Blood. There is blood everywhere.

Everyone is dead, and it's all my fault. I wake up in a cold sweat every night, haunted by the same dream. Each night, it feels more real. Despite my efforts to prevent it, the nightmare creeps closer to reality.

Six days. In six days, my life will change, for better or worse, I can’t tell. But I’m terrified. I dread being separated from my twin brother, Flynn. He’ll likely be placed in the Riders’ region because of our father, a renowned rider. As for me, everyone says I’ll end up in the Sorcerer's region because of my eyes.

Unique eye colors mark potential sorcerers. My eyes are bright purple, like my mother’s, and everyone says it’s a sign. I hope they’re wrong… “Fern, get down here right now!” My mother’s voice jolts me from my thoughts. I rush downstairs to find Flynn on the floor, writhing in pain. “What happened?” I ask, my voice trembling. “Some kids at school attacked him,” Mom replies. “Who did it because I’m going to kill them!” “Fern no!” “Yes, Mom, everyone always treats us like shit all because of some stupid thing that happened a long time ago!” “I told you not to talk about it! Now, get me the med kit that is in my room, because I think they broke his ribs,” Mom says. “We need to go get a healer, then!” I say. “No, you know we can’t afford that. Now go,” Mom says. Flynn starts to cough up blood, and Mom cradles him, whispering apologies. “It’s okay, Mom. It was my fault. I shouldn’t have talked to his sister,” Flynn mutters between coughs. “Who’s sisters,” says Mom “No one Mom it’s ok I’m going to be graduating soon so I won’t see him again, and I don’t want Fern to do anything, so please just drop it,” Flynn pleads. I return with the med kit, and Mom tends to Flynn’s injuries.

“Five more days until Selection Day.” Flynn is recovering, but I'm still worried about him. We have four more days of school, and I fear he might get hurt again. I’m almost certain I’ll be placed in a sorcerer’s region. My mother was supposed to be one, but she chose to be a worker instead. The elders decide the regions based on personality, skills, and family history. They are Seers who can look into your mind to determine where you belong. If you don’t like their choice, you can opt to be a worker—the least desirable option. Workers build houses, provide food, and care for parentless children, but they don’t earn much. “I’d rather be poorer than die,” my mother always said when Flynn and I asked if she was happy with her choice.

I think they’ll place me in the Sorcerer’s region because my bright purple eyes resemble hers. But I’m not like my mother; I’m too weak to say no. I feel just as powerless as my dad. I can’t bear the thought of being beaten and harassed just for wanting to survive. In this city, your worth is measured by what you can do for the town.

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As I walk to school alone, I think about Flynn and how I’ll make them pay for trying to kill him. Everyone seems to think they can walk all over my family, for reasons that have nothing to do with us. As soon as I become a sorcerer, I’ll make them pay—at least that’s what I tell myself. But deep down, I know I’m weak. The last time they attacked him, I cried in the corner, terrified of losing the only person who truly understands me.

“Fern! Hi! I didn’t think you’d come today after what happened with Flynn, but I’m glad you’re here,” Eloise says, her voice timid.

“Well, there are only four days left of school, so my mom told me I had to come,” I replied.

“Oh, of course, that makes sense. Sorry, how’s Flynn?” she asks, avoiding eye contact as usual.

“He’s better. I need to go before I’m late,” I say.

“That’s good to hear. I’m really sorry my brother hurt him. I didn’t want that to happen. Flynn means a lot to me,” Eloise says.

“Sure. Look, I have to go,” I responded, walking away.

As I approach the school, it feels different. It seems bigger than I remember, and I could swear it wasn’t made of brick—our school is too poor for that, I think.

“Who are you, and what are you doing here?” a scary-looking guy asks, his attractiveness almost unsettling. His blue eyes are captivating in a way that makes it hard to look away, and he towers over me.

“I’m Fern Wells. I go here,” I say, glancing up to realize I’m at ‘Newton Academy for All Boys.’

“You don’t go to this school. You better leave now, or you’re going to regret it,” he warns, stepping closer.

“Right. I’m so sorry—I thought this was my school,” I stammer, backing away.

I turn to leave, hoping to avoid a confrontation, but he follows me. Panic rises as I run for my life. I should have stuck with Eloise, but I didn’t want an awkward conversation. I dash into the woods, a choice I know is risky; people often go missing here. Of course, he catches up to me, pinning me to the ground.

“Please don’t hurt me! I didn’t know this wasn’t my school,” I beg, tears streaming down my face.

“I don’t care about that. Your dad killed my father. As soon as I heard your name, I remembered you and what your father did. I’m going to make you pay,” he says, anger radiating off him.

“Please don’t! I didn’t do anything to you or your father,” I plead.

“I don’t care,” he replies, throwing his first punch.