The next morning felt... strangely quiet. For the first time in years, I woke up without Zeshia yanking my blanket off or shaking me awake like I was some kind of alarm clock. The silence was unfamiliar. I blinked against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains—until a cheerful voice broke through it.
"Rise and shine, Zenith! It's a beautiful morning!" came a sing-song voice from across the room.
I groaned, burying my face in the pillow. So much for peace.
I lifted my head slightly to see Vivi—Vivera Vermilion—already bouncing around the room. Her fiery red hair was tied into a high ponytail that swished with every enthusiastic step she took. She was humming, talking to herself as she adjusted her outfit in the mirror.
"You're way too energetic for six in the morning," I mumbled, sitting up and running a hand through my messy silver hair.
"Oh no! Did I wake you?" she gasped, putting her hands on her cheeks with exaggerated guilt. "I'm so sorry! I just get excited on the first day of anything."
I sighed. "It's fine. I've woken up to worse."
She tilted her head curiously. "Worse like... explosions?"
"Worse like Zeshia sitting on me with a bucket of water," I muttered.
Vivi giggled. "Ah. The famous twin. You talk about her a lot."
I didn't realize I had. "She's... hard not to talk about."
We both got dressed in the academy uniform, which, thankfully, had customizable styles. I preferred a practical look—white button-up shirt with elbow-length sleeves, a mini black skirt, and the embroidered silk white stockings Aunt Novine had gifted us. I slipped on simple black shoes and pulled on the black academy overcoat bearing the school insignia.
Vivi, on the other hand, went with a more elegant style—flowy skirt, sleeveless blouse with a high collar, and delicate gold embroidery near the hem. She looked like someone who belonged at a royal court, not an academy hallway.
As we brushed our hair, we sat by the mirror and talked.
"So... what's it like being raised by Aunt Banncia?" Vivi asked, her tone softer now, genuinely curious.
I thought for a moment. "Quiet. She's not overly affectionate, but she... she cares. Zeshia and I were happy. We didn't need anything else."
"Sounds comforting," Vivi said with a smile. "Mom—Novine—is... well, she loves me, but she's a duchess. There's always people around. Always expectations."
"You handle it well," I said honestly.
She laughed. "Thanks. I fake it like a professional."
Just as we stepped out into the hallway, we nearly bumped into a pair exiting the door next to ours. I froze.
"You have got to be kidding me."
Zeshia blinked. "Wait. Room 13? We're right next door?"
Talia raised an eyebrow, grinning. "Well, well. Looks like fate wanted to keep the chaos contained."
I gestured to Vivi. "This is Vivera Vermilion. Daughter of Aunt Novine. She's... our cousin."
Talia's eyes lit up. "Vivi? Oh! We met once at a palace banquet, didn't we?"
"Yep!" Vivi smiled. "You were the girl sneaking extra pastries into your purse."
"Shh!" Talia laughed, elbowing her. "That's classified."
We walked down the hall together, chatting as we went.
"I'm taking Swordsmanship and Practical Magic," Zeshia said, cracking her knuckles.
"Same," Talia added. "Sword over spell for me."
"I'm going for Magic Theory and Practical," I said. "Less punching, more precision."
Vivi chimed in, "I've got Spirit Magic and Practical. Spirit magic needs a separate branch—it's more of a bonding process with elemental spirits. Sensitive stuff."
"It suits you," I said. "You're gentle."
"Until someone messes with my hair," she joked.
At the fork in the path, we paused—our classes were in different buildings.
"Guess this is where we split," Talia said, giving a short wave.
Zeshia looked at me, her expression unreadable for a moment—then she smiled. "See you later, sis."
"You too," I said, watching her walk off with Talia.
Vivi nudged me gently. "Don't worry. We'll survive the day. Together."