A Tempest Enters – Aria Collins' First Day at Vortex Academy

Third Person's POV:

The path to Vortex Academy loomed ahead, its grand towers casting long shadows over the cobblestone walkways. Arvanya stood outside, gazing at the building with a smirk as a mischievous thought danced across her mind.

Today, she wasn't just entering another academy—she was here as Aria Collins, a new student with no royal ties or elemental mastery... at least, that's what everyone was supposed to believe.

Arvanya glanced around to make sure no one was watching and whispered to herself, "Let's see how Vortex handles a little... introduction." With a sly grin, she closed her eyes, grounding her focus.

The earth responded to her call, rumbling as it gathered strength. Her pulse synced with the rhythm, growing stronger, more powerful—until finally, she released it.

A shuddering quake rippled through the academy grounds.

Inside, chaos erupted. Students gripped desks and stumbled in the halls, eyes wide with panic. Teachers steadied themselves, their voices calling out in confusion as the entire academy seemed to sway on its foundations.

"What...? Is this another training drill?" a student gasped.

Lucian's friends, two of the most powerful fire dragons in the academy, looked around in awe, their eyes instinctively darting to Lucian.

Only he could generate such a powerful quake, they thought. But Lucian's brow furrowed as he shook his head, his voice low. "It wasn't me."

The air around him thickened as his mind raced. If it wasn't me, then who has this kind of power?

A chill of realization prickled his skin. Whatever—or whoever—was behind this, it felt monumental. It was as if the earth itself was whispering of changes to come.

Arvanya, feeling quite pleased with herself, stifled a giggle. "Maybe that was a bit too much for an entrance," she muttered, brushing her hands off as if she'd done nothing more than adjust her cloak.

"Oh well. They wanted a new student, didn't they?" Her steps were light as she approached the academy gates, her playful mood barely hiding her sense of anticipation.

As she entered the grand hallway, the murmurs and glances followed her, whispers quickly spreading about the "new girl" and the mysterious quake.

A professor spotted her and, taking note of her unfamiliar face, waved her over with a curious look.

"You must be our new student, Aria Collins," he said, offering her a quick nod of approval.

"I'm Professor Eldrin, and I'll take you to meet our principal. She's very eager to meet all new students—especially ones with a... memorable entrance."

"Thank you, Professor," Arvanya replied, biting her lip to keep from laughing. Looks like my little trick didn't go unnoticed.

He led her down a corridor lined with statues of past elemental champions, each one looking ready to leap from their marble pedestals.

Finally, they arrived at a large oak door engraved with intricate patterns representing the four elements. Professor Eldrin knocked twice and ushered her in.

Behind a grand desk sat Principal Seraphina Gale, a stern woman with piercing silver eyes and hair as white as snow.

Dressed in deep blue robes embroidered with silver thread, she looked up with an assessing gaze that seemed to see right through Arvanya.

"Aria Collins, I presume?" she greeted, her tone calm but firm. "Welcome to Vortex Academy. I trust you understand that we value discipline and focus here."

Arvanya met her gaze with a respectful nod. "Of course, Principal Gale. I wouldn't dream of causing any trouble."

Principal Gale's eyes flickered briefly, as if considering her sincerity, before she nodded. "Good. You'll find that we encourage all students to push their limits and achieve excellence. I've assigned you to the North Dormitory. Your roommate, Esme, will show you around."

The door opened just then, and a girl with soft brown hair and a warm smile stepped in. "Aria? I'm Esme! I'll be your guide, roommate, and classmate. I'm in the air element class too," she said, practically bouncing with enthusiasm.

Her energy was infectious, and Arvanya felt an immediate liking for her.

Stolen novel; please report.

"Nice to meet you, Esme," Arvanya replied, smiling.

Together, they left the principal's office and began walking down another corridor, Esme pointing out notable places as they went. She described the elemental training grounds, the dining hall, and the arena used for combat training.

"Oh, and here's the Hall of Elements!" she said, pausing in front of an expansive room filled with murals and symbols of fire, water, earth, and air.

"Wow," Arvanya breathed, taking in the sight. "It's beautiful."

Esme nodded enthusiastically. "Isn't it? It always feels like the academy is alive, watching us all with a mind of its own. But, let's get you settled in at the dorm!"

As they walked through the corridors of Vortex Academy, Arvanya couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Everywhere she went, students paused mid-conversation, their eyes snapping to her. Some stared openly, mouths agape, while others exchanged curious glances as they whispered among themselves.

It was as if she'd walked into an alien world, and she was the alien.

Arvanya could feel the weight of their stares, the hushed murmurs. Some of the students looked at her as if trying to figure out what she was doing here, while others seemed to pity her, as though she didn't belong.

She tried to ignore it, but the feeling only grew stronger as they neared the dormitories. The whispers intensified, echoing down the halls.

"Who is that girl? She doesn't look like anyone from here."

"I heard she's the new air elemental. But she looks... different."

"Yeah, she doesn't even seem like she belongs with us."

Arvanya felt a flush rise to her cheeks, but she forced herself to hold her head high. This wasn't her first time being the odd one out—she was used to it.

"Ignore them," Esme said quietly, noticing the discomfort in Arvanya's stance. "You get used to it. Some students think air elementals are a bit... strange. But we're all just trying to fit in here, you know?"

Arvanya gave a tight smile, nodding. "Yeah, I guess so."

As they entered the North Dormitory, Arvanya couldn't help but feel the weight of the stares lift off her shoulders, but the sting of their judgment lingered.

Once inside the dorm, she exhaled deeply, glad to have some space to breathe—both literally and figuratively.

Esme led her to their room, her voice bubbling with energy as she chattered about their classes. But Arvanya's mind kept drifting back to the looks she had received. She wondered just how long it would take before people truly understood who she was—if they ever would.

"Welcome to your new home, Aria," Esme said cheerfully.

Arvanya's POV:

As I stepped into my new room, I took a deep breath, absorbing the cozy atmosphere. Not bad, I thought, glancing around at the soft furnishings and the warm light flooding through the window.

My heart raced with excitement, but I couldn't shake off the nervousness bubbling inside me. I turned to Esme, who had plopped down on her bed, her enthusiasm infectious.

"So, what do you think of the academy so far?" I asked, hoping to steer the conversation toward familiar territory.

Esme leaned back, resting her hands behind her head. "It's incredible! But, you know, being an air elemental isn't always easy here. We're... well, we're often kept to ourselves."

"Really? How's that?" I inquired, intrigued.

She sighed, the light in her eyes dimming slightly. "Air elementals have their own little groups. We usually hang out only with each other because, well, it's safer that way. The other elementals can be kind of intimidating. They often think we're weak or... I don't know, too floaty?"

Esme chuckled lightly, but I could sense the underlying seriousness in her tone. "I've had some tough experiences with that, to be honest. It's not that they're mean, but they don't understand us, you know? They think we'll just get in trouble by associating with them."

I nodded, trying to absorb what she was saying. It sounded like the air elementals were on the outskirts of the social ladder, and I felt a pang of empathy for her. "I can see how that would be frustrating," I said, unzipping my suitcase and beginning to unpack my belongings. "I mean, it's like they're missing out on meeting incredible people."

Esme perked up at my response. "Exactly! And trust me, there are some amazing students here. I wish I could get to know them better, but..." She shrugged, looking a bit defeated.

I carefully placed my clothes in the wardrobe, thinking about my next move. "Well, I'm sure you'll find a way to connect with them," I encouraged. "Sometimes, people just need a little time to understand each other."

As I unpacked, I fabricated a story I had rehearsed back home, a tale carefully crafted by my family to keep my true identity hidden.

"My parents are doctors, you know? They help people, just like I want to. I'm an only child, so I'm used to being a bit independent," I said, my voice steady and light. "I've always been interested in the air element—its freedom and grace. It's just so fascinating."

Esme's eyes sparkled with interest. "That's amazing! It's great that you've always been drawn to it. We need more air elementals who are passionate! You'll fit right in here."

I smiled, hoping my façade was convincing. "Yeah, I guess so. Just a bit nervous about how everyone's going to react. I heard they're really into their groups."

"Oh, definitely," Esme agreed. "But don't worry too much. You'll find your place. Just be careful; everyone knows that the new girl is an air elemental. I mean, it's not every day someone comes in with a fresh face in our circle."

The weight of her words settled on me like a heavy cloak. Everyone knows, I thought. I would have to tread carefully if I wanted to keep my secret safe.

"Thanks for being so welcoming, Esme," I said, glancing at her and finishing my unpacking. "I'm glad I have someone like you to guide me through this."

She grinned back at me, her spirit unbroken. "No problem! We'll have plenty of fun, I promise. And if you ever need anything, I'm just a door away!"

As we settled into our new routine, I felt a strange mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within me. The academy was a realm of possibility, but it also felt like a minefield where I had to watch every step I took.

While I listened to Esme talk about the academy and her experiences, a determined thought crept into my mind.

If those other elementals think they can bully or look down on others just because they're different, then they've got another thing coming. I was Arvanya Morisson, and I wouldn't stand for anyone being mistreated.

With Esme by my side, I knew I had at least one ally as I began this adventure disguised as an air elemental.

But I also had a mission: to make the lives of those who treated others badly a little more difficult, starting with the very first interaction I had with my classmates.

After all, every storm begins with a single drop of rain, and I was more than ready to create a tempest of change.