Morphing Lilacs.

Available in varied colours and sizes, this plant could be found anywhere in a flea market. It was dubbed the commoner's favourite. No, not because it was cheap, but because it delightfully changed colours every time someone touched its petals.

And by 'someone', I meant anyone within the ninety per cent of the nation's population, for ninety per cent were mages. Yes, only a mage could touch the petals and change their colours.

A very generic plant, you see. But for me? It could be a ticket to convincing my parents that I was a mage without sounding all too desperate. Especially now, when I had aced the school interview and was awaiting results. My parents were pleased but I hadn't been enrolled yet because of certain formalities.

Currently, I was returning from one such flea market, a bouquet of lilacs in my arms. Concealing the plant, a large, black plastic rustled most conspicuously as I carried it home. People turned their gazes to note what was so secretive within that bag, but I ignored them, just as I was ignoring the ghost hovering behind me.

Of course I was. She nearly got me executed, that traitor!

"Hey, I am the reason you're carrying those lilacs," she declared, an undercurrent of growing anxiousness in her voice. I rolled my eyes and marched on. Execution, she said. Execution! How many more dangerous things was she going to make me do if I listened to her?

"You are listening to me right now."

"Shut up."

When I returned home, mother was in the kitchen. She peered out of the door curiously. "What is that?"

"Oh, I went to the flea market. Brought something that caught my eye," I said with an innocent smile. Clueless, stay clueless.

She arched an eyebrow. "I hope you didn't spend too much."

"No, no, it's just a plant!" I assured her and casually (but quickly) moved upstairs, well before she could ask me to open it.

My plan—well, my plan with Selene's input here and there—was pretty simple. Every night, at around seven-thirty to eight, mother would call us for supper. And when I wouldn't answer, she'd climb up the stairs, knock on my door impatiently, and then let herself in before I'd get the chance to let her.

Usually, she'd find me studying. But in a few days, she'd find me poking at the lilacs and watching the colours flicker. And then I'd look at her in confusion and say, "Mumma, the colours are changing!" And then, being the excellent convincer that she was, she'd convince father to let me join a magus academy. The. End.

With a triumphant smile, I placed the lilacs on my table and settled on my bed, flipping over to a fresh page of my diary. I had enlisted the many steps that I'd take to ensure my sure-fire success in enrollment:

Buy lilacs: Check

Mumma convinces papa: Not yet

"Nathan's school has excellent academics": Not yet

Find out his school!!

I bit my pencil, suddenly nervous. Now, that was a big problem. How will I find out where he studies?

A groan escaped my lips. I gently tossed the diary on my chair, the perfect landing bringing me meagre satisfaction before it was replaced by frustration again. I turned on my stomach and buried my head on my pillow, racking my mind for ideas.

As if my thoughts had been heard by the heavens, a knock resounded on my door. A familiar voice murmured, "What are you doing?"

I instantly tensed. "Oh nothing," I said, reaching out to hide the diary under my pillow.

It didn't help that Lisa was perceptive. As I turned to look at her, her quick glance towards my pillow didn't escape my notice. And then she went back to staring at me, her eyes round and innocent and simmering with mischief.

I narrowed my eyes dubiously. That smile couldn't be a good sign. "You’re up to something aren’t you?"

As if my question was exactly what she had been waiting for, she erupted, "I just did the most amazing thing ever!" 

Her voice bounced with merriment as she whirled around and shut the door. She had a twinkle in her eyes that could've only come from something related to fashion. But I couldn't be too sure, so I took a stance that was halfway between facing her and the bed, ready to cover my pillow should the need arise.

She sat down on my bed and raised the back of her hand. A large amber stone sat on top of her wrist. Silver chains emerged from the stone and hung down like wings of a butterfly, with each strand glinting against the light of the table lamp. "What do you think?"

My eyebrows shot up. Ah! I remember this one! "You made a bracelet out of your locket!" I exclaimed, leaning forward as a rush of excitement filled me. Lisa was exceptionally good at making these things. I remember I had asked her to make me a bracelet the last time this had happened. "You made it, right?"

"Uh-huh."

"Can you make one for me too?"

"Sure." She broke into a wry grin as she began to undo her bracelet. "Give me your hand."

I did, knowing she'd put it on me like she had the last time. With utmost care, she wrapped it around my wrist. "Looks, good right?" she said, inspecting the bracelet as her fingers slid away.

I kept nodding in approval, admiring the stone like a thief would admire a jewel when her hand suddenly shot up to that one spot below my armpit. "ARGH!" I burst into laughter and turned away instinctively, stunned. My grip on the pillow weakened, and like the buffoon that I was, I left the perfect opening. She pounced on my diary like a predator.