One: So long, New Orleans

The stench of wolves is way too strong in late summer days. They run the city of New Orleans left and right, side-eyeing those with the ability to feel and smell their presence. Casters are the ones famously known in the city, despite attempting to kill the history of witch trials; they remain to be in the book of human’s history.

By famously known, it means they are still looked down on as a devil worshipper. Spellcasters are a lot of things, but a devil worshipper is not one of them. There may be Dark Witches of the south, those who keep themselves hidden from the world. Nobody knows exactly what they are up to, not even the best scholars possible in the Four Lands can get through the mind of a dark witch.

But the truth will eventually emerge one day.

Love, a young spellcaster, has just gotten home from her weekly therapy where she’s treated for insomnia. She is finally going to School of Magic, Belhonor, in Crimson Cove after taking a year off. Though she lives in a house full of casters, that except her father, Roman, practicing magic itself has their own levels. Levi, her twin sister, may already reaches the middle level of magic, despite only being a freshman in Belhonor—but Love’s ability is still considered Neophyte.

On to reality... Love is walking down the street of French Quarter, after having a quiet, yet intense session of therapy. It felt like a great idea to take a walk, even if all she could smell outside is the rain droplets on the grass and woods. Her red, worn-out converse taps the ground, dark brown hair flows down her back, finger subconsciously rolls around the colorful, metallic beads necklace around her neck. It’s cold out, yet she only wears a black shirt tucked into a knee-length pink floral skirt.

“Where you at?” Levi’s voice suddenly pops up in Love’s head, startling her a little.

“Could’ve used your phone.” Love telepathically says with a bitter tone, “I’m just going to Marilyn’s donut shop. I’m kind of hungry.”

Levi silences. Even when Love walks into the shop that’s immediately greeted by a strong stench of bonfire and coffee. “Good lord.” she mutters to herself, eyes scanning around the room.

“Afternoon, Love!” Greets the lovely middle aged woman behind the counter. Marilyn, herself. The owner of the shop. “You here to taste my new berrymint filling bagel? I bet you’d love it.”

Love smiles as she walks up the counter. Marilyn smiles eerily as usual. “I’m allergic to berries. So, no thanks.” She smiles warmly as she squints her eyes at the menu on the wall, “I’ll have the sugar points, Fimbulwinter ice, and a cup of unsweetened black tea to go, please.”

Marilyn nods her head, typing down Love’s order at the cashier and quickly grabbing a paperbag for the donuts. Love rubs her arm up and down, and subconsciously touches the galaxy pendant bracelet that Love’s father gave to her when she was only 2-month old.

“Hey.” A young man in a black oversized button up and jeans approach Love all of a sudden.

With his strong stench itself, she instantly turns her head around, which causes the handsome man to raise his brows. “Oh,” she looks up at him, “it’s you.”

“‘Tis I.” He smiles.

“How was your birthday last week, Julian?” Love asks, turning around to watch Marilyn grabs her orders from behind the glass counter.

“It was great. Your sister did a number on my nose, though.” Julian runs a hand up his nose.

Love squints her eyes, not able to find anything that implied he was physically assaulted. “Sure.” She shrugs before collecting her order and paying Marilyn with an extra $5 tip as usual. “Thanks, Mary.” She smiles.

As Love turns to leave the shop, Julian grabs her arm causing her to stop on her track. “Wait,” he says calmly.

Love mumbles a soft incantation under her breath, an incantation that’s strong enough to strike a wolf like a lightning. When the buzz hits him, he yelps in pain and staggers back.

“Ouch! What the hell?” He waves his hand to reduce the pain.

“That’ll teach ya not to touch me.” Love smiles smugly, hugging the paperbag to her front. “What do you want, Julius?”

He finally gets over the pain, ego still bruised. “Still upset, just like I guessed,” he shrugs, “never mind what I was going to say. Just go.”

Without any second thoughts, Love shrugs him off and walks out of the store.

Only to find Levi standing outside with her bike. It is one of her most famous tricks, to be able to go places in an unbelievable speed.

“Really?” Love raises her brows as she brings the black tea up to her lips. The sour taste somehow calms her nerves.

“What? Mom asked me to check on you.” She shrugs nonchalantly before grabbing the paperbag of donuts and peeking in curiously. “And beside, we are leaving toni—oh, my. I thought wolves weren’t in this part of NO.”

Love grabs the paperbag back before pulling out the donut coated in white sugar and mint icing that feels like it could froze your whole mouth in a bite.

“Julian and his pack is.” Love says, biting on the donut and immediately grimacing from the cold.

“Oh,” Levi raises her brows, “dude’s inside? Want me to break his nose again?”

“No use,” Love looks down at the purple colored icing that oozes out of the donut. “He’s going to heal anyway.”

Levi shakes her head before she manages to compose herself by straightening up her leather jacket, “come on,” she hands Love a helmet, Love gestures for her to put it on her head since her hands are full. “You need to conserve your energy for tonight.”

Levi puts the helmet on Love’s head, buckling it shut before putting on her own helmet. Love is way too focused on her donut and tea to realize her twin is already on the bike.

Though, she seems calm, somehow the idea of leaving her dearly house at witching hour for college bothers her more than it should. Levi spoke great things of the place; how the clock tower resembles the 24-hour format clock in Prague, how they all practically live in a castle, and the majestic dining table that always serves feast instead of casual meals.

That has got to be a great environment to live in, doesn’t it?

***

“Well, I guess I’ll miss you.” Love mumbles at the head sculpture of Marc Antony that she has placed on the vanity desk. “I’m going to a place where you are also part of the history book. So, I won’t miss you that much.”

Love wonders: why am I talking to a head sculpture, when I could have finished my packing?

So, she did. She puts on the most comfortable, warm outfit since Levi has informed before that the castle’s surrounded by mountains. The winter could be unbearable and too harsh for those who weren’t used to colder climate.

Levi bursts into the room without knocking, followed by their parents. Talia is a loving herbologist and neurosurgeon that uses magic for healing purposes. Her heart is bigger than most gods and goddesses to ever exist. No malevolent intention behind every words she spoke. Roman is a mortal. A man who protects not only his family, but also society from any crimes possible.

“So, it’s in 10 minutes,” Levi shoves herself on Love’s bed. “It’s time for you to get the hell out of this room. You ready?”

Love chuckles, looking over at her smiling parents. They knew there’d come the day where their daughters will spend some time in Four Lands instead of choosing the mortal life. It’s what they need as half-caster.

“I feel like bringing Marc Antony with me.” Love sits on the vanity chair, looking over at the head statue longingly. “Can I, please?”

“It’d be too devastating, honey,” dad smiles warmly. “Seeing you go is one thing, but seeing your empty bedroom with no sense of you behind is another thing.”

“You know you can always visit.” Love chuckles, “Levi says Crimson Cove won’t be that bad, and they have festivals similar to Mardi Gras! Why should I be worried?”

“True.” Mom steps forward, claiming her younger daughter in her arm, “there are so many beautiful things in Four Lands. Belhonor is one of them. So, make sure you make the most out of your time, okay? You can do outdoor activities as well, such as, archery.”

Love smiles and looks up at her mother. “You really think I’d spend my last energy on exercising?” She chuckles, “once I found the cure for my exhaustion, maybe.”

“And you are definitely going to school counselor, I have already sent in your forms.” Levi mumbles, “Don’t worry. She is not an amateur. She actually cares about others’ well-being emotionally.”

“Cool?” Love grimaces.

“You need to, darling.” Dad says calmly, sitting down on the bed next to Levi. “I have never been to this Four Lands myself, but I’m pretty sure there are things that aren’t all beautiful.”

“Okay?”

“Here,” he pulls out a small switchblade from his jacket which causes mom and Levi to gasp in shock. No, it isn’t just like any other switchblade. By the look of it, it looks almost magical. “It won’t leave your side.” He smiles warmly.

“A blade? Roman, our girl is only 19-year-old. She does not need a weapon that could accidentally cut her.” Mom protests.

“Yes, dad. Where is my switchblade?” Levi narrows her eyes suspiciously. “Oh. I see, I see. Love’s your favorite.”

Dad bursts out into laughter. Love grins happily when she eyes the switchblade and carefully takes it from her dad’s hand. “No, honey. I love you both equally. I just think that Love needs more protection since she’s new.”

“Careful.” Mom grimaces.

Love flicks the switchblade expertly until the blade sticks out, making her smile proudly. She was taught to defend herself since she was little, Levi as well. Roman works in a law enforcement for years now. The trainings have given him insight and determination to teach his daughters as well.

“See? A natural.” Dad compliments.

“I will not forget about this.” Levi gets up from the bed, “you are buying me a switchblade too. I don’t care. I need my name engraved on the leather and everything.”

Love smirks at her sister, “I’m his favorite. Get over it.”

Levi scoffs, widing her eyes in surprise: “mom? You hear that? She wanted me gone.”

“No, she did not.” Mom flicks shut the switchblade and quickly slips it in Love’s jeans’ pocket. “Now, come you three. Let’s go downstairs and say our prayers before you go.”

Levi nudges Love on her way out. Dad grabs Love’s suitcases and brings them out of the half-empty bedroom. “Thanks, dad.” Love smiles up at him, “for the cool gifts as always.”

“Anytime, darling.”

They recite a prayer in the living room. Two white candles are lit infront of the two daughters, hoping to protect them from what is to come. Four Lands may be magical for mortals, but for supernatural beings? Four Lands can be a dangerous place to reside in, nobody can really expect what is in the depth of each lands.

Could be a giant.

“...... may Hekate bring you light and path in the darkness of your vulnerability.”

Love and Levi inhales deeply to gain the strength from the candle. It may be small, but it contains such power when used right. They open their eyes slowly. Love instantly caught a tall, sparkly figure at the corner of the room, watching over them. The figure itself has, what looks like, a long gown and spike headpiece.

But she knew the deity or spirit was protecting them.

“Amen.” Both girls say in sync.

Mother lowers her hands to her lap as she smiles at both her daughters in awe. Still in disbelief that they are grown now.

“Okay.” Levi clasps her hands together, “seems that our ride’s here.”

“I’ll go get the bags settled.” Dad walks out of the living room and toward the front door.

Love gets up from the ground, not before catching a sight of the light figure at the corner of the room turns and disappears into air.

“Hey,” Levi nudges her on the side, “you sure you’re ready?”

Love nods her head with a smile on her face. “I’m sure.” She says, “who’s our ride, by the way? Is it an Elf? Please tell me it is.”

“No!” Levi laughs, “no. I mean, sort of? He’s half Elf, though.”

“Oh? Is he your friend, Nikolas?”

“Duh, who else is half mortal?” She chuckles softly before snaking an arm around Love’s shoulder and pulls her toward the front door.

“Come on, darlings! You don’t want to be late!” Talia, who’s already half way out of the door yells out.

The twins walk out of the house, but not before Love takes a one quick look at the house first that she realizes she is really leaving. The head sculpture of Marcus Antonius in her bedroom that’s left without her jewelries. The empty bed, empty closet, neglected papers and books from the highschool days.

“You must be the infamous twin Levi won’t stop rambling about.” Love was startled to her bones when a young, most gorgeous man that she has ever seen approach them.

He’s around 5’10 tall, his hair is jetblack and pushed back perfectly even though it looked like he had only just gotten out of shower. His skin is light tan, some tattoos can be seen in his arm if he were to wear shorter sleeved shirt.

“Uh, hey.” Love smiles up at him, “and you must be Nikolas.”

“I am.” He nods his head calmly. “How come Levi never brings you around before?”

“Nik! Stop it, she’s a freshman.” Levi glares daggers at him which he only takes lightly by laughing.

Oh, was he flirting? Love wonders. “I’m your age, Lev. Shut up.” She grimaces before turning her head to look at her bedroom’s window one more time.

All she can think about is Marc Antony’s lonely head sculpture.

“I’m going to be back.”

Love turns and runs toward the house. She comes back around 2 minutes later, out of breath, and is holding the head sculpture that she has considered a friend. Her parents can’t help but smile in awe; Levi wides her eyes in horror when she realized her sister is obsessed with a dead Roman politician.

“Relax. It’s not like he’ll come to life.” Love walks past Levi and toward the car where Nikolas is standing by.

He looks at the head, eyes narrowed in confusion: “do you want me to ask the reason why you’re bringing that?”

As Love’s about to answer, her eyes caught the light figure at the end of the crossroad. It’s a shock for her to see the figure again, they usually go away after a prayer or two.

She blinks a few times before turning back to Nikolas, and to her family that are already joining them. “No, I have my own reason why I’m bringing Marc with me.” Love grins happily at her parents, “I hope you understand that, dad. I know you don’t want me to bring him to Belhonor.”

He responds with a nod, “and I know you’ll keep him safe.”

They finally say their goodbyes. Love and Levi get on the backseat of the car as they all drive away toward the Tree Forest—where the forest nymphs live and the ancients guard The Gate.

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