Bridget and Isabelle went back to their dorms to finish decorating their rooms. Bridget's side had green walls, wooden floors, paintings on the walls, and plants on the windowsill.

Isabelle's side of the room had pastel pink walls and white tiled flooring. She had blueprints, documents, and books scattered on her side of the floor. Her laptop rested on top of the drawer, and she kept the picture of her parents close to her bed and heart.

They both lounged around on their beds, discussing how their days went so far. Bridget frowned while listening to Isabelle’s woes about how today went for her.

“Sorry to hear about that. I hope things go well for you and Benjamin.”

“Yeah, I hope so too.”

“Do you know how he lost his familiars in the first place?”

“Not really?” Isabelle said with a shrug. “We don’t even know when we first lost them in the first place.” She stretched her arms. “Is it alright if I go to the bathroom for a bit?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. Do you know where the restroom is?”

“Yep, I’ll be alright.” After getting out of bed, she headed out the door.

Isabelle strolled across the halls, appreciating the scenery on her way to the restroom. A heavy presence loomed around the area. She slowed her movement down and wrapped her arms around her body. Isabelle thought she was the only one present, but something about the atmosphere didn’t feel right to her.

Footsteps tapped on the carpet behind her, but nothing appeared from the corner of her eyes. The noise died down when Isabelle stopped in place.

“Who’s there?” She asked, trying to sound tough, but her shaken voice came out instead.

Isabelle turned to spot crimson eyes peering through the darkness. She could barely make out the shadow due to the lack of lighting in the halls. The moon broke through the clouds and shone through one of the windows, revealing the figure hiding behind a wall.

The girl in red clothes stepped out from the shadow and walked closer to the light. She crossed her arms and grinned at Isabelle.

“Hello there. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’ve been waiting for a chance to talk like this. Seems like I found the perfect time, and now, we finally meet.”

Isabelle arched an eyebrow. She didn’t know how to react or respond to that comment.

“Um, who are you?”

“Call me Lauren. I live on the floor above you.”

“Oh, ok.” Isabelle’s heart pounded through her chest as she clutched her chest tightly. What was this feeling? Why is being near her putting her off? “Um, were you watching me, by chance?”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“I hadn’t seen you before and wanted to talk to you,” Lauren said, ignoring her question. “So, you’re the new girl, Isabelle, correct?”

Isabelle nodded. “How’d you know my name?”

“Heard about you, made a name on such short notice. You’re already the talk of the town.”

Already? How can that be? Is it because I’m a human? No, wait, not everyone knows I’m a human, right?

“Most likely because you have immense power and talent, even though you’re a human.”

“So, you know. Does everyone—?”

“Who knows?” Lauren shrugged. Her expression hardened as she stared at her. “But one thing I don’t get is, how’d you ‌use the magic from the crystal sphere?”

Isabelle chuckled softly. “I understand how you feel. I’m not sure how I did it myself. Maybe I got lucky with how I used it. I’m still an ordinary human being, nonetheless.” Her face beamed up. “But that doesn’t matter now. What matters is that I’m here, and ready to give it my all.”

Lauren paused as her expression soured. She couldn’t picture why, but something about her optimistic attitude made her blood boil.

“You got lucky. Don't think things will be easy for you.” She retorted, marching over to back Isabelle up against the wall.

Isabelle was at a loss for words. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Shivers went down her spine as the color drained from her face. What did she get herself into? Did she say something wrong? Should she call for help or try to handle this herself?

“And don’t expect any special treatment because you’re a human, either!” Lauren continued. “Understand?”

“I didn't think that at all!” Isabelle exclaimed, her eyes on the verge of tears. “Why are you so mean to me?”

Lauren’s face softened as she took a step back. “I didn't mean to...” She lowered her head. “I’m so—”

“Hey, you!” A voice shouted from the halls. Midoricha floated over to get in between the two. “Are you picking on her?” He glared at Lauren.

“What? No, I wasn’t!”

“I heard about you from Bridget. How could you?”

“I told you I didn’t pick on her!” Lauren thundered, stomping her foot. “You shouldn’t blindly follow rumors, you dense ball of nothing!”

“Hey!” Bridget stormed over beside Midoricha. “You don’t talk back to my familiar like that!”

“Wait, that’s your familiar?” Lauren tilted her head and scratched her cheek. “What is he supposed to be, anyway? And why does he look–?”

“Do you have to take your anger out on other people now?”

“Answer me—”

“Will you guys knock it off?” Isabelle snapped. The others turned to her with mouths agape.

Fire in her eyes, Isabelle stormed off in a huff. She wrapped her body and squeezed her arms. Her lips quivered, trying to fight back the tears in her eyes. Isabelle tried to process what happened and forget all about it at the same time. She wanted to hide in the bathroom stalls for the rest of the night, if it meant avoiding talking to or interacting with another person.

Lauren and Bridget tried to get her attention and call out her name. A few of the doors slammed open as a bunch of other people complained about the disruptive noise that went on outside.

“Could you keep it down? Some of us have classes early tomorrow, and we’re trying to sleep!”

“Oh, sorry about that!” Bridget, Lauren, and Midori exclaimed all at once. By the time they finished, Isabelle had already left their sights.