When they reached home, Ellara excused herself and went to her room. She needed some time to think and plan her next steps. She had barely settled onto her bed when she heard her mother calling her.
"Ellara! Come down here, please!"
Sighing, she got up and made her way downstairs. She could hear voices in the living room, her mother's and her brother's, and an unfamiliar male voice. As she entered the room, she saw her family talking to a tall, imposing man with sharp features and elegant attire. He had an air of nobility, with his finely tailored coat and the emblem of a prominent house embroidered on his chest. His dark hair was neatly groomed, and his eyes held a piercing intelligence.
"Ah, Ellara," her mother said, smiling nervously. "This is Lord Alistair de Montague. He's come to see you."
Ellara's eyes widened. She recognized the name immediately. Alistair de Montague was the headmaster of the prestigious Arcane Academy of Elaria, a renowned institution known for training some of the greatest mages and warriors in the land. She had written him as a strong, capable, and kind character in her story.
"Lord Montague," Ellara said, bowing slightly out of respect.
"Please, just Alistair will do," he replied, his voice smooth and confident. "I've heard remarkable things about you, Ellara. Your display at the church has not gone unnoticed."
Ellara's heart skipped a beat. She had hoped to keep a low profile, but it seemed her extraordinary potential had already drawn attention.
"I appreciate your interest," she began cautiously, "but—"
"I understand," Alistair interrupted gently. "You might be hesitant, but consider this: joining the Arcane Academy could greatly benefit you and your family. You wouldn't need to worry about costs; we would provide a full scholarship. Your talent deserves proper training."
Ellara felt a surge of frustration. She knew where this conversation was heading, and it was a path she wanted to avoid. The Arcane Academy was where the main plot of her unfinished novel unfolded, filled with intrigue, danger, and powerful adversaries. She had no desire to be thrust into that storyline.
"I don't—" she started again, but her mother cut in.
"Ellara, this could be a wonderful opportunity for you," Marianne said, her eyes full of hope. "You'd have a chance to learn and grow in ways that aren't possible here."
Thomas nodded in agreement. "You have a gift, Ellara. This is your chance to make something of it."
Ellara looked at their hopeful faces and felt a pang of guilt. They didn't understand the true nature of the world she had created. They saw only the opportunity, not the potential dangers.
"Thank you for the offer, Alistair," she said, trying to find a way to decline politely. "But I need time to think about it."
"Of course," Alistair said, though his eyes hinted at persistence. "I will be staying in the village for a few days. Please, take your time to consider my offer. This is a significant decision, and I want you to feel confident in your choice."
Ellara nodded, relieved to have a temporary reprieve. "Thank you."
Alistair bowed slightly and took his leave, promising to return in a few days for her decision. As soon as he was out of earshot, Marianne turned to Ellara, her expression a mix of excitement and concern.
"Ellara, this is such a great opportunity," she said. "Why are you hesitating?"
Ellara took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Mother, there's more to this than you realize. The Academy is... it's a place where a lot happens. Dangerous things. I just don't know if I'm ready for that."
Marianne's face softened. "I understand your concerns, but you can't let fear hold you back. This is your chance to make a real difference, to use your gifts for something greater."
Thomas nodded. "We'll support you, no matter what. But you have to think about your future. Staying here might not be the best use of your potential."
Ellara felt a wave of conflicting emotions. She wanted to protect her family and herself from the dangers she knew awaited at the Academy, but she also couldn't ignore the opportunities it presented.
"I'll think about it," she said finally. "I promise."
That night, Ellara lay awake, her mind racing with possibilities and fears. She knew she couldn't avoid the Academy forever. The plot she had written was bound to unfold with or without her, and she needed to be prepared. The next morning, she decided to take a walk to clear her mind. She wandered through the village, greeting familiar faces and taking in the peaceful scenery. As she walked, she thought about the characters she had created, the challenges they faced, and the growth they experienced. She had written the story with the intention of exploring strength, resilience, and the power of choice.
Returning home, she found her mother and brother waiting for her.
"Have you made a decision?" Marianne asked gently.
Ellara nodded slowly. "Yes. I'll go to the Academy."
Her mother's face lit up with relief and pride, while Thomas clapped her on the back.
"That's the right choice, Ellara," he said. "You'll do great things."
Ellara forced a smile, though her mind was still filled with uncertainty. She knew this was the beginning of a challenging journey, but she also knew she couldn't avoid her destiny forever.
A few days later, Alistair returned, and this time she accepted his offer.
"Very well," Alistair said with a nod of approval. He handed her a letter. "School begins in a week. Prepare your belongings, and we shall depart soon."
Ellara took the letter, but her resolve hardened. "I won't go anywhere without my brother and my mother," she said firmly.
Alistair looked taken aback for a moment but quickly regained his composure. "Your family is welcome to visit the Academy, but the accommodation is strictly for students."
Marianne stepped forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "Ellara, you know we can't leave Brookhaven. This is our home, our life."
Thomas nodded in agreement. "We have responsibilities here, Ellara. The mill, the farm... we can't just abandon everything."
Ellara shook her head, her determination unwavering. "I understand that, but I can't do this alone. I need you both with me, at least until I settle in."
Marianne sighed, looking at Alistair. "Is there any way we could accompany her, even temporarily?"
Alistair considered this for a moment. "The journey to the Academy is not a short one, and it would be a significant change for all of you. However, I can arrange for you to stay in the nearby town of Riverwood. It's close enough to the Academy that you can visit Ellara regularly."
Ellara's face softened with relief. "That would be perfect. Please, mother, Thomas, come with me. Just until I get used to everything."
Thomas looked at Marianne, who hesitated before nodding. "Alright, Ellara. We'll come with you, but only for a while. We can't leave Brookhaven forever."
Ellara smiled, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you."
Alistair clapped his hands together. "Very well, it's settled then. Prepare your belongings. We will leave in three days."
The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. Ellara, Marianne, and Thomas packed their essential belongings, saying their goodbyes to friends and neighbors. The villagers, though sad to see them go, were supportive and encouraging.
On the morning of their departure, a carriage awaited them at the edge of the village. Alistair stood beside it, overseeing the loading of their luggage. Ellara hugged her friends tightly, promising to write and visit whenever possible.
As they climbed into the carriage, Marianne looked around the village one last time. "It's strange to leave, even if only for a little while," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
Thomas nodded, his expression somber. "Brookhaven will always be our home, but this is important for Ellara."
Ellara squeezed their hands. "Thank you for doing this for me. I promise I'll make you proud."
Marianne smiled, though her eyes were moist with unshed tears. "We know you will, Ellara."
The carriage started moving, and they waved goodbye to their neighbors. The journey ahead was long, but Ellara felt a sense of comfort knowing her family was with her. She looked out of the window, watching the familiar landscape fade away, replaced by new and unknown horizons.
Novel Bin 