My brain stopped working but it was thinking about a lot of things at the same time. I started overthinking about the grey dog, connecting it to Woreus like Reilly suggested but then I shook my head and told myself to stop thinking about ridiculous scenarios. There is no way some powerful ancient god was following me as a dog, enjoying eating food scraps and the belly rubs I gave him. I laugh at the thought and Reilly joins me. She closed the book and then handed it to me. I took it and wanted to go put it on my desk but the moment I stood up, then wine got to me, making me woozy and I drop down on the couch. Reilly just giggles as she gulps up her wine and tells me to go lie down. She didn't need to tell me twice and I stood up again, slower this time and waddled to my bed. I plopped down on the soft matrace and reached down for my boots. Unzipping them on the side, I slide the black boots of my feet and sneaked under my blanket. I was warmed up by the wine and the soft white wool of my sweater, then dozed off pretty fast. I thought that I will have that dream about blue light again but the alcohol must have turned my brain all mushy because I dreamed about walking in a forest. I've met this white wolf and then talked to it. All the words I said were plain gibberish and I couldn't understand anything.

I woke up feeling rested very well despite the throbbing headache that suddenly kicked in as I sit up on my bed. It was already pitch dark outside and also in the room. Reilly was spread like a starfish on her bed, her hair all messy and covering her face, her right leg hanging down from the bed. I chuckled at the sight of her and then walked to the bathroom to freshen up. I turned the faucet on and grabbed water with my hands, splashing it on my face. I let water drip down from my face while I leaned against the sink and looked into the mirror. I dried myself with the towel and then decided to take a quick shower. I walked back into the room, tip-toeing like a ninja to not wake up Reilly while I grab my big towel.

Undressing myself, I drop the sweater and jeans on the ground next to the bath but make my way into the shower. I close the half see-through door behind me and turn the shower on. I let water fall on me and played around with the knobs to change the water temperature. I've settled with something between cold and luke-warm. I was turning around, letting water hit all spots of my body and on my hair. Closing my eyes, I enjoyed the feeling of water dropls cooling me down and fighting the headache. It was the best feeling ever but sadly I cannot stay inside the shower forever so I turned the knobs to turn off water and left to dry myself. I brush the towel against my legs and arms, my shoulders and then I tie it around my body. I was on my way out of the bathroom when I caught a glance of me in the mirror and saw a blue light shimmer coming from behind me. I turned around to see if there is something behind me but I didn't see anything. The light was still shining and creating an aura around me so I turned once more. Again, saw nothing behind me but this time I glanced over my shoulder as I was turning back to face the mirror and I've finally found the source of the light. I saw something glowing on my body. I grabbed my left shoulder and turned my head to try and see what it is. I couldn't see it properly so I spun on the spot and glared on my back in the mirror. Some weird drawings and letters were written on my upper back and glowed in a bright blue light. I screamed and kept checking in the mirror. Suddenly Reilly bursted into the bathroom, her hair disheveled and she was holding a sword, ready to slash someone.

Reilly: What is it? What happened?

Me: I don't know. There is something on my back.

I looked at Reilly who lowered the sword in her hand and quickly walked towards me. She grabbed my shoulder and tilted her head a little bit to to take a peek. Then she straightened her body and looked me right into my eyes as she told me there is nothing. I was still confused and scared a little bit but I looked into the mirror once more and she was right. The thing disappeared from my back. I rubbed my eyes and then pressed my arms to my chest to support the towel and calm down. Reilly only grunted and then tossed the sword over her shoulder as she walked out of the bathroom and went back to bed. I didn't know if it was the headache playing games with me but I could swear that it was real. I definitely saw a weird shining tattoo appear on my back but I was also still tired. I did wake up in the middle of the night. Shaken up by the situation I make my way to the closet to pick something more comfortable and then go try sleep again. I didn't know if I am going to be able to do it after what I saw and didn't have any explanation for it. I needed some sort of reassurance so I asked Reilly if she has any idea what it was.

Me: Could be some sort of prank? Like someone conjuring a tattoo to get me kick out of the school for having it or something... I don't know.

Reilly: I didn't see anything. So I don't know what it was you think you saw. But I doubt it was any of the demigods. You know the rules of the conjuring and the demigod powers, even though you don't seem to be falling into that category.

Me: I didn't make it up, Reilly, I swear to god. To gods? Can I swear on them?

Reilly: You got pretty drunk from the wine so it could be just that. Or one of your friends from Aveus could be having fun and teasing you.

Me: They would never do that!

Reilly: Sure.

I yelled at Reilly who muttered a short answer to me as she was cleaning up her sword, sliding it into its' sheath and then putting it into the corner, making the sword lean against the wall. I didn't mean to snap at her so I apologized. She didn't say anything and just slid under her blanket, tossing it over her and lying down with her back turned to me. I called her name once but no answer. But maybe she could be right. I wanted her to be right because if this is just some prank the girls form Ossilor dorm room did while they are bored and wanted to grab my attention, it would put my mind at ease. It was better explanation rather than something else unexplainable about my powers. I didn't waste time with the clothes. Picked out my usual sleeping attire, which is plain white baggy T-shirt and grey sweatpants, and then walked to my desk. I turned on my little desk lamp and then shuffled through the mess of books and papers on the table. I took the stack of squared yellow sticky notes and grabbed a pen. I wrote down a message, asking if they did a tattoo prank on me, and then send it to Skylar using the communication spell. I waited for a few minutes to see if they are still awake and if I'll get a reply. Nothing. Maybe she and Solya are already asleep. I wrote another note and send it to Lucy this time, hoping the girls in the other room are awake. But again, no reply from them. I sighed and turned off the lamp. I lifted my legs and placed my feet on the chair. I hugged my knees and rested my head on them, sitting in the dark room for a little bit. Why is there even more now about me that I need to figure out? How long until I can control my powers and leave? I was staring at Reilly's back, holding back my tears. I didn't know if she is asleep again or not. I could only hear her soft breathing inside our room and the voice inside my head that was yapping so much. The colder air made me shiver and chills ran down my arms. I gave up on the brooding in the chair and moved to sit on my bed instead. I sat in the same position as I did in the chair but I covered myself with my blanket which I tossed around my back and then hugged the sides of it in front of me. I bundled my body and then held my legs tight. I was scared of what might that tattoo thing might be. If it's dangerous or not. I couldn't fall asleep nor I didn't want to just in case some weird power will blast out of me while I am uncounscious and hits Reilly. So I just sat on my bed in silence and looked out the window from my spot. I watched the room being illuminated by the light of the moon and then they sky turned from its' darkness to shades of early grey blue. Any other time I would be bored out of my mind but this time, my mind was keeping me occupied. I was creating a plan of what to do during the day. Where to go looking for answers or who should I ask. I didn't want to bother Mr. Hale with this so I might just go into the library and search for a book on mystical tattoos or something. Or I would get in touch with the girls, maybe even Young, and ask them if they know anything about it or heard something during their studies. Lost in my plans, I didn't know how much time has passed. Only realized that it's already dawn because the sky played in different shades of orange, red and yellow between hues of blue, and then sun popped out from behind the corner of the building, hitting my toes that were peeking from under my blanket and kissed them with warmth. I heard Reilly shuffle in her bed so I looked at her but she only turned from one side to another and continued sleeping. I couldn't bear it any longer and I needed some answers, fast. I crawled out of my blanket cocoon and went straight into the closet. My range of warmer clothes was very limited. I opted for a long-sleeved white turtle neck, my usual pair of jeans and the same ankle boots I had yesterday, which I had to go get them barefoot through my room because I left them next to my bed. I sat down on the edge of my bed and slid my feet into the boots. Then I jumped up and walked to my desk. I swiftly took my secret notebook, pens and pencils that I could find in the mess and chugged them into my backpack that was sitting on the ground next to my table. I didn't waste any more time and left the dorm room while Reilly still seemed to be still in her dreams.

I walked down the stairs from the dormitories and made my way to the library. I didn't know if it's even going to be open or not but I had to try. I thought I would be cold, wearing only a thin turtle neck but I could sense the air being warmer than usual. The heat was radiating from the floor. I walked closer to the wall and pressed my hand against it and it was warm too. Were they using some normal heating system with steam or burning coal, or was it a spell? I didn't care much about which one it is but enjoyed the nice warmth as I was walking through the school while brushing my palm against the walls. It didn't last long though because I was now facing the endless staircase I needed to take to descend to the lowest floor where the library is. My hand was kissed with the bite of air that was relatively warm but it was colder than the walls. I let my hand fall down next to my body and then walked to the edge of the first stair. I reached for the railing to support myself, just in case I slip, and also because these stairs are going to kill my legs or my lungs one day. Every time I've walked down these stairs, I needed to either walk slowly or take breaks in order for me to be not puffing like an old lady. My palm touched the wooden top that covered the iron railing while my fingers hugged the sides of it. It was warm too, same as the walls. So the heat must be a spell then. I chuckled and I didn't know why it made me so happy but I welcomed the heat that was coming from the railing and embraced it fully with my hand as I made the first step and then continued walking down. I was halfway there when I need to take a break and catch my breath. Maybe some exercises with Reilly wouldn't hurt. I swore at myself in my head for turning down Reilly's offer to work out with her every time. I hate sweating and I didn't really need muscles for fighting or something like that but a better stamina would be actually helpful. I noted to myself mentally that I should join Reilly next time and maybe that will even help mend this little fight that we had. Which I didn't really consider a fight because I only yelled at her but Reilly seemed to be pissed at me for that and I didn't want to leave it like that. Later though. She will probably even laugh at me for finally deciding to join her, but that's for later. Now I needed to figure out if this thing was just some sort of a prank or if it was real and if it's dangerous or not. I started moving again when I got jumped by a piece of paper appearing in front of me. My body jolted and I almost slipped on the stairs. Luckily I grabbed the railing harder and supported myself before I would roll down like an avalanche and break my bones or my neck. My breaths were rapid and my heart was pumping inside my chest, ready to jump out through my mouth. I pressed my right hand against the thumping heart and held it tight, trying to calm down while grabbing onto the railing with my other arm. The backpack slid from my shoulder and plopped down on the marble stair, one down under the one I was standing on, right next to the paper that dropped there too. My arm was tangled within the strap of the backpack but I reached for the piece of parchment that was lying on the stair and picked it up, then slid my arm out of the strap and left my bag on the stair while I took a seat on another one. I unfolded the paper and it revealed a message from Skylar, asking me what did I mean by the message I sent them and she found herself waking up with it sticking to her face. I didn't want to reply to her here so I quickly picked up my stuff and then continued to walk to the library.

All huffy-puffy, I managed to get in front of the library entrance and tried to soften my heavy breaths. I didn't know if I should knock or something. So I only grabbed the door handle and tried to open the door. The library was already opened, or maybe they don't even close it at all, so I went inside. It was quiet. There was no one inside at this time. No students, neither any of the librarians. I took one last deep breath, taking in the smell of the books, its' paper mixed with leather. I wasn't sure where to start looking for some book about tattoos and there was no one that would point me in the right direction. But the girls were already up, at least Skylar was, so I decided to reply to her message first. I picked one of the library tables that was closest to me and seated myself. I took out my secret half notebook half diary and tore out a page to send an answer to Skylar. I wrote her not to worry about it and then wanted to go browse the books in the library but I got an immediate answer from her asking where I am and that they will help me. It would be better with more eyes and hands to search through the books and since the libraries are mirrored, all the books here should be there as well. I wrote Skylar that I am in the Umbras library and that I will go to the Aveus side and explain everything in person. I packed up and then proceeded to leave the library and cross academies. But I stopped in the lobby and wondered if I should use the pass and go through the barrier door or use the cafeteria crossing. This wasn't official business with Professor Coldos and I wasn't sure if he gets notified when I pass or something so I decided to cross through the cafeteria doorway. I walked towards the dining hall and was welcomed by the smell of food being cooked. It had a hint of spiciness in it. Maybe some Mexican food will be presented for today's lunches. I never realized how early the chefs must start the cooking and then pack everything for the whole school. It was still barely after 7am and the chefs were in full work spree. I entered the cafeteria and was met with a kind smile of the cashier lady standing behind the counter, and also the muffled sounds of kitchen utensils clanging against each other, plates cluttering and voices of someone, who is a head chef I would guess, telling others what to do. I was never here this early so I have never encountered this but seeing and hearing this chatter and liveliness of the people warmed up my body like the spell that is heating up the school for us. Since I was already here and the girls agreed to help me out, or at least Skylar so far as I know, I should buy something small we can eat for breakfast. Especially since my stomach grumbled in protest after smelling that nice spicy aroma. I checked my backpack only to find out that I have left my wallet in my room. I scavenged all of my pockets and nooks around the bag to gather some spare change. I barely managed to get around fifteen dollars worth of coins and bills I had stashed in by bag. It wasn't enough for the Umbras cafeteria but Aveus was so much cheaper and I had to buy a lot just in case all the girls will join me. I smiled at the cashier lady who only nodded in response and then I passed to the other school half. The atmosphere was busy the same way as it is on the other side but it still felt different. The richness that was seeping from the Umbras cafeteria was gone and now it looked much more "mundane". I liked that about the Aveus side. Despite the building being built in older styles and that it is a magic school, it felt somewhat more down to earth. The only thing rich around this place was the aroma coming from the kitchen hidden somewhere in the back. It was a different food being prepared but it still smelled amazing. The cashier lady at this side greeted me with a similar smile and I made my way to the stack of freshly baked goods. They had many different kinds, not as many as at Umbras, but still a good variety. I chose a few of each – chocolate muffins, raisin cookies, jam filled croissants and a bunch of beignets. All closely in price under my budget which didn't leave me much for drinks so I only grabbed one heated can of tea from the vending machine. I paid for the food I chose as a present and as a breakfast and then left to wait for Skylar in front of the library. I was standing in front of the library door, this time they lead into the Aveus library, hugging the still warm baked goods, when a familiar voice called my name. I turned around to see girls coming down the stairs. Almost all of them except for Lucy and Crimen. Skylar left the group and ran up to me, jumping and trying to hug me, but I managed to free one of my hands to stop her before she crushes the food I was holding and still didn't drop any of it. She realized that and then giggled as she greeted me. Eventually the rest of the girls caught up with us and we stood in a tight small circle in front of the library. Skylar pointed out the food I was holding with a grin on her face. She assessed the amount and knew I bought it not just for myself but also for them and she was ready to dig into it. I was getting hungrier by the second and I haven't talked with the girls in a while so I could put the search on hold for a little bit. Maybe while talking to them I will come to a different thoughts and won't think about the tattoo that much. I offered them the baked goods, saying I bought it for everyone as a thanks for helping me out and that we should go eat it while it's still warm. The girls agreed and said I didn't have to trouble myself though. I only smiled and then asked where we should go. I did brought muffins to the Umbras library back then when we were browsing books for The hunt so I don't think it's against the rules even though maybe it was too busy that time for the librarians to scold me for it. Solya agreed that we probably shouldn't be eating in the library but Skylar jumped in and said that it's still early and the librarians won't be there. If we eat it quick and don't make any mess, we should be fine. I was hesitant about breaking a rule and earning another strike but Skylar turned it into some adventure and was actually happy to be sneaky about doing something "forbidden". I sighed but she was holding my upper arm, shaking it and pleading like a little kid that she wants to eat those delicious looking croissants with a spice of danger of getting caught. Then I gave in to her little childish play and said that we need to be quick about it. She giggled and then skipped towards the door, then entered the library. We all followed her as she picked one of the tables and then sat ourselves around. I placed the food on the table and Solya helped me spread it around meanwhile Skylar has already snatched one of the croissants and munched on it. Kisha gave her a look but Skylar didn't mind it. With her cheeks stuffed like a squirrel she only looked back at Kisha and had that What?! look on her face. I chuckled and my mind calmed down a little bit. I didn't know how much I've missed the girls and hanging out with them. Chanti noticed there were no drinks besides my can so she offered to go buy some more. We all thanked her and then started to eat the food I've brought. Skylar was like a digging into it like crazy so Kisha quickly snatched a few pieces and saved them for Chanti which returned pretty fast with a bag of bottles and cans in her arms. She placed it down when she reached our table and everyone picked their drink. I did have mine but she bought me another one. The girls asked me about being at Umbras, if there are any cuties to date around there, to which I only rolled my eyes and took a bite of the beignet. So did Skylar but she must have breathe in wrong and then choked on the sugar coating. She started coughing and then all the powder sugar that covered the top of the beignet went flying right into our faces. We started to laugh at first but then Kisha helped her by patting Skylar's back. She managed to not die by this treacherous beignet and then cursed us with her eyes for laughing. I took her drink and opened it up for her, then handed it to her so that she can flush the food down. We finished eating and then quickly dusted all the crumbles and sugar from the table. Luckily we did it in time because the door on the library opened and a familiar person walked in. It was the twin librarian with a surprised look on her face because there was someone in the library this early, I guess. She smiled at us but didn't say anything and just walked away to get ready for her shift. I turned around back to the table and saw the empty plastic bags from the food so I snatched them and shoved them into my backpack to hide any "evidence" that we ate in here. We all looked at each other and then started to laugh softly at our little successful mischief. After we finished being proud of ourselves, the girls finally asked what I wanted to do and what actually happened. I lowered my head and took a deep breath, then started to explain what happened.

Me: I don't really know myself what was going on. One moment I am getting out of shower and the second I see this blue light behind me. I checked it out and then I saw a weird shining drawing scribbled on my back. Reilly followed me to the bathroom after I screamed out but the moment she arrived, it must have disappeared because she didn't see anything.

Skylar: Why did you write us though?

Me: Uhm, she didn't mean anything bad by it, but she asked if it was maybe you lot doing some tattoo prank on me or something. I did tell her that you would never do such thing but I still wanted to ask if it was you, because otherwise it would mean it's something coming from me and I already have enough questions with my powers so I didn't want this to be another one.

Solya: I mean, we would never even though Skylar seem to be in a mischivious mood lately so...

Skylar: Hey!

Kisha: But you are right, we would never do a prank like that just to scare you. Can you describe it to us?

Solya: Maybe I will be able to help. There is a lot of magical tattoos in my culture.

I fought against my shaking hands and reached for my backpack to take out my notebook. I flipped to an empty page and tried to doodle the tattoo I saw as best as I could but I don't remember much and it was also some mumbo jumbo in a language I don't speak. I finished the last squiggles and then pushed the notebook into the middle of the table for the girls to see. Solya and Kisha looked closer while explaining some parts of their tribal tattoo culture or Hindi tattoos that are connected to magical world. Skylar, who was sitting in front of me on the other side, leaned over the table and then twisted her upper body to check out my drawing too. It wasn't really good picture. Just a drawing of general shape the text appeared on my back and then only twists or swirls. All of them looked confused which I guess means that they have no idea what this is but they told me not to loose hope, that we can still find something in the books. I nodded and then we all stood up. Solya gave instructions to us, which girl should go where to search for books, and then come back here if we find anything or just return after ten minutes. We spread out in the library and each one went to a different section. I browsed through the books but this section was about flowers and plants. I decided to move to another section and try my luck there but again, no related books to tattoos. I moved through sections but I couldn't find anything I could use for research. I was at the very back of the book isle when I turned around to leave and saw a familiar figure pass the section. It was the librarian, dressed in her usual grey attire finished with a silver belt that had a big flower buckle in the middle. I called upon her and then ran out the section to see if she heard me. I left the tight space between two bookshelves and meet up with the librarian lady who was pushing around her cart while shelving used books. She stopped and waited in front of her cart, then asked me if I needed any help. I told her what I was searching for to which she looked up slightly with her eyes, thinking for a little bit, then she looked back down to me and told me that I should go into an art section number seven. I slightly bowed with my head and thanked her, then proceeded to go search for the section she mentioned. I was already turned and walking towards the big board that was hanging form the ceiling and had ART written on it in a big white letters, when I heard the noise of the cart squeeking and being pushed, followed by a knocking sound of woman's high heels clicking against the floor. I rushed towards the section, counting the numbers that were engraved on the small plates and nailed to the sides of each bookshelf, until I found section seven and then went in. Or at least I wanted to but I bumped into Chanti that was coming out while carrying a bunch of books in her arms. She greeted me with a smile and told me that she took every book we might need from this section so I don't have to look here anymore and we can just go back to the table. I nodded and then took a few books from the top to help out carry them. As we were approaching our table, the other girls were already sitting there hunched over books they've found. We joined them and we placed our books into the middle where a disturbed stack of other books was already prepared. Solya started picking up the books we brought one by one, reading their names and then distributing it towards girls. She left a few books for me to read as well so I quickly picked the first one and started reading.

The time was flying so fast as we were searching through the books. Talking to each other, showing what we've found and discussing it. Well if you can call it a discussion because everything was just one repetitive cicle – find something, show it to me if it's was this tattoo or something similar to which I only replied yes, no or maybe, or I am not sure. We made notesof what we've found but then it was already after noon and we started to feel hungry. Skylar groaned out of hunger and dropped on the stack of opened books in front of her. I sighed and then told the girls that we should just leave it be and go eat something. This whole thing was pointless at this point and so far there was no other danger. I closed the book I was reading and then cleaned up the rest on the table into a neat stack. Chanti told me that I shouldn't give up but the hunger was also getting to me so I only told her that I am okay and that we should go grab something. They agreed and then cleaned up the table as well. The librarian approached us with her cart and asked if we got everything we need and if she can clean the books. Skylar was already running out of the library, humming how she is going to eat something delicious when Kisha replied to the librarian. They all started walking away but I remembered that I've left my wallet and that I have no money left on me to buy my lunch. I told the girls to go ahead and that I will help the librarian to clean up the books since it was a good amount and I felt a little bit guilty to leave it all just for her to clean. Chanti offered to help out too but the librarian stopped us and told us to just go and enjoy our lunch. At least I helped to place the books from the table into her cart, took my backpack and then follow the girls.

We entered the Aveus cafeteria and I walked behind the girls to the section with packed lunches. Skylar was browsing the boxes with her hands, lifting each lunch to her face and inspecting them. Chanti and Kisha were using only their eyes to choose a lunch while Solya stood behind the trio and waited for her turn. They all picked something to eat and I just stood behind them, holding the straps of my backpack. Solya noticed me after she picked one of the lunch menus and was making her way to the cashier to pay for it. She asked me if I am not going to eat anything and if I was feeling okay. I told her that I am fine even though I was a bit disappointed and scared that we didn't find anything that would explain the tattoo, and then I confessed that I forgot my wallet and all money I had on me I've already used on the breakfast. She walked up towards me and lifted her free hand, then flicked my forehead while calling me "silly goose" and grabbed my arm. She dragged me to the the fridges full of packed lunches and told me to just choose one and she will pay for it. I was going to refuse but then my stomach grumbled and she only laughed. I got embarrassed but then laughed with her. Solya hugged my upper arm while I was browsing through the different foods prepared and packed for today. They had pasta with some weird brown sauce, chicken salat with parmesan and potatoes, steamed broccoli with penne and cream cheese sauce, and the last option were mashed potatoes with oven-baked chicken. I went for the broccoli one and took it out of the fridge. My arm got greeted with a cold air that passed through my sleeve like it was nothing. I quickly retracted my hand and then closed the see-through glass door on the fridge. After I picked out my meal, Solya walked with me arm to arm to pay for it. I thanked her and then our whole little group went to sit down to one of the free tables. The cafeteria was slowly filling up with students and I got reminded of the accident that happened the last time I ate here with Reilly. The girls were already opening their lunches and eating the food while I held mine, the plastic still sealing it. It was nice hanging out with the girls again but I have been here for a long time now, even longer than I was allowed to stay with Professor Coldos for The student's week, so maybe I should just go to my side. My side. It felt so weird to even think that. I was a part of this side once, part of them and now I am some sort of their enemy. I know that the girls wouldn't leave me just because I was suddenly a demigod. We agreed to remain friends and they did even help me out today, but I couldn't shake the feeling like I shouldn't be here, enjoying this.

Solya: It's okay girl, just eat it. If it bothers you that much you can pay me back when you get your wallet.

Kisha: What do you mean?

Solya: Ah, it's nothing. Kaitlin only forgot her wallet today and all the money she had she used to buy us the muffins and the rest. So I bought her lunch but she is not touching it.

Me: It's not that. And thanks again by the way. It's just that I am a demigod and I have already been at the Aveus side for hours. Shouldn't I go back to my side because of the rules and the mixing powers or whatever?

Skylar: I feel fine so far. No objections, see?!

Skylar told me with her mouth full of salad. She looked like a rabbit munching on its' green grass while pointing on her arms and body to show me that there is no sign of disturbance. I chuckled but then the good mood left me again as I told them about what happened back then that got me sorted out into the Ossilor house. Solya called me silly goose again and was to flick her finger but I was ready this time so I quickly covered my forehead. We all laughed and then the girls went back to their lunches. I still haven't touched mine to which Solya gave me a mother look that conveyed eat your damn food child but I gave her an okay in response and then told them that I am going to call Reilly. She probably hasn't eaten yet and she already met the girls who were fine with hanging out with her so I quickly took my phone out of my bag and dialed Reilly. She picked up the phone to my surprise because I thought she won't want to talk to me after me yelling at her yesterday. I told her what was going on and then invited to have lunch with us at the Aveus cafeteria. But Reilly quickly declined and told me that she has to do something with her mom today again and leave the school, then hung up the call. I guess she is still angry about it and didn't want to hang out with the girls, which hurt a little bit because they were nice to me and I want to keep all of them as my friends. I sighed and then tossed the phone into my backpack. I informed the girls that Reilly is not coming and then opened my lunch to finally eat it.

By the time I got into like half of my portion, Skylar had already devoured her lunch and excused herself from the table to go buy another one. She reminded me of Reilly in this way. Both big eaters and I wished that maybe they could bond over it. Skylar swiftly sprinted towards the cashier and was taking out her money to pay for a lunch that she wasn't holding. She handed the lady her money and even the cashier was confused but then Skylar extended her arm to her right and the door on the fridge opened. One boxed lunch came flying out of it, the glass door closing as it left from the shelf and then floated towards Skylar. The cashier giggled and then took the money. Skylar was on her way towards our table when I jokingly squinted my eyes in disbelief that she was flexing her powers in front of us. But then we all returned to our food before it gets cold, again. Some parts of the magic were still creeping me out but some of the useful cute ones made me a little bit glad I am a part of this world. Like for instance our lunches. The first time I went to eat, I picked one of the lunches and then searched around the whole cafeteria for a microwave or something that would heat it up for me. But Reilly only chuckled and told me to just go sit down. She took a seat and then opened her lunch and started eating it. I tried to stop her because eating cold food must not taste good but she only brushed it off and told me to just eat and see for myself. I was confused but she was a part of the magical community her whole life so I trusted her. I peeled of the plastic from my lunch box and suddenly steam was coming out the food. I grabbed the box in both of my hands and it was warm. Then Reilly explained to me that the lunches are stored in the fridge to not get bad but they are enchated to re-heat up after you open them. It was a handy little trick which made me enjoy this new world I was suddenly thrown into a bit more. The box was still heating up my remaining food a little bit but we paused to take a break from eating and started to discuss the tattoos again.

Kisha: My cousin works in a tattoo shop back in Japan. You hear it a lot about how people don't want to let a person with a tattoo into onsens or stuff like that because of what the tattoos might represent. But there is actually another reason for it. Some of those tattoos that even my cousin does are actually enchated. Different tattoo could give you different powers or boost your own. And the waters in onsens are usually cleansing or healing waters which could get contaminated with the enchantment of your tattoo and ruin the whole stream that is supplying it. I could show the drawing to my cousin and ask him if he knows anything about it.

Chanti: We also have something similar in our culture. There are powerful tattoos that bind you to the deities. It shows your true faith, trust and devotion. I don't know much about it but my aunt Aamani might know something.

Solya: Most of the ones that you said were similar to what you saw are Berber tribal tattoos but I don't know much about those. And the others were part of voodoo. My grandma actually owns a shop in New Orleans. I also send her the drawings to see if she knows more about it.

Me: Thank you girls so much for helping me out. Honestly, I was scared out of my mind when it happened. Reilly didn't see it but I am telling you it was real. And I am still scared that it's something bad, something dangerous.

Chanti: We can check out some other books, maybe about tattoos appearing as an omen or something?

Solya: Don't scare the poor girl even more.

Me: I am alright, Solya, but thanks.

I gave them a reassuring smile but I lied. I wasn't okay. Maybe Chanti is right and it's some sort of bad omen, a sign of something coming, something that had to do with me.

We finished our lunches and cleaned the empty boxes. The girls wanted to go do more research but I told them that I was pooped for the day and that I need to go lie down and take a nap. Solya told me that she will still go check out some books about tattoos and omens from the library and that they will look into it a little bit more for me and also ask their family members for their opinions. I thanked them and then walked towards the crossing door in the cafeteria to go to the Umbras side. I waved to the girls as a goodbye and then walked through the barrier. There was still some sort of dread lingering around me but I couldn't think of any solution only to go back into my dorm room and crash on my bed, curl into a bundle and maybe cry about it.

Was this the reason they gave me up? Reason behind why they left me to die in the winter? Was I really possessed by a demon or...cursed?