Remiel's probably living a better life without me, Stela thought wistfully. Her last memory of her only friend was a blur... The only thing she could be certain of was that they had fought before she died.

I hope he doesn't feel guilty about my death, her mind wandered...

And Elina! Stela frowned. She couldn't recall much of Elina, try as she might. Clearly Remiel had been close to Elina. Was she his sister? A friend? Could the three of them have been a trio?

Stela crinkled her nose thoughtfully.

"Stela!" A loud voice interrupted her deep reverie.

She looked up from her book (Poisonous plants and where to find them - T. Belerick), to see her father looking down at her suspiciously.

Martin scooped Stela into his arms deftly and set aside her book in one swift motion.

"Not for children." Martin said sternly.

Stela stared back at Martin innocently.

"Colour.", she mumbled.

Martin looked at the deadly Tome. The hefty book was leather bound and a lovely shade of emerald with gold embossing. He sighed deeply and gave the book back to her.

"This colour is called emerald." He stated, slowly.

My little angel is just too fond of colourful art, he thought, beaming internally.

She has such mature taste for her age. He continued to think proudly.

Stela smirked smugly. Piece of cake, she thought.

"Why don't you read papa's books sweetheart?", her father asked her sweetly.

Before Stela could respond a stern voice responded as her mother entered the study.

"She's too young for that Martin. If I see you try to hand her another romance novel, I'll knock some sense into you." Martha said, entering the room.

"And not this either.", she continued, taking the emerald tome away from Stela and placing it on a high shelf.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"It's your fifth birthday today and I've baked your favourite apple pie.", Martha said. "Why don't we go have dinner now."

Then turning to Martin she continued, "We have to go shopping tomorrow and pick out her uniform."

Martin looked glum, "We could educate her ourselves. She doesn't need to join that dreadful Academy." he said mournfully.

"Hush Martin. You'll dampen her spirits." Martha said.

Stela wriggled around in her father's arms, her calves were beginning to go numb...

In her previous life she hadn't gotten the opportunity to join a magic academy. She spent most of her time in the orphanage running errands. Occasionally, the nuns would doll her up for rich clients who came to "adopt" children. However, despite her angelic visage, her fowl personality put off any families that might have wanted to take her in. After some time, the nuns deemed her too "old" to be adopted and relegated her to running only chores.

She felt strangely happy. Perhaps her life this time would be different. Being reborn with her old memories had thrown her preconceived notions and biases out of the window. She had a family now... Maybe she could do things differently. Maybe she could have a normal life filled with love and company...

Stela let out a wide smile, "School...", she said affectionately.

"Oh my, looks like our smart angel is excited to join the Academy.", Martha said proudly.

"She takes after me.", Martin replied beaming.

The family of three sat around the wooden dining table, digging into the little feast that Martha had prepared.

Post dinner, the family of three cleared the table. Stela did her best to help, carrying the wooden spoons and forks to the sink.

Then when everything had been cleaned and tidied, they perfunctorily took their places around the fireplace. Martha to the left and Martin to the right. Stela, on Martin's lap.

Martha pulled out a little box that had been hidden under the table and placed it in front of Stela.

"Happy Birthday angel.", Martin said.

Stela reached out for her gift in excitement. Opening the box, she found a silver bracelet inlaid with a green gem nestled on a bed of shredded paper.

"It's a magical bracelet that belonged to your grandmother." her mother said, "Our family sold most of our magical items when we came here, but your grandmother entrusted this to me and now it's your turn."

"We can tell that you have a faint aura of magic around you Stela. You were born under such an auspicious sky after all." her father continued tearing up, "You'll be joining the Magic Academy soon. Most parents give their children dozens of magical items but we have only this bracelet to give you, our angel..." his voice trailed off.

Stela felt tears well up as her mother put the bracelet on her wrist. This bracelet felt more precious to her than the magic treasures the Holy Seer's Temple had saddled her with in her past life...

"Your father and I know that you'll make us proud, our little angel." her mother said, pulling her into a deep embrace. Her father joined in, embracing both of them.

For the first time in many many years, Stela felt tears fall down her cheeks. Most magical academies required students to be boarders and prohibited external contact. She bawled loudly, realizing how much she would miss her parents once she joined the Academy.

Locked in embrace, the three occupants did not notice a faint green light flickering ominously around the green gem.