The earth was soft underneath her bare feet. Songs filled the air from birds, and the forest's life swayed in the breeze. Her footsteps were soft but sure. The life around her flourished and grew. Above was white with no sun or blue sky. Dyani frowned, feeling that it was wrong somehow, but knew it was also fitting. Feet moved on their own towards a destination unknown to her. As she moved through the life-giving forest, spots of darkness crept along. Some trees had spotted leaves, or a shadow was too long there. Dyani felt unsettled at the sight of the shadows yet she kept moving. At one point, a large, withered tree had fallen under the shadow's touch. It starkly contrasted the white and vibrant greenery of the forest around her.

  It took a moment for her eyes to adjust when she crested over a large tree. There, in the distance. A spiraling tower that could be seen from miles away. There was a large wall draped with ivy and other climbing flowers. Roses bloomed, and she could see them smattering throughout the entrance. The city's gates were pale, a golden sheen bright in the day. It was as intricate and delicate as the vines that grew on the walls. However, something with Dyani told her that the gate could take a great force before it bowed.

  Dyani's feet shuffled through the forest of life. The tower and its encompassing walls grew larger the closer she got. Her own body wanted her to go there. The closer that she drew, the more details that made themselves known. The glinting beauty of the tower was not just metals of unknown quality but glass that glittered. The glass was frosted like a snowfall's day. Dyani relaxed her body and felt the wave of soothing magic bathe over her. When she reached the gate's entrance, she found it was open.

  The moment that she stepped through the gates, the doors of the glass tower opened. A woman, swathed in silver, stepped from within. A woman she had seen before. Her hair was the purest of white, pulled together with delicate chains and jeweled pins. Its length flowed down her back and brushed the tops of her thighs. Dyani sucked in a breath as the magic wave rolled over her, igniting the magic within her blood. It was hot but cold at the same time.

  "Dyani...," the woman's voice was soft and gentle. A hand reached out for her to take.

  "Dyani!"

  The woman jerked from her position and let out a startled yelp. Around her, students snickered into her hand or outright laughed. A flush rose on her neck and she turned to the person who woke her.

  "Are you alright?"

  Her group of friends that had welcomed her in stood around with concern on their faces. It was Kavan who had spoken.

  "What? Oh! Yeah. I'm fine."

  Dyani laid her head on the book that had previously been her pillow. She felt conflicted. Who was the woman? Why did she feel both unsettled and comforted at the same time?

  "Dyani?" Mari placed a hand over hers, "I think you need to take a break."

  "No. I promise I'm fine."

  Dyani rubbed her eyes and looked at the computer that was next to her. There was a run of lines where her hand must have hit the keyboard. She sighed. Maybe she did need a break. The five teens sat down at the table, organizing her scattered papers and books. They set their things up, giving Dyani a moment to regain her composure. She smoothed her hair down and patted her face to rid herself of the sleepiness. Her arms stretched and joints popped as she moved around.

  "What are you studying?"

  Dyani paused mid-stretch to look at Jorge. He was hovering over a few books with confusion on his face.

  "Psychology."

  The table blinked at her before Noemi tapped the book with a finger, "Are you telling me that you are studying this... psychology, in addition to your normal studies?"

  Dyani rubbed the bridge of her nose, "Technically, psychology is the first study while magic is the extra. Although, things sure have flipped themselves around."

  "You're pulling two course loads?" Caleb asked incredulously.

  "Technically, I am doing more than that."

  The group stared at her and a few tables nearby that had leaned in to listen to the conversation. However, she could see that they were trying to keep some semblance of not appearing to eavesdrop.

  "How?"

  Dyani shrugged, "When you are used to doing years of college work, the material in these levels is easy to manage in addition to other things."

  Everyone around her burst into whispers, which she dutifully ignored. Her studies called her back to them. No point in stopping now. If anything, the nap that she had taken without realizing it gave her a boost of energy. Dyani pulled her books to her and got to reading the document.

  "Dyani?"

  She hummed. There was a silence before she looked up at Noemi, "Yes?"

  "Have you done any of the homework for this week or just worked on the psychology thing? What is psychology anyway?"

  Dyani stared at the blank faces around her. Even a few tables outright ignored decency and were fixated on looking at her for the answer.

  "You have been so segregated from the nonmagicals," Dyani sighed. "Psychology is the study of the mind. It's studying how it works and how it develops. There are many aspects, from childhood psychology to abnormal behavioral studies."

  "Abnormal?"

  Dyani laughed lowly at Jorge's question, "Of course, you'd focus on that one. Abnormal Psychology is about how things within the brain can cause certain behaviors. For example, serial killers are the top known aspect of Abnormal Psych."

  "Serial.. killers?" Mari squeaked.

  "Are you serious? You don't even... Of course, you don't." Dyani rubbed the bridge of her nose. There goes any form of studying because once she started in on this subject, they most likely would not drop it.

  "Serial killers are those who murder or kill. Some are considered to be psychopaths or sociopaths," Dyani shot Jorge a look when his mouth opened. "Look, they fall under different terminology but would confuse you, so I used the most known terminology. Apparently, that didn’t matter in this case."

  Dyani took a deep breath and let her head fall back so that at least she was comfortable while explaining.

  "Psychopaths are those who have antisocial behaviors. They struggle to understand the social cues and things that we usually follow. They also tend not to have a conscience about the things they do. On the downside, psychopaths can blend in because they have high intelligence and fly under the radar if you will. Sociopaths are those who struggle with the same, except that they tend to have issues with fitting in. They are the outcasts who have difficulty working with normal social behaviors. While they have a very small conscience about things they do, usually it is ignored."

  "What is radar?" Dyani's head popped up to look at the person who spoke, one of the students at another table. She looked at the horrified faces of the others around her. Of course, they would be horrified to find out about this topic. It's not the prettiest; it could be considered incredibly dark.

  "Radar is something that the nonmagicals developed. It's a technology that can detect an object, whether it is seen or not."

  There was a round of amazement. Dyani knew she would not be left alone because they would continue asking about nonmagical things.

  "As much as I want to continue, I need to get moving. There are a few people that I need to speak to about my work."

  The group nodded, though Mari and Kavan frowned. She nodded to them quietly before gathering her supplies. They helped to get her things organized and into her bag with ease. Dyani thanked them before heading out of the library. The woman took a moment to slump against the wall, the tension and stress leaving her body. Her eyes closed for a moment to breathe in the magic around her. It always soothed her when she became too wound up.

  "Dyani?"

  Her eyes opened to find the Headmistress in front of her. The woman set her on edge and the knot in her stomach coiled at the sheer sight of her.

  "Hello Headmistress. How are you today?"

  The woman smiled genially, "I am well, thank you, dear. How have you been? I know that you are still getting settled into your classes."

  "I am doing well, just getting used to the shift in the work."

  The woman nodded her head and held out her arm, "Come. Walk with me?"

  The world just did not like her today, Dyani grouched. Outwardly, she smiled at her, "Of course."

  They walked for a little while, the school students parting for them on the occasion. Dyani realized that they were headed to the Headmistress' office. The world really did not favor her kindly today. When they arrived, the Headmistress opened the door for Dyani. The woman stepped through and found a seat where she could easily see the rest of the room.

  "Tell me how your first week has gone."

  Dyani sighed and set her bag down next to her foot. She would eat her left sock if this conversation were short. Everything the Headmistress was involved in took a long time.

  "It was really informative. I spoke with each teacher, sorry Professors, about extra material to help me catch up."

  "I had heard as much. That is a wonderful initiative that you have, Dyani. I am very happy to see that you have been integrating into our world so nicely."

  The way that it was worded caused the hairs on the back of her neck to rise. She took a moment to clear her mind and meditate. It would help her to have a solid focus on the conversation instead of having her mind cluttered. There was a quick change in the Headmistress's expression while Dyani filed away to think on it later. Now, she needed to focus on how the school week went.

  "I want to be in this beautiful community. I miss my family, but this has become where I am needed."

  There was a slight twitch of the eye before the Headmistress smiled, "I know it is hard for you, dear, but you must understand how we see the situation. I am glad that you are beginning to understand the position that we are in and also helping you."

  Dyani nodded though the knot in her magic squeezed in anger. She took another deep breath and centered. Emotions in control led to magic in control. That was the first thing that the meditation books from Earth Magic had spoken of. So far, it helped her throughout this week.

  "What are you looking forward to in the coming months?"

  "Ah, I've been curious about learning more material and understanding what my classes are teaching. There are a lot of gaps but I know Master Briggens tried his best to help get me to where I could function on my own."

  The Headmistress steepled her fingers for a moment, looking deep in thought.

  "I am pleased to hear that you are taking this so seriously." She stood and pulled down a few texts. Handing them to Dyani, she smiled more genuinely. "These are some very good texts that I used when I was at your High Level. They are older but they should help you out as well."

  Dyani knew this tactic but took them anyway. "Thank you so very much. I promise to take care of them."

  "See that you do. I am such a sentimental person."

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  Dyani stood and tucked the books into her bag. "I need to head out. I have to stop at a few of the Professor's offices to drop off my assignments for the week. Thank you so much for the conversation."

  "Of course. My office is always open to you, Dyani. I know this is hard, but we appreciate your taking this seriously."

  Dyani gave her a strained smile as politely as possible before booking it out of the office. The woman skirted around a few lingering students but headed for the Professor's offices down the next hall. When she got there, Dyani sighed. Today was just too much. Maybe her friends were right. She needed a break, specifically one away from all of this.

  Each office was open and she dropped the files into their boxes. That was all that was left for the day. Now, it was time for a relaxing weekend.

  "Up."

  Dyani looked up from her book to see an older woman. At least, she was closer to Britt's age than to her. She raised an eyebrow.

  "Excuse me?"

  "I said up. Come with me."

  Dyani sat her book on her knee, "Who are you?"

  "Your new tutor. Now get up, child."

  "Excuse you, I have not been informed that there will be a new tutor. I have a very capable one in Master Briggens."

  "Quite the opposite. I am here on the orders of the Headmistress. Now do as I say and get up. Follow."

  For a brief moment, Dyani wanted to remain in her seat but other eyes were around. She sighed and set the book back on the shelf before following the woman out of the library. There goes her afternoon of relaxing.

  "You will report to me instead of Master Briggens for your tutor blocks. Since it is the weekend, I decided to give you the rundown for the coming week and the rest of the term.

  "I would have liked to have prior knowledge of the tutor switch. I do not know you and, therefore, do not trust you."

  The woman scoffed, turning so that her blonde hair whipped around her. "I could care less if you were a princess or someone that mattered. You are a student and I was hired. Your opinion on these affairs does not matter."

  "The hell it doesn't. I am of legal age. You cannot just control me as you please. I wish to work with Master Briggens and that is the end of it."

  "No, you are a child in the eyes of the Government. You have become a ward until you pass the High Levels. High Levels are required for legal adult status. That is how it works and that is how it remains. There are no exceptions and if there are arguments about this, you will find yourself with more work."

  Dyani stepped back and scowled, "I will not work with the likes of you. Tell the Headmistress to choose another. I refuse to work with you."

  The woman turned around fully and gave Dyani a hard stare. They were in the middle of the hall and drawing more attention.

  "You are acting like a child."

  "No," Dyani spat. "I am acting like an adult who is trying to be controlled and my rights taken from me."

  "Rights?" The woman laughed. "What rights, dear child? You mean the silly nonmagical document?"

  "The rights that all those of age have. If you have yet to notice, I am much older than those who are ready to graduate. We also dwell in the United States, whether magical or nonmagical. The laws of the land still apply. Meaning that I have rights."

  "Those rights are a mere paper and nothing else. They hold no magical status within our world. Listen here, girl. Listen well."

  They had drawn a crowd and Dyani felt herself on the end of some irritated stares and some understanding ones.

  "The nonmagical documents and rights do not belong here. Our Government is much older and more established than the ones that you are familiar with. Take this as you will, but you are an ignorant child who must be taught. Master Briggens has done wonderful up until now, but you need to be curbed and taught the ways of our people. Like it or not."

  "I have already begun working through texts about the culture and the government here. Do you think I am keeping myself ignorant willfully? You are expecting someone who has been in this area for three months to understand all the aspects of it. Especially since everyone seems geared to get more practical than theoretical knowledge."

  "That's why I am here, you daft girl." The woman huffed and crossed her arms, sending the onlookers glares. They ignored her in favor of the latest drama.

  "While I appreciate your dedication, I should have the right to refuse the tutoring of a self-righteous, pompous woman who believes herself to be better than others. I'd prefer to learn from someone who gives a shit more than just the wallet they are making from it."

  Dyani turned and walked away. There were mutters from the crowd as she passed them, most dealing with her having put down this woman who seemed decently high-ranking.

  "Miss Dyani."

  She stopped midstride to grimace. Of course, the Headmistress would be involved right at this time. Dyani turned to find the tutor looking smug while the Headmistress looked irritated and disappointed. The students scattered like ants, even some going as far as avoiding her with a wary look. Although one was brave enough to whisper good luck to her. She smiled at them and walked to where the two women were.

  "Headmistress. Lovely to see you today."

  "Follow me, Dyani."

  The two women turned and briskly walked to where Dyani knew the Headmistress' office was. Trying to be covert, Dyani slid her hand into the back of her pocket and pulled out her PMA. This one was not the school's and she risked getting it seen. Dyani observed the two women closely for a moment before whipping the PMA up to send off a message to Britt.

  Dyani: Headmistress. New Tutor bitch.

  This one would go to his private PMA, and she knew that he would have it on him for emergencies. She only hoped that he was not in the middle of something.

  Dropping the device into her back pocket, Dyani reluctantly walked behind the two. She caught sight of Jorge walking around the corner to the offices. He glanced up to see that she was being led to the offices with the two women. The look on his face was shock and then concern. Dyani waved him off subtly, but if anything, that deepened his concern. He passed the two women with a kind greeting before his expression changed to concern. She mouthed 'tutor' and 'Britt' to him, hoping that he could get to Britt if the message had not.

  Jorge nodded and sped up his pace, disappearing around the corner. She knew he had broken out into a full run to try and find Master Briggens.

  The door was opened and Dyani was the last to follow in. They settled into the chairs in front of the Headmistress' desk. Although Dyani pointedly took one further away from the woman and sat with her arms crossed.

  "I'm severely disappointed with your behavior, Dyani. We had a nice conversation last weekend in regard to your studies.

  "I agree that it was a nice conversation, Headmistress. I fail to see why there is a change within my schedule now."

  The woman steepled her fingers and stared at Dyani with a hard look. "I believe that you have worked with Master Briggens to the best of his ability. Now that he has returned to his normal duties, I have taken the time to overlook the schedule that was set for you. I believe bringing in an outside tutor will help your studies progress where you want them to go. Master Briggens is now busy with the main schooling and his attention is divided. With Mistress Welan, I believe that your studies can be better suited for fast learning. She has graciously given her time to tutor you."

  Dyani scoffed, "The past two weeks of school have been going very well. I've begun advancing in the classes with the extra materials given. The blank areas in my knowledge are being filled and Master Briggens is there whenever I need him. He has yet to say that the time for me to come to him is cut short."

  "Of course, he wouldn't express that to you, girl. He is a Master and a teacher. He will not admit to something like that to a child."

  Dyani growled, "I have told you multiple times. I am an adult who retains my rights. I am asking for respect, not to be called or referred to as a child or girl. I am neither of those and have lived as an adult for many years now. Please respect that and I will give you some modicum of respect in return."

  "Dyani!' The Headmistress snapped. "You are to respect those who have earned their titles."

  "I beg to differ. Just because there is respect for a title does not mean that I will respect them outside of a teaching setting. Right now, we are outside a teaching setting. If I am to have a say, which I will as an adult, then there will be no teaching setting in the future."

  There was a knock at the door. The Headmistress sighed and sat back in her chair, "Come in."

  "You would not believe how fast word spreads around here." Britt strolled through the door with his hands in his pockets. "Oh, Mistress Welan. How wonderful to see you. It's been a while."

  Britt took the woman's hand and kissed the top of it. Dyani felt a flare of jealousy flare in the pit of her stomach. Britt turned and looked at Dyani. "Oh, Dyani, you're here as well. This makes this easier."

  Britt settled into a chair beside Dyani and crossed his legs regally. The smile on his face was very polite, but Dyani could feel the undercurrent. He was very angry at the situation.

  "So what brings my student here today? As her tutor, I hope to be performing well enough. She handles herself well and quickly catches up to the others with her education.”

  The Headmistress' smile tightened. Dyani wanted to laugh but had to swallow it so the situation would not worsen. The corner of Britt's lip twitched.

  "You have been doing admirably, Britt. You may be overwhelmed between your normal teaching schedule and Dyani's. She needs a heavy hand in her tutoring to get her up to speed. I worry that you are taking on too much and she's suffering, or worse, your classes are suffering."

  "That is very kind of you to worry about me, Headmistress. Things are running quite smoothly. If anything, Dyani has me reworking her schedule often enough due to skipping ahead. It's only been two weeks, so we'll have to base our understanding of her learning within that short time frame."

  Mistress Welan's jaw jumped as the woman's face set into a hard stare. Dyani knew at that moment that it was not just the Headmistress who had sent her but also the Government. Dyani realized that this was deeper than she had thought. The knowledge alone sent a chill down her spine. This was controlled at the topmost bit. Underneath, there was something more to it that she couldn't see. There was no context for her to base any ideas on. Dyani’s stomach dropped. This was serious and she hadn't taken it as seriously as she should have. First, she needed to weasel herself out of this situation. Then, she would work on improving her work.

  "I understand where you are coming from, Master Briggens, but it has been clear from my first meeting with Dyani that some aspects of our culture need to be taught. Things that cannot come just from books." Blonde hair swiped over the shoulder with a flick of her wrist. The Headmistress nodded her agreement.

  Britt frowned heavily at the insinuation. Dyani would ask him later as he was more informed on these than she was. As it was, he leaned forward, and his body tensed.

  "I take insult to what you are insinuating. Miss Dyani is the student who was assigned to me. This comes from the President himself when he came here. I was chosen because she showed the most comfort and aptitude for learning from me. I don't know who hired you or why you have come, but I take grave insult upon my profession with this."

  Britt stood up and held out a hand to Dyani. She stood with contempt and shouldered her bag.

  "I am taking my student and we are leaving. She has been placed under my watch, therefore, I am doing that job to the best of both of our abilities. Now, if you excuse us, I will work with her on adapting her schedule for better results that you think should exist."

  They walked to the door with Britt keeping himself between the two women and Dyani. She was out the door with Britt stopping in the doorframe.

  "Do not think that I will not inform the proper channels of this breech in not only my teaching honor but that interference is being done."

  The door slammed shut and Britt shuffled her away as fast as he could. The walk to his office was silent, but thankful that it was further away from the Headmistress' office. They arrived after about ten minutes of casual walking. It was enough time for Dyani to collect her thoughts. Her hands shook slightly as the adrenaline from the first confrontation wore off.

  The sight of his office was a welcome one. Her group of friends were there, some even pacing back and forth. When they caught sight of her, they ran up to the two.

  "Are you okay? We were worried when Jorge told us he saw you go to the Headmistress’ office."

  "I am fine, Mari. I promise. I got into an altercation with this woman who tried to assert herself as my new tutor."

  Dyani crossed her arms and scowled at the thought of the woman.

  "New tutor? You haven’t gotten any notification about that."

  "That's the issue and I will be addressing that with some people," Britt interjected. The group looked relieved. "Now, with that, I will be taking Dyani for a while to discuss some things. Thank you for coming to get me."

  Jorge nodded and the others left to go about their schedules. Britt's hand was gentle as he guided her through the door. She sat down and let out a long sigh. Her head found itself in her hands, feeling the anxiety of the situation set in. There was a hand on her shoulder and she looked up.

  "Dyani," Britt kneeled next to her. "I heard what happened in the hall from some students. I was on my way looking for you when I came across Mr. Nerwind."

  Dyani broke down. It was one thing for her to be strong and stand her guard, but it was another to fight for her rights. She has never had to deal with this sort of situation. Britt caught her in his arms and stroked her hair while she tried to breathe through the tears.

  "I am here. I promised you that I would take care of you and make sure that you are safe. I promised your father as well. Your family knows what is happening; I will make sure of it. Just breath. I'll take care of the situation."

  Dyani nodded and pulled herself together, sitting back in the chair. She hated the weakness. It frustrated her. It was all that she had been through the past three months.

  "Stop thinking like that."

  Dyani's head whipped up, "What?"

  "Stop being frustrated with yourself. You have been through enough and constantly having to deal with this is not helping you to move on. You're still getting accustomed to things."

  "It's not enough. It's never enough for them, Britt, is it?"

  The man sighed and sat beside her, taking one of her hands in his. His long blonde hair draped over his shoulder and covered his fair. It obscured his expression but Dyani knew that he was just as irritated and resigned as she was.

  "No. Unfortunately. We cannot do much but work as fast as you can handle."

  Dyani nodded and squeezed his hand.

  "What was with the woman back there? I know the Government wants their hands on me and it's only because I am not aware of things that they have backed off. Headmistress has insinuated as much."

  Britt groaned and stood up, "There's a lot of history and things packed into that. We have to be very, very careful when teaching you certain topics. I will add discussions to your schedule about the current politics."

  The handsome blond turned around and leaned over Dyani. His voice was low as he spoke, "Dyani, this is very dangerous to teach about. I will teach you but we have to be very careful. There is a lot of political turmoil and suppression, things that can cause many deaths. Please let me teach you or come to me with questions. Don't go to others and do not mention anything other than that I am teaching you Law and Politics based upon the Government's will. Swear to me this, Dyani. It is the only thing I will ask of you right now."

  She nodded but kept her mouth shut. The magic swirled around them but she wouldn't voice it out loud, at least not in terms that were so limiting.

  "I promise that I will come to you with questions, Britt. But know that I will also ask for their teachings if there is a trusted source. I need to know that it's not just a biased side to the situation. Not that I don't trust you with my life," she added at the slight flash of hurt. "You have to understand that I am in a place without context or understanding. I wasn't born here, so I do not know what is considered taboo, whether it is the positive or wrong side. I have no framework to work from."

  Britt nodded and accepted her promise, "I understand. I wouldn’t ask you to take my word unless you could find other sources to confirm it. I would be worried if you did."

  Dyani stood up and placed a hand on his arm, "Britt. Please know that you have my trust and I know you only want to help. I didn't mean to insult you."

  He smoothed the side of his face and nodded. His eyes were bright when they connected with her. A hand brushed her cheek very lightly before jerking away. Britt strolled around to the other side of his desk and cleared his throat.

  "We need to rework your schedule. Let's have one that the Government and the Headmistress will see and one that is just for us. It will overlap but there will be additions for only us. That schedule will be on your personal PMA. How does that sound?"

  Dyani smirked.