Fierce Red

"Almora, wake up. Today's your first day at school," Mrs. Rencia said gently, her voice soft but firm as she tapped lightly on the doorframe of her daughter's room. "It's time for you to start learning how to control your powers."

The morning sunlight barely filtered through the light purple curtains, casting a soft glow on the floor. Almora groaned and rolled over, burying her face deeper into her pillow.

"Mom," she mumbled in a muffled, sleepy voice, "isn't it too early? And besides, no one is going to like me there. I doubt anyone will even be willing to teach me. So really... what's the point?"

Her voice was heavy with exhaustion-and doubt. Even though she knew today was important, her heart wasn't fully in it. The idea of stepping into a new environment, one that wasn't exactly built on friendliness and open arms, made her want to crawl deeper under her blanket.

Mrs. Rencia paused outside the door for a moment. That concern in Almora's voice-that fear of being unwanted or isolated-was something she shared, deep down. She hadn't shown it, not even to her husband. But she had felt it all the same, like a quiet weight on her chest ever since Almora's admission letter had arrived.

She'd feared what kind of reception her daughter would get, especially being who-and what-she was. But after meeting with the headmistress of Greenland College, Ms. Carmen, her worries had eased. Ms. Carmen had seemed calm, composed, and confident in the school's ability to support Almora. That meeting had given Mrs. Rencia hope.

"You'll be fine, honey. I promise," she said, trying to sound reassuring.

Mrs. Rencia pushed open the door slightly and stepped inside. "Now, get up, take a shower, and get dressed. You don't want to sign in to your hostel late, do you?" She smiled briefly before walking out, gently closing the door behind her.

With a heavy sigh, Almora peeled off her blanket and sat up. Her room was still in its usual mild disarray-books stacked unevenly on the desk, a hoodie flung over the chair, her boots half tucked beneath the bed. She sat there for a moment, rubbing her eyes, then slowly dragged herself to the bathroom.

The cold floor tiles sent a chill up her spine as she walked in. She picked up her toothbrush, squeezed out the minty paste, and brushed slowly, her mind already swirling with doubts. Would the other students stare at her? Would her red eyes draw attention? She hadn't exactly had the best experiences with people.

After brushing, she let the water run for a bit, then stepped into the shower. The warm water was soothing, but her thoughts didn't calm. She tried to think of it as a fresh start. A place where she might actually learn to harness the strange abilities that had plagued her for so long. Yet it still felt like walking into a lion's den.

A few minutes later, she stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, her hair damp and sticking to her neck. She got dressed in her favorite pair of blue jeans, a simple white t-shirt, and her slightly worn sneakers. Looking at herself in the full-length mirror, she paused.

Her reflection stared back at her with those unmistakable crimson eyes-eyes that no one else in her town had. Her deep red hair, flowing just past her shoulders, shimmered under the morning light. It was striking, no doubt. And isolating.

She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to steel herself for the day ahead. Grabbing her bag, she slung it over her shoulder and walked out of the room.

m.

Greenland College was unlike any other school. To the outside world, it was just another elite boarding institution nestled in the countryside-private, mysterious, and well-funded. But for those who knew the truth, it was a sanctuary, a training ground for those with rare gifts.

The admission process was rigorous. Not just in terms of academics, but something deeper. Each student underwent a screening process to determine whether they had any latent powers. Only those who did were accepted. For everyone else, Greenland was little more than a myth-something that faded from memory like a dream.

The school grounds were vast and surrounded by forest. One side, lush and radiant, welcomed visitors and gave the illusion of peace. Birds chirped in the distance, and the trees swayed with a gentle breeze. Flowers bloomed in vibrant colors along cobblestone paths that led to the towering, ivy-covered school buildings. This was the side anyone could see.

But the other side-the one shielded from the public eye-was different. It was dark, brooding, almost haunting. The trees there grew twisted and gnarled, the light barely touched the ground, and the air itself felt heavy. Only students with powers could perceive this side. It served as a reminder: Greenland wasn't just a place of learning, but a place of secrets.

Almora sat silently in the car as her parents drove through the main gates. She glanced out the window, watching as other new students streamed in. Some were laughing, some looked nervous, others were already bonding. She sighed again. It was going to be a long day.

After parking, the three of them made their way to the administrative building. Inside, everything was spotless-gleaming floors, high arched ceilings, and portraits of past headmistresses and famous alumni lining the halls. Eventually, they reached the headmistress's office.

A tall wooden door with gold lettering: Ms. Carmen, Headmistress.

Mrs. Rencia knocked softly.

"Come in," a voice responded.

The door opened to reveal a warmly lit office. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes and modern texts alike. A large desk sat near the window, and behind it was Ms. Carmen.

She was a woman of moderate height, with keen brown eyes, fair skin, and short chestnut hair that complemented her features. She stood and extended her hand with a professional smile.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Rencia."

"Good morning, Ms. Carmen," they both replied, shaking her hand.

After some pleasantries and brief discussion, Ms. Carmen glanced at Almora and nodded.

"Well, it's time for parents to take their leave," she said with a tone of finality.

Mrs. Rencia leaned in to hug Almora tightly. "Be brave, okay? We love you."

"I know," Almora said softly. Her father gave her a quick but warm embrace before they left the room.

As the door closed behind them, a subtle change came over Ms. Carmen. The friendly, practiced smile disappeared, replaced by a more serious expression.

"Have a seat, Ms. Almora," she said coolly.

Almora felt the shift instantly and thought to herself, So she was only being nice because my parents were here. Great. This is going to be a tough ride.

She pulled out a chair in front of the desk and sat down, trying to appear calm even though her nerves were frayed.

Ms. Carmen folded her hands on the desk. "So... you're the red. The last of your kind. How interesting," she said, her eyes studying Almora intently.

Almora blinked. No one had ever said it so directly before.

"Well, it certainly shows," Ms. Carmen continued. "Your red eyes, your hair-your aura. You're different. That much is clear. It's going to be a challenging experience for you here, I won't lie."

There was a brief silence. Almora stared down at her lap.

"But," Ms. Carmen added, her voice softening just slightly, "if you need anything-anything at all-you come to me. Understood?"

Almora was surprised by the sudden gentleness in her voice. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was there. Perhaps Ms. Carmen wasn't as cold as she seemed. Or perhaps she just respected strength.

"...Okay," Almora said, still uncertain.

Ms. Carmen opened a drawer and handed her an ID card with her name printed in bold letters, a small rules booklet, and a brass room key.

"Welcome to Greenland College, Almora. You're not just here to learn, you're here to become who you were meant to be."

Almora took the items quietly, standing up with a mix of apprehension and curiosity churning in her chest.

As she stepped out of the office and into the unfamiliar halls of Greenland College, one thought echoed in her mind:

This is it. There's no turning back now.