, trying to figure out a way to capture the monster.

My head filled with images of defeating the gruesome creature, and being celebrated not only by mother, but by the entire school. All the negative thoughts and feelings I’d had growing up dissipated as I dreamed of the future I so desperately wanted.

Finally, she spoke, her voice pulling me out of my daydream.

“I will find the witch responsible for this and punish her accordingly. I want you to go back to your room and stay there until I can take care of the Umbrath”. Her words made my stomach drop. No! I couldn’t just sit around! This was my chance to prove myself!

“I want to help” I demanded.

“Evie, this is dangerous. You were already attacked, you’re lucky you’re not hurt!” She exclaimed.

“I can do this! I know I can. I almost had it before!” I retorted.

“I’m not willing to put you into danger like that” she said in her ‘this conversation is over’ tone of voice. I ignored it.

“I’m already in danger with it being here! Every student is! Let me prove myself” I said, standing up and waving my hands animatedly.

“This isn’t above proving yourself, Evie. You didn’t do anything wrong that you have to make up for” her voice was angry, but I could hear the underlying worry.

“Yes, I do! It’s because of me that every other student is now in danger. I should have killed it back in the library. Let me do it now!” I begged.

“No, Evie” my mother said with authority. I scoffed, turning away hotly and pacing the room.

“You can’t stop me, mother. I’m doing this. Don’t make me remind you that you did something way more dangerous when you were my age and look where it got you!” I exclaimed, gesturing to her. She scrunched her eyes as she stared at me with fire in her eyes. I could tell she wanted to yell, but she held her tongue.

Instead, she said “So that’s what this is about. You think you need to put your life in danger to prove yourself as my Heir” she said, her voice filled with chagrin. I tried to ignore the disappointment that washed over me. How did she not understand?

“It’s more than that” I said, my voice soft now.

She didn’t say anything. We just stood there staring at each other, breathing heavily. It wasn’t uncommon for us to argue like this, in fact, it happened quite frequently. She always told me it was because we were too similar; too determined to have our own way. Maybe she was right.

I finally came to terms that we weren’t going to agree on the issue. I let out breath I hadn’t realized I was holding and turned toward the door to leave. Her voice abruptly filled the silence in the room, and I stopped with my hand half-way to the doorknob.

“Fine. You can help. But you’re not going after the Umbrath. Not by yourself. I want you to find out who summoned it, and that’s it” her voice was serious, but I could still see the pride glittering in her eyes, even if she was dismayed at my determination to put myself in the line of fire.

I couldn’t help but feel excitement wash over me. I was going to have a chance to prove myself once and for all! Finally, I could prove to my mother that I could live up to her expectations; that I could be half the witch she is.

“Thank you” I said, letting a small, crooked smile grow on my face.

This was it. This was my moment to shine. If I didn’t succeed at this, then that would be it, it would all be over. I’d never be Heir apparent, I’d never be the High Witch. My entire future rested on my shoulders in this very moment. Could I do it?

***

When I reached my room that night, I was so exhausted I felt like I could barely stand up. It was very late, and despite my body’s desire for sleep, my mind was still racing. Not only were the events of the day playing on repeat in my head, but I was also growing anxious for what came next—I had so much to do, and so little time.

There was only three days left on campus before school let out for summer beak; if I was going to find the witch, or witches, responsible for this, I didn’t have long to do it. If they left campus before I figured it out, it would be exponentially more challenging to find answers when everyone was scattered across Litreateine for the next two moons.

I let my bag fall off my shoulder and onto the ground before I tugged off my shoes. Despite my nerves, I was looking forward to the challenge ahead of me. Just hours ago, I was worried that I’d never be able to prove myself to my mother, and now, I was being handed the opportunity on a silver platter.

Well, not really a silver platter—but there is definitely a silver lining, here! I thought with anticipation.

A glimmer caught the corner of my eye as the one lamp in the room glared off the glass mirror hanging on the back of my bedroom door. I looked at myself in the long mirror for a brief moment, taking in my ragged appearance.

My auburn-colored hair was askew with lose strands flying around my head like I’d been struck with electricity. My face was littered with smudges of dirt, and dark shadows were beginning to form under my eyes. At some point, I must have bitten my lip as there was a cut on my bottom lip that was crusted with blood now. I could see bruises beginning to form on my wrists and on my chin, and I wondered if they were marks from the Umbrath and its invisible grip pulling me into the shadows.

No wonder mother could tell something was wrong earlier. I looked almost worse than I felt .

As I studied myself, I noticed a tare in the sleeve of my silk school-robe, and I let my finger run over the torn edge. I’d have to get a new one before school started again.

It dawned on me then as I stared at the torn fabric that maybe my mom was right, maybe I was lucky I hadn’t been hurt today. I had come so close to being caught by the Umbrath…If I had been a lesser witch, I might not be standing here right now. That thought sent a shiver down my spine, but also steeled my resolve. I may never live up to my mother’s accomplishments, but I still needed to give myself credit for the witch I had become.

I turned away from the mirror, bringing my arms up around myself in an embrace. I hope no one else falls prey to the Umbrath before we catch it, I thought glumly. The next witch might not be as lucky as I was.

Exhausted, I dawned some pj’s, grabbed my mother’s journal, and retired to bed, ready to put the day behind me. As I curled up and tried to get comfortable, I couldn’t stop thinking about the mission ahead of me. Would I be able to stop the witch behind this, or would I end up failing like I had in the library?

Time seemed to pass slowly as I sat there. Though I had mother’s journal open, I hadn’t been able to focus long enough to actually read a single word. Instead, a mixture of emotions and thoughts played out in my head as I thought of all the possibilities in front of me.

Suddenly, an idea popped into my head. I tossed mother’s journal to the side; it landed gently on the end of my bed as I threw the covers off myself and pillaged through my room for the supplies I needed. The last item was a little trickier to find, but after searching through all the drawers of my desk in the corner, I came out successful. A blank journal-like book I’d bought for class and never used.

It wasn’t perfect, but it would do. I returned to bed, tucking my bare feet under the large blankets piled up. I set the blank journal on my lap and pulled out one of the pens from my clenched fist, letting it hover over the first page.

If I was going to do this, then I wanted a written record of the events. Something I could go back to later and learn from. What had been my mistakes, what had I done right? One day, this would either be the book of my legend; or the book of my failure. Whatever it ended up being, I thought it was important to have on paper. Maybe my own child would even read my journal one day like I did my mother’s now.

I bit my lip as I thought about what to write. It didn’t take long for the right words to come to me, and I put the pen to paper. There would be time for details later—maybe I would never even want to recount today in great detail. Right now, I needed to get my most prominent thoughts on paper. There was no going back as the pen scrawled along the smooth page.

Day 132, 6299 A.C.

Today I was attacked by a monster from my nightmares. A monster that can only be summoned with dark magic.

I survived, but I will not rest until I catch the Umbrath, and whoever is responsible for summoning it. This school will be safe place again; there is no room for dark magic here.

I may not be as good of a witch as Corrine Gaelaseia is and was, but I promise to put everything I have into protecting the young witches of my generation.

I will prove myself as her Heir, or I will die trying.

-Evie G.