“Madeleine, can you really call this a proper spell?” Professor Loche sighed. I clutched my papers with no response.

“I know you haven’t manifested yet, but-”

“Professor Loche, in case you haven’t noticed,” I blurted, “but my eyes are pure white. Not a single shade of gray in them. I don’t have any chance of manifesting.”

Unless I was blessed by the universe I wouldn’t be able to use any of the magic spells I created in my lifetime. Even a few peasants would snicker at my circumstances.

“Some of the greatest spellwriters of the century were incapable of producing magic, Madeleine.”

“Well, those spellwriters had advantages. For example, Neiva Dows with her mom, who was a super talented mage. That guy with his brother Teda. Um, Axel and Vincent are alright, but…”

They had manifested right on their 8th birthday. That was the earliest age a child could manifest. However, they were barely mediocre at magic. Mom said it was just the learning curve. It had been six years, though. Gossip came up everywhere, especially since the twins had jet black eyes. I was sure it wasn’t the learning curve.

Professor Loche looked like he was contemplating his next words. I would’ve left the classroom by then if it wasn’t a violation of school code to leave in the middle of a conversation with a teacher. 

“At least try when it comes to magic theory, at least,” he pleaded. “I won’t force you to spectate in practice sessions anymore.” 

“Okay, okay. Professor Loche, may I go now?” 

He looked like he wanted to say more, but then he sighed, “Yes, you may. May your evening be pleasant.”

I left the hall in what felt like an even grumpier mood than when I entered that afternoon.

So unfair! I thought to myself. Doesn’t Loche know that there are so many jobs where I don’t need to know magic theory?

Deep inside, I knew that Professor Loche’s intentions were pure. These days, even shopkeepers needed to be experienced in some form of magic. Plus, Em was starting to release the first Wands.

A lot of the kids in my class barely even teased me. The looks in their eyes weren’t that of someone taunting me, it was pity. People felt sad for me when they saw me, including me. I hated it. What is sympathy going to get me? Surely not a bright future.

When I exited the school and pulled out my PlaceMe, I realized that the crystal wasn’t glowing its familiar blue. Shoot, I forgot to charge my PlaceMe. I turned to go back through the doors in embarrassment. Hopefully the club kids don’t see me walking back… 

However, I heard Vincent’s voice behind me before I could get scanned. “Maddie!”

“What? Vin!” I yelped, startled.

“I’ve been standing here for fifteen minutes,” he complained as I ran towards him. 

“That’s not my fault!” I protested. “You didn’t tell me anything about coming here. Why are you here?”

“‘Cause Axel found something. Okay, just come, I don’t know what it is, either,” he said. Vincent changed the coordinates on his PlaceMe to make it glow a light purple. Then, he grabbed my hand and raised it to shift us.