Chapter 3

3

LECTURE NOTES FROM REALM RULES & METHODOLOGY:

Red cloaks are worn to respect our fallen Supremes for their Blood Sacrifice—a power so vast it dissolves the witch.

T hessa concealed her annoyance behind star-dusted lids and soot-stained lips. The lip color matched her hair and dress. She slid on pointed clogs, tossed her scarlet cloak atop her shoulders, and left her private chamber.

“This may signify the end, but a commencement represents the beginning. Much like the phases of our moon, this ceremony symbolizes the eternal cycle of impermanence and growth. I’d like to formally welcome everyone to the 177 th Annual Commencement Ceremony for Central Secondary Academy.” He paused, smiling as the green and gold banner unfurled behind him, the letters CSA were inked on the center.

The crowd applauded until he gestured for silence. “As chancellor, it is my pleasure to grant this achievement upon our students in front of friends, family, and faculty. We hope you’ll all join us in the courtyard for continued celebrations after the ceremony. Now I’d like to announce our guest speaker, your Celestial Supreme, Madame Morganna.”

The crowd roared as she stepped up to the stage.

Beyond the podium were rows of faculty members wearing elaborate red cloaks. The scarlet hue was worn by all witches in this realm, except the Supremes, who wore robes specific to the hue of their magic.

“Thank you, Chancellor Dulameer, the pleasure’s all mine.” When Madame Morganna stood at the podium, her presence was ethereal as ever. The sun bounced off her ivory skin and soaked into her silver hair. Her pearl-colored robes glistened as bright as her smile. Rows of silver bangles along each wrist sparkled and clinked as she waved.She was a shining moon, among a sea of blood.

Madame Morganna scanned the crowd of hundreds before silencing them with a white-tipped finger. “Two centuries ago, the Immortal Realm was forged by the Blood Sacrifices of our fallen Supremes. As we honor your path ahead, let us not forget our past. We’ll begin today by honoring those who crafted our sanctuary from the cruel, Mortal Realm.” The Celestial Supreme brought her hands into prayer. “Please join me in a moment of silent gratitude.”

The crowd of red hoods bowed like a blood-wave crashing against a moonlit shore.

It was minutes before she began again. “This academy was founded to bolster the next generation of witches, so ask yourself today, what will you bring forth to this new world? Just remember, the possibilities are as unique and infinite as our stars.”

The Celestial Supreme scanned the auditorium before raising both arms up. “Everyone, please rise.” Her opalescent magic swirled toward the ceiling, forming thick clouds overhead. They grew and grew, filling the entire auditorium. Without help, it was a release of magic only a Supreme could muster.

“A divine future to all,” she shouted before dropping her arms, bangles clanking along the way.

The room went wild as her clouds exploded into a mist of shimmering stars.

Soon after, each student called to cross the stage and accept their Scroll of Achievement. There were cheers after each name, likely her classmates’ families, proud enough to hoot like owls.

Thessa’s chest hollowed as self-pity crept in. She tried to remind herself there were other orphans here today, although that trick never worked. She shifted her weight side to side until her name was called through the enchanted amplifier.

“Ms. Thessa Skiafer.”

Like her final dagger, she would not falter. Not here , anyways. Breathing in for courage, she stepped on stage and made her way toward the podium. From the corner of her eye, a faculty member rose from their seat. Her self-pity molded to joy when a burly man, without his filthy work apron on, stood tall and whistled with two fingers.

The moment she made eye contact with Professor Shovak, tears welled in her eyes.

Arriving at center stage, she met the gracious hands of Chancellor Dulameer and accepted her Scroll of Achievement.

Once all the students made it through, festivities continued in the courtyard. The pomp and circumstance would go on for hours, but she had a carriage to catch.