The morning came quietly over Elarion University, but something about it felt different. A soft golden light slipped through the curtains of Aria's room, gently waking her from sleep. She stretched lazily before her eyes fell on something lying near the edge of the floor.
A feather.
Aria frowned and slowly sat up.
She was certain she hadn't seen it there the night before.
The feather was unlike anything Aria had ever seen. It was long and elegant, with deep crimson strands fading into rich golden tips. Its surface seemed to shimmer whenever the morning light touched it, almost as if tiny sparks were trapped between its delicate strands. Even more strangely, a faint warmth seemed to rise from it, making Aria hesitate before reaching for it.
She held it in her hands and admired its beauty, momentarily forgetting to wonder how it had even gotten inside her room.
Aria looked toward the window with the feather still in her hands. She lifted the curtains and noticed that the window wasn't completely shut.
But she clearly remembered locking it.
She immediately brushed the thought aside and admired the bright sky above. Looking down, she could see other females from her clan moving up and down the grounds.
That's when it clicked.
Their big matriculation ceremony was tomorrow.
No wonder everyone was busy with one thing or another.
Suddenly, her phone rang, finally grabbing her attention.
It was her mother calling.
Aria sat on the bed and carefully placed the feather on the small table beside her.
"Good day, Mother," Aria said with a smile, holding the phone in her right hand.
"Good day, my daughter," her mother, Nerina, replied in a calm tone.
"How are you doing, my dear girl?"
"I'm doing good, Father," Aria answered happily.
She could hear Asher sitting close to Nerina.
She had really missed them. It had been days since she had seen her family after leaving home.
"Hi, Aria! Tomorrow's the day, you know," Alex said, her excited voice suddenly joining the conversation.
"I know, little sis," Aria replied with a laugh.
"Yes, my dear. We will be in Elarion to celebrate with you. I can't wait to see my beautiful daughter," Nerina added, her voice filled with pride and happiness.
"I've been imagining how you'll look in the beautiful gown we prepared for you," her father added.
Aria turned toward the wardrobe, where the gown was carefully kept.
"Well, there's no need to worry. Everything is going to go well. I just need you guys to be present because I have a speech to give," Aria said.
"Wow!" The three people on the other side exclaimed happily.
"Alright, my dear girl. I'm so happy that all you've worked for is finally falling into place. We are all proud of you," Nerina said.
"Yes, we are, my dear," Asher added, backing up his wife's words.
"After this, you can start your own family, just like Nia is doing in her matrimonial home. Because I want the best for all my daughters," Nerina said.
Aria nodded along as her mother spoke, sensing just how happy her family was for her.
"So that's it, my girl. I can't wait to see you tomorrow," Nerina said.
"Me too," Aria replied as the conversation was about to end.
"Before I forget, we spotted something at the threshold of our door this morning," Nerina suddenly said.
"What was that?" Aria asked.
"It was a bright red feather. A beautiful feather. It looked unfamiliar, nothing like the feathers of the birds around us," Nerina explained.
Aria froze.
The same bright red feather her mother had just described was lying right in front of her.
She was unable to say anything for a moment.
"It's a Phoenix feather. I can sense that our family is truly blessed. It's rare to come across a feather like Ignara's. Although, some people from the other neighbourhood said they spotted another one," Asher explained.
"Well, it's a blessing indeed... and perhaps the beginning of something good," Aria replied, staring at the feather.
For some reason, she felt strangely connected to it.
"Okay, my dear," Nerina said.
"Okay, Mother. Father, take care," Aria replied before ending the call.
She picked up the feather and carefully placed it inside her purse. It was far too beautiful to throw away.
"Knock! Knock!"
The sound of the door startled her.
Aria turned and walked toward it.
"Oh my... Billy!" Aria exclaimed.
"Hello, Aria. How are things going?" Billy asked as she entered the room.
Aria closed the door behind her.
"I'm good. I wasn't expecting you to come this early," Aria said, watching Billy sit on the bed.
"Well, I don't know. But you can't stop me. It's like you can't feel the energy in the atmosphere today. Everything feels so lovely and strong," Billy explained, demonstrating with her hands.
"Well, I can. I'm sure it's because of the party," Aria replied.
"Mmm... If it's because of the party, then it's a good thing. But the ambience is superb," Billy added.
"Yeah, I agree," Aria replied, nodding.
"Not to waste time, I'm here to take you downstairs. Don't tell me you want to celebrate without a little grooming or something," Billy said with a smile.
"Well, that's equally true, but it's not that important," Aria tried to explain.
"I know you would say that. That's why I'm here to take you. Okay, hurry up before all the slots are taken," Billy said, rushing Aria to get ready.
Aria and Billy left Aria's room and headed downstairs to get themselves ready for the following day.
The sun was shining brightly, and the breeze was cool. Workers hung decorations around the school while others set up the podium for tomorrow's ceremony.
All the chairs were being neatly arranged, but the students were temporarily prohibited from entering the area until the ceremony began.
"Well, I'm giving a speech tomorrow," Aria said to Billy.
"Really? That would be nice. I can't wait to hear it tomorrow," Billy answered.
They were both standing at a mini supermarket, picking out some drinks.
"Hey, Aria..." Billy called out.
Aria had her mind fixed on the beautiful decorations outside.
"What?" Aria asked, turning toward her.
"Over there," Billy said, pointing toward a familiar figure nearby. "Isn't he that Kaerith guy? Your senior, I guess. The one who helped you find your way?"
"Oh, yeah," Aria said after spotting Kael, who had already seen her and was approaching them.
"Having a nice day, girlies?" Kael asked after stopping in front of them.
"Yeah, we are. Mmm... Kael, this is Billy, my friend," Aria said, introducing them.
"What a pleasure, Billy," Kael said, stretching out his hand for a handshake, which Billy gladly accepted.
"And Billy, meet..." Aria tried to speak, but Billy interrupted her.
"You don't have to introduce him. You've told me a lot about him," Billy said with a wink.
Aria immediately felt shy.