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Earlier, before the train, before the long walk toward Corinthia Manor, Soren had stopped where he always did. The cemetery was quiet at that hour. He preferred it that way. Less curious eyes. Less chance of someone interrupting what still felt like a conversation, even if he was the only one speaking. He knelt beside the modest headstone, brushing a few fallen leaves away. Caelia Virelle. The sight still hurt every time.

[color=darkviolet]“Hi, Mum.”[/color] He said softly. [color=darkviolet]“I’m going today. They’re… different, apparently. They don’t want us hiding. They think magic should be nurtured.”[/color] He let out a small breath that fogged in front of him. [color=darkviolet]“You would’ve liked that, I think. You always said magic isn’t something we cage. It’s something we care for.”[/color]

There was silence as Soren collected his thoughts. [color=darkviolet]“I don’t know if I belong there yet.”[/color] he admitted. [color=darkviolet]“But I want to try. I think… I think I need to. I just wish you could see this part. I wish you could tell me if I’m making the right choice.”[/color]

After a moment, he set a small wrapped parcel beside the headstone. Sweet biscuits she used to love, then stood, brushing dirt from his knees. [color=darkviolet]“I’ll take everything you taught me. I promise. I’ll tell you how it goes.”[/color] Then, he turned away, and headed for the manor. For the first time in months, he felt like he wasn’t leaving her behind.

—-

Soren lingered outside the iron gate, staring up at the manor longer than he meant to. It was beautiful in a quiet understated way. Old stone, tall windows, the kind of place you read about in fantasy novels. It looked a little lonely too. Not exactly what he’d imagined when he heard whispers about a revolutionary Coven. Somehow, that made it better. Less intimidating, more real.

His grip tightened on his satchel strap. Six months without his mother still didn’t feel real. The Elders had told him to suppress his magic after she died. For his protection, they said. He’d tried. It felt wrong, like he was suffocating. 

He took a breath to calm himself, and pushed the gate open. [color=darkviolet]“I’m really hoping this isn’t a terrible idea…”[/color] He murmured to himself. [color=darkviolet]“I came all this way… I even brought snacks!”[/color] The joke landed flat, but at least it kept his nerves from spiraling completely.

He stepped inside, and looked around, nervous. [color=darkviolet]“Hi… um… I’m Soren… I hope I’m not too early… Or too late…”[/color]