You will resent me for this later, but this is for your own good. You have to be brave for me, Kaitlin. Do you really think this is a good choice? My fathter can protect her. Her father can protect her. Do you really think that? Can you ensure me that she will be safe here? I didn't think so. He has many followers even in the palace. She will be safer there. Please. Take care of her for me, Woreus. I will. Promise me. I promise, Evie. I heard all these familiar voices in my head, that blue light engulfing me all over again. Don't worry little one, I will keep an eye on you from the shadows. Even if you can't see me, even if you feel alone, I will always be near, little sister. Woreus and Evie, those are the names of the shadows I keep seeing in my dreams. They are becoming clearer each time. I feel so close to them, they feel like family. Family? Evie? Mom?

I took a sharp breath and then quickly sprung on the spot, regretting it almost immediately because my neck started to hurt. The Ulferonn book still lying open on my desk on the page I last read when I must have fallen asleep. I massaged my neck and moved my head from side to side, then I sighed and looked around to see if Reilly was still in the room. She was already gone so I reached for my phone and checked the time. It was already after 10 am. Did I freaking slept here the whole night since yesterday? I cursed Reilly for not waking me up. But despite my whole body hurting I feel like I slept really well. Haven't had a sleep like this in ages. But there was no time for dilly-dallying. I did some research in the book and took some notes. Even though they are not completed because I fell asleep, I did have some stuff written down that I wanted to ask Professor Coldos, so I put the notes into the book, closed it and then took it with me. I quickly grabbed my backpack and while carrying the book under my arm, I left my dorm room and went to meet up with the Professor. Then I abruptly stopped all of my movement and I froze at the spot. I backed up and then went inside my dorm room again. In all that hurry, I forgot that I must look like a hobo. So I put everything down and went to wash up first. I took the ends of my hair into my fingers and pressed it closer to my face. I sniffed a few times and then scrunched my nose. Maybe I should wash my hair too. I took off my clothes that were a little bit sweaty. I quickly ran to take a full body shower. I didn't want to waste time with my hair like drying them or doing a crazy hairstyle, so I just brushed them with the towel to get as much excess water as I could and then just braided it into two French braids. Since the weather was getting a little bit colder, I chose a white woolen sweater, dark blue jeans and just black leather ankle boots. I grabbed my backpack and the book that I've left lying on the floor and then ran out of my dorm. As I was leaving and closing the door behind me, I turned around and then suddenly bumped into someone. The person was bigger and taller than me, so it couldn't be Reilly coming back. I grunted and was going to yell at the person but then I looked up to see it was Mr. Hale. I choked on my words and remained silent, only clearing my throat. He apologized for startling me. Telling him it was okay and that I was sorry too because I don't have time to talk to him and I was in a rush to leave and go meet up with Professor Coldos for The student's week. I bowed slightly and then sneakily passed around Mr. Hale's body to walk away but he called my name. I stopped moving and turned around to listen to what he has to say.

Professor Hale: Aren't you missing something?

I was confused as to what he meant. How does he know what I was doing or what I wanted to discuss with Professor Coldos? The mind-reading thing? But he only chuckled and then lifted his arm with a big round thingie in his hand. I was confused even more but then he started to walk towards me and he handed me this big copper coin with a tassel attached to it through a hole on the bottom. I looked at the coin while he explained that it's a pass for the barrier and that I just need to show it to the guardian at the door and he will let me go through. There is also a spell on the coin that it will let me know when the time is running out and I should return to the Umbras side. I rolled my eyes at how stupid is my pea brain and that I forgot to wait for the pass even though Professor Coldos mentioned it will be delivered to me later. I guess I just expected some thing to randomly appear on my desk or in the air or whatever and not be actually delivered. Lost in thought for a few seconds, I didn't notice that we were basically holding hands while I was grabbing the coin pass. I quickly took the coin and pulled it out of his hand, thanking him while looking away and then excusing myself. I started to walk through the hallways and Mr. Hale followed me. I noticed his presence and was aware of it. He kept walking behind me in silence. I looked slightly to the side to see if he was still behind me, which he was, so I quickly turned back to face front and mind my own business. Was he also going back to his office or does he want something else to tell me? It felt weird to share the same path but walk in complete silence so I initiated a conversation.

Me: Professor Hale you are also a demigod right?

Mr. Hale: I thought you have settled for Mr. Hale, no?

Me: Ah, right. Takes time to get used to I guess.

Mr. Hale: Hmm. Yes, I am a demigod. Why do you ask?

Me: I was just curious. If the demigods and magicians need to be separated because of the power surges, isn't it dangerous for demigod professors who are teaching at Aveus to stay there in their office?

Mr. Hale: They are not permanent. It's only for an easy access when we have classes at Aveus so that we don't have to cross. We also have an office at Umbras side.

Me: Oh okay. But isn't that annoying, if you have some papers or books at one and then some of them at the other office? You still need to go to the other one.

Mr. Hale: Heh. No not really. Our offices are mirrored. It's this type of a twinning spell. Everything that's in one, is in the other one too. Well except for living beings.

Me: Oh right. Same as the libraries, right?

Mr. Hale: You know about that?

It amazes me how the school works with all the magic and spells but it sure does make it easier for everyone. The talk then continued for a while, we just talked about casual stuff, about professors and how they pass through academies, if they leave for their houses or do they stay on the campus. Apparently it depends on the preferences of the teachers but they mostly stay here, at least the older ones. The younger professors still leave the academy and go to their homes, besides some of them like Professor Coldos who is addicted to his research so he has his own apartment somewhere on the premises. I asked if it isn't boring to just stay here and do whatever teachers can do for fun, but Mr. Hale answered that he doesn't get bored at all and that he frequently leaves to the outside world. Oh, makes sense. He is young so why would he be stuck in here if he can go out. Does he have someone outside? Family? Girlfriend? Wife? I shook my head to stop thinking about such useless things. I don't have anything to do with him and what he does in his free time so why do I care. I continued the conversation without prying much. Soon after, we arrived at the corner of the hallway where the barrier door is and I thought we will both go, but Mr. Hale said he is on his way to his Umbras office. I said goodbye to him, then I was on my way to the door to pass but Mr. Hale stopped me.

Professor Hale: You know, I think Professor Coldos has some extra classes today and has to sub for another teacher. So if you want, you can wait in my office and then go meet up with him.

I realized that I ran out of my dorm to meet up with the Professor and forgot to check his schedule. I immediately put my backpack down and tossed it in front of me while it was hanging only one my right shoulder. I rummaged through it to take out the paper with Professor's class schedule. I checked it and Mr. Hale was right. Professor Coldos was teaching today until almost 2 pm and if he also has some extra classes, it will take even longer. I had some questions besides the Ulferonn book and it feels like it would be easier to talk about it with Mr. Hale rather than other professors. I can stay and talk to him for a little bit, then maybe grab something to eat and message Reilly where the hell did she disappear to. I decided to take his offer and go with Mr. Hale into his office.

We walked through the Umbras side and Mr. Hale started explaining to me where some of the classrooms and important places are. So far I only knew where the cafeteria is and that was it. I looked around and made a mental map of the place even though our walk through these white and golden walls felt more like I was dead and was getting escorted to the heavenly trial or something. Mr. Hale must have noticed me staring so he asked how I feel about the Umbras side and suddenly finding out that I am a demigod. I really didn't have an answer for him beside the one.

Me: It gave me a little bit of peace, knowing that my parents didn't just abandon me, that I wasn't possessed by a demon or worse, crazy.

Mr. Hale: You could still be.

Me: I am sorry?

Mr Hale: Ah, not the crazy part. I meant the demon possession. Well, some demons can possess people but they can also have children.

Me: You want to tell me that demons are real now too?

Mr. Hale: You have magic all around you now, you have seen it, used it and you still think the legends of humans are not true?

Me: But demons? That's crazy. What's next? There is also an academy for vampires too?

Mr. Hale: No. Luckily those are not real. Demons on the other hand, very much.

Me: Then I am just glad that I am not one I guess.

Mr. Hale: I am glad too.

I looked at Mr. Hale and I swear I could see him smile for a little bit. It didn't last long and he looked down, putting his hands into his pockets and taking out keys. He let them jingle and hang on his index finger. But after a few steps, he grabbed one key and then guided it towards this one door to unlock them. I guess this is his office. I should remember it just in case I need to visit him and ask him some questions. We walked inside and the office looked exactly like his other one. Well, go figure since they used a spell to copy them. Mr. Hale told me to sit down and apologized for the mess he has around, which wasn't really that bad. It was just a bunch of books lying around and some papers. He started to pick them up and clean them, asking me if I want something to drink.

Mr. Hale: I can make some coffee if you like.

Me: I don't like coffee much, more of a tea person.

Mr. Hale: That's okay. I should have some tea around. Just give me a minute.

I haven't eaten anything today so maybe tea will help fill my stomach a little. Walking up to Mr. Hale, I bend down and start to pick up some of the papers. He told me not to bother myself with it. I didn't want to just sit around so I handed him over the papers I picked up and then said I will make that tea in the meantime. He picked up his pace but there were still many books around to clean up so he just brushed the back of his head and then told me where to get the stuff for making tea. I walked towards a small cabinet and opened the door on it. I asked Mr. Hale what he wants to drink to which he replied that he is so sorry but he is a coffee type of a person. I looked at him and he had a smirk on his face. I made a funny face at him and then continued to look through the cabinet. There were ordinary cups, boxes of instant coffee and tea bags inside, I check them and find a box of green tea for me, then take out one packet of 3 in 1 coffee and two cups. I set it all down on a small table under the cabinet and prepare our drinks. My hand went back into the cabinet to search again. Sugar? Sugar? Sugaaar?

Mr. Hale: Top shelf, in the back. Sorry, I don't use it that much.

I thanked him and then stood on my toes, trying to reach for the bottle of sugar but it was too high and tucked in the back behind some other boxes. Best I could do was to touch it with the tips of my fingers when a big hand appeared above mine, grabbing the sugar bottle and taking it out. My eyes followed the sugar and then I turned around to see Mr. Hale standing right behind me, holding it in front of his chest. I looked him in the eyes and saw a sparkle inside those emerald orbs. My jaw was dropping, opening my mouth slightly so I quickly grabbed the bottle and cleared my throat. I thanked him and then Mr. Hale went back to clean his books into the bookshelf. Esentially, I found the kettle which I was holding now in my right hand, looking around and trying to find water I could use. I found a big glass bottle filled with clear fresh water so I grabbed it and poured some water into the kettle. Still holding the kettle, which was a bit heavier now that I've added the water, I tried to search for a switch to turn it on. Well, if there was even a cable connected to it for it to work but there was nothing attached to it. I sighed and my arm is starting to hurt so I set the kettle down on the pad and decided to just wait for Mr. Hale to show me how to use it. But after I put it down, a small fire appeared under the pad, making me jolt a little bit. Handy. I waited for water to boil and then filled our cups. I got two tea spoons in the meantime and just dunked one into the coffee cup, then used the second one to get sugar and add it into my tea. I mixed both cups and then brought them with me, setting them down on the table in the middle of those two familiar couches.

The steam was still rising up from both of the liquids and I just sat there, staring at the cups. Mr. Hale was still putting the books on the shelves, his back was turned to me and I only stared at him. Then I looked at his collection of texts and was amazed. How many books does he have and I wondered it they could be of any use to me, to help me figure out my powers or this Woreus person. I was lost in my thoughts when the silence was broken by Mr. Hale asking me about my meeting with Professor Coldos.

Mr. Hale: You are visiting Professor Coldos already but The student's week hasn't started yet. You know, they assigned me as your guide, so don't be shy to ask for my help anytime you need to.

Me: I know, thanks. We agreed to start the mentorship a bit earlier so that's why I am on my way to meet Professor Coldos.

Mr. Hale: Ah okay. Did you two decide on what you want to work on?

Me: Can't you just read my mind and find it by yourself?

Mr. Hale: I don't like to pry into people's minds. I don't like my power at all. But with you, I don't have to lock out.

Me: Lock out? What do you mean?

Mr. Hale: Uhm, nothing. Don't worry about it.

I felt guilty about trying to pry into Mr. Hale's life and his powers when it seemed like he doesn't want to talk about it. I apologized to him and then took my cup of tea, let it sit on my thighs while I hugged it with my hands. The hot cup was warming me up while I just stared at the steam coming from the brown liquid. I lifted the cup, pressed it against my lips and took a small sip. I was just sitting there, drinking my tea in silence because I didn't know what to talk about with Mr. Hale after he seemed disturbed by talking about his powers. I guess he could tell that I was nervous to speak up or he did use his powers to read my mind and eventually he started to open up.

Mr. Hale: I am sorry. I didn't mean it like that.

Me: No, I get it. You don't like to talk about your powers.

Mr. Hale: I just didn't want to put more on your plate than you already have. Do you want to know about my powers?

I wasn't sure if he felt pressured into revealing it to me or he genuinely wanted to talk to someone about it so I didn't know if I should ask about his powers but I didn't want to also just sit here in silence so I nodded. Mr. Hale exhaled, took a sip from his coffee and then put it back down on the table. He leaned back on the couch while he put his right hand on the top of it, then crossed his legs.

Mr. Hale: You have seen me use some of them before. Like this.

Mr. Hale stared right into my eyes, his green emerald orbs shimmered with a glow and then turned red. Only for a few seconds though and then his eyes were back to normal. I asked him if he read my mind and to tell me what was I thinking. Even though it happened so fast I had no idea myself what was on my mind at that moment. He sighed and then reached for his coffee again. I took a few small sips too, really enjoying my tea. I was ready to be embarrassed that he has seen some of my deepest secrets or something dirty in my mind but it wasn't like that at all.

Mr. Hale: I didn't see anything. I can't read your mind.

Me: But sometimes you replied to me or I heard you in my head.

Mr. Hale: I can put my thoughts into your head but yours is...locked.

Me: Is that something bad?

Mr. Hale: I told Principal Idarin when I find out there is some block in your mind that even I cannot go through and he found it interesting but we never really discussed what to do with it. I don't know if it's something bad but for me, it isn't.

Me: Isn't it? I am like some sort of nemesis against your powers and you think it's not bad?!

Mr. Hale: I could enter your mind a few times. I don't know why it let me through but I could. And I liked that. I have many powers when it comes to mind but I don't want to bore you with the details.

Me: I do have plenty of time, if you want to talk about it.

Mr. Hale: It is nice for once. To just talk and not be constantly on edge, using my powers. I am a close descendant to Athena, meaning my source is really strong. My mind-reading works non-stop and I hate it. I could hear every thought, bad or good, when I was a kid. It almost made me go insane. At least until I learned how to tune it out. I figured out a way to either lock myself inside my mind or just muffle the voices. If I didn't constantly use the shield over my mind, I would hear everything. I can hear people's current thoughts, if I focus on a certain person I can go through their whole mind and memories. If they are unconscious, I need to touch them to be able to read their mind.

Me: That must be tough. Can't you get even a second of peace for yourself?

Mr. Hale: With the help of Principal Idarin and some other magicians, they enchanted my office and my apartment here at the campus but other than that, I hear everything, except you. With you it's...silence.

Now I realized why he hates his power that much even though I thought it is such a cool power to have. To know if people are lying to you or if your boyfriend actually likes you. But to be constantly using his power just to stop it from actually working must be exhausting. And I thought me blasting electricity from my body is a problem. But what Mr. Hale said made me wonder. Why is it that he can't read my mind?

Me: Am I broken somehow since you can't read my mind?

Mr. Hale: Ahaha, no I don't think so. For me it's a win but yes, there is something blocking your mind and it's put there by force, by someone from the outside and not from your power. I tried to get in but all I could see is this blue light.

Me: What?

I got so surprised by what Mr. Hale said that I almost choked on my tea. I started coughing which made him stood up and walk up to me, patting me on my back. I placed my cup back on the table and then finally managed to breathe properly. His hand was still on my upper back when I looked up at Mr. Hale to see his worried expression. I ensured him that I am okay and that it was just my mistake, drinking my tea too fast. But I was still intrigued by what Mr. Hale said about the blue light so I asked him about it as he returned to his previous seat.

Me: Did you see anything else?

Mr. Hale: In your mind? No, nothing. Only that bright blue light that kept me from entering your mind. Why?

I wanted to know more. If he saw those shadows too maybe. Or something else that could help me explain this dream and who that Woreus person is. I don't know if I can trust anyone. I don't know if I can trust Mr. Hale with this, but he told me about his powers so maybe I can tell him about my dream and he won't think that I am crazy. I adjusted myself on the couch, cleared my throat and then started explaining what I can see in my dreams.

Me: There is this one dream that's repeating itself since I was a kid. At first, I only kept seeing this blue light and then I felt cold because I was back in that alley where they abandoned me. But lately, after I got into the academy, the dream is evolving and I keep seeing these strange shadows, I can hear them talk sometimes too. Is it just a dream or a memory?

Mr. Hale: I wish I could help you but I have no idea. We could...nevermind.

Me: What is it? Please, tell me.

Mr. Hale: I could try to force my way into your mind to figure it out, but I don't know what it will do to you. It could fry your brain and you will go insane or even...die.

Mr. Hale was willing to help me out but is knowing really worth the risk? What if he finds out that my parents are dead, it fries my brain and all of it will be in vain? I let out a heavy sigh while thinking about this whole situation. Taking the cup into my hands again, I hold it in my palms and then decide to trust Mr. Hale with this problem.

Me: I want to try it. At least once. To see if I can figure out some of the questions I have about my life, my power. I mean, if you are okay with it.

Mr. Hale: Are you sure? Maybe if you tell me your questions, we will be able to find answers without using magic. What is troubling you?

There is a lot that I need to figure out. I don't even know who I should ask. I wanted to meet up with Principal Idarin at first since he is this powerful magician, or maybe even Principal Haydos, but they must have plenty of their own problems around the school and students and no time to deal with my depressing life story. Professor Coldos seem to be the type that doesn't involve himself with the private life of other people so I doubt that he would try to help me. Maybe Mr. Hale is right and we can find the answers without using powers first.

Me: Uhm. It's just that I feel a little bit confused.

Mr. Hale: About what? Do you need me to explain the Umbras system or something about the school?

Me: Not yet. I am not even sure what I don't know about the school since I didn't have any classes yet. But for example, yesterday, I went to pick up one book that I wanted to read and it was lended out to Professor Coldos. I met up with him but on our way we ran into Professor Nannieya.

Mr. Hale: I heard you been helping her out in the greenhouse and that she likes you.

Me: Yes. But it was mostly because of this one spell I did. I don't know if you know anything about botany spells but we did this one spell where you grow a plant and then summon its' flowers. It's called KhautaSilvera and it allows you to grow either a gold or a silver lily, but never both of them. I somehow managed to grow both of those lilies so Professor Nannieya was thrilled about it, even invited me to their Botany club.

Mr. Hale: That is great. Congratulations.

Me: Yes but how is it possible?

Mr. Hale: You are clever and powerful and kind. I think you can do great things if you practice.

Me: I meant the spell. I talked to Reilly, uhm my best friend, and she told me that demigods only have their inner powers, that they can't use spells.

Mr. Hale finally realized what the problem is and he started to ponder about it. He was thinking for a while and then stood up, making his way to the bookshelves and browsed through the books. After a while, he picked one book and took it out of the collection. He walked with it back to the opposite couch of mine and sat on his spot. He flipped through the pages. Some of them fast, others he took his time to read. I don't know if he found something in the book or not, but he placed it open on the table and then asked me if I could do any spell. I didn't have the pot I could use to summon the lily I talked to him about or a pile of dirty laundry I could spell-wash so I had to think if there is any other spell I could do. Maybe the protection shield? I told Mr. Hale I can try and create a shield we learned in a Casting class. He nodded and I focused, tried to remember the spell. I took a deep breath, then exhaled while straightening my upper body as I was sitting on the couch. I joined my palms together, fingers pointing at Mr. Hale and tumbs on top. Then I bent both of my index fingers, right finger above the left one, turning my right hand up in ninety degrees while keeping the index fingers still interlocked. I move my right hand further away from me while keeping all fingers in the same position, index ones still bent, remaining fingers on my left hand pointing on Mr. Hale and on my right hand pointing up on the ceiling. Then I swapped the positions of my hands, turning them. Left one pointed up while right one is pointing at Mr. Hale now. Then I returned my right hand back to its' starting position, pulling it closer to my body and connecting its' palm with the palm of my left hand. A golden threads started to appear and float around me, intertwining and then creating a shield. Mr. Hale got up from the couch and walked up to me. He reached out with his right arm while keeping his other one inside his pocket. He tried to touch me but his hand got stopped by the shield.

Mr. Hale: Interesting. But still, this could be just a manifestation of your power, of that shield you have around your mind.

I exhaled and then disconnected my hands, letting them rest on my legs. Maybe he is right and this is just some sort of a weird part of my powers. But he didn't dismiss me entirely and asked if I could do another spell. I tried to think of a different spell that I could do, one that wouldn't resemble an inner power. The only one I could think of was the communication spell. It was pretty easy one and it involved moving an object through space to another spot. I asked Mr. Hale if he could give me a piece of paper and a pen. He nodded and told me to wait. He walked to his desk and bent down, opening a drawer while rummaging though it. After a few seconds he took out a piece of paper and then picked a pen from the holder on his table. He walked back to the couches and handed me the things I asked for. I bent down over the table and started to write but I could see Mr. Hale looking at the paper so I took it and then asked if I can use his desk. He allowed it so I made my way behind his table. I wrote down a short message that just said "Hello Mr. Hale" and then folded the paper. I had a good distance between us too so it wouldn't look like I just tossed it to him over the table. I held the paper close to my chest and closed my eyes, then started to whisper the incantation. The folded paper disappeared from my hands and then appeared in front of Mr. Hale, floating in the air. It started to fall down but Mr. Hale managed to grab it. He unfolded it and read the message.

Me: I wrote "Hello Mr. Hale".

Mr. Hale: Yes, that is true. This is very interesting. Did you tell anyone else about this?

Me: No. I didn't know who to ask. Honestly I didn't even think about it until I saw Professor Nannieya yesterday and was reminded of the spell and what my friend told me about demigods.

Mr. Hale: Good. I wouldn't mention this to anyone. I can secretly look into this because it definitely shouldn't be possible for a demigod to cast spells.

Me: I thought that it's strange.

Mr. Hale ensured me that he will keep this as a secret and advised me not to tell anyone. I wasn't planning to, well maybe only Reilly but that's about it. I didn't know anyone else I could trust with this, someone who wouldn't say anything to make me end up as a lab rat or something. I could only hope that Mr. Hale will find something to help me, to answer all these questions around my whole existence. I only thanked him as he walked to the table, looking at his watch and telling me that I should go now and meet up with Professor Coldos. I walked back to the couches and went to pick up the empty cups but Mr. Hale told me to leave them, that I don't need to clean it. I set them back down and then grabbed my bag, tossing it over one shoulder and started to walk away. Once I go to the door, I opened it but glanced back at Mr. Hale, thanking him again. He gave me a soft smile that felt genuine. I don't even know if I have seen him smile like that. It reassured me that I can trust him with this and I was glad that I decided to take his offer and spend some time with Mr. Hale. Him revealing troubles with his powers made me feel like I am not alone in this academy who is struggling with magic. It must be annoying to constantly hear people's thoughts about him, especially all those girls fawning over him. So if I can give him peace while he wants to talk to someone and not hear their thoughts, I will gladly do it.

I will become that silence, that invisible person I was my whole life.