I was on my balcony, staring up at the full moon, unable to sleep, even though it was already eleven o'clock at night. My mind was racing about what the Headmaster had told me during lunch today. I sighed.

My mother was the fire mage that saved everyone long ago...and now the Headmaster thinks I'm supposed to be the same way? Just because I'm her daughter? Give me a break! That's way too much to handle for one girl...or for anyone really... I rubbed my forehead with my fingers. "Mom...why didn't you tell me anything?" I sighed and climbed into bed, picking at the front of my fire-colored pajamas.

Hearing a knock at the door, I sat up and called out for the person to enter, and in walked Emmanuel, in his earth-colored pajamas, and sat on my bed. "Hey, Caroline, is everything alright?" I sighed, making room for him, scratching my head. "Yeah, I guess." He put his arm around me. "What's been bothering you? You've been acting a little down since this afternoon."

I rubbed my arm uncomfortably and returned to the balcony. "It's just...this whole magical Institute thing is still new to me...I still can't quite figure out why I'm here, and I can't sleep either..." Em smiled and joined me, giving me a hug. "I promise you, Caroline, we'll figure this out together!" I looked up at him. "Really? You'd help me out, Em?" He smiled. "Of course I will." I grinned. "Thank you so much, that really means a lot." He blushed. "No problem...actually I have a question to ask you." I tilted my head. "Go ahead." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Well...the big Fall dance is coming up a month from today...and I was wondering... if you wanted to be my date?" I felt my face heat up. "Yes, I would like to go to the dance with you, Emmanuel." I giggled, excited.

Em yawned, ruffling his hair. "Okay, I think it's time for me to hit the hay, goodnight Caroline. See you tomorrow, beautiful." He gave me a small kiss on my forehead and left me alone on the balcony, blushing. I jumped up and down in pure joy and bliss, then jumped into bed again, a smile on my face from ear to ear. Wow...I wonder how I'll ever be able to sleep now...the secrets of my family...an upcoming dance... I squealed, tossing and turning, then I calmed my hysteria down, hummed my favorite song, and went to sleep.

The next morning went quite well. I was really happy with how last night went from confusing to exciting. I couldn't wait for the dance! I wonder what I should wear... I thought. I didn't really have anything fancy...maybe I could make something up? I shrugged, taking my sandals off for battle class. This time, we were on workout mats, sparring. I bounced up and down slightly, facing Dee, my fists in the air. He hadn't yet attacked me or even flinched when I threw flames at him.

Dee sure knew how to hold his ground in battle. He looked at me straight in the eyes. "I don't want to fight you. It's dangerous." I raised an eyebrow. "It's just battle class, Dee. We're supposed to train with our powers and fight one another, that's part of the class." Dee shook his head, taking a step back. "Trust me, Caroline, I don't want to hurt you." I threw another fireball at him, yet he seemed completely unfazed and glared at me, balling his hands into fists. "Stop it. I'm serious. You don't want to see my powers. You wouldn't like it."

I sighed. "Dee, you shouldn't be afraid of who you are. Your power is what makes you unique. Show it off! Be proud of who you are!" I smiled, but his glare only intensified. "Be proud of who I am...?? If you only had an idea of what I can do..." "Show me then!" I smirked. "Or are you too chicken?" He bared his teeth, flinging a purple power ball at me charged with electricity, and I felt paralyzed.

Darkness consumed the room, and I felt myself fade into nothing, yet I was floating in the air. Dee appeared behind me, staring at me. "You do not want to try me, believe me. I can make your worst fears come true, I can have Luna rip you to shreds, or better yet...I can possess someone from the Institute to come and do my work for me..." My body turned to face him. "So this is why you said Dark magic was importance...because you are the embodiment of darkness!"

You leave her alone! I heard someone scream, then a bright silver light shone into the darkness and I was transported, safely back to class.

Dee clenched his fists. "Darn it, I almost had her!" I landed safely back on the mat in battle class, gasping for breath. "My god...that was horrible..." My body was shaking and I felt like I couldn't breathe. It felt like I was still wrapped by Dee's dark magic. A hand was being held out to me, and I took it, smiling at the purple-haired girl. "Thank you. You saved my life." She grinned. "Think nothing of it. You looked like you needed it." I raised an eyebrow. "You saw that?" She shook my hand. "Yeah, I have the power of foresight." I'm Charity, by the way. What's your name?"

"I'm Caroline, and I have the power of fire." She gaped at me. "Wow, really? I heard the power of fire is indomitable. Why didn't you use it against him?"
I sighed, staring at my feet. "I don't know, I was too scared, and his magic felt so strong." Charity's eyes shone. "Well, I'll tell you this. Dark magic shouldn't even be in Wixsity. He's strange, and he doesn't belong here. We should tell the Headmaster." I nodded at her. "You're right, Charity. Something definitely needs to be done..."

"Caroline! Over here!" Emmanuel and Dee waved at me from afar. I smiled weakly at Charity. "We're heading to the library. I'll see you later, Charity, and thank you again." She smiled and nodded. "Caroline, can I come with you guys? I just...I don't trust Dee." I nodded. "Of course you can come. I'll feel better with you there too."

After talking to Em and Dee, who was apprehensive for Charity to come along, we went to the library to seek answers.