I can’t stay in the greenhouse. I can’t bear the disapproving looks, the whispers, the stench of failure that seems to have seeped into my skin. So, I run. My feet carry me without thinking to the highest tower of the academy, a place that has become my secret refuge whenever everything goes wrong.

The tower is old and forgotten, with stone stairs worn by time. At the top, there’s a large window that overlooks the mountains, and from there, you can see all of Lumenvale. I sit on the windowsill, hugging my knees, and let the tears fall freely.

—Back here again, huh?— A soft but firm voice makes me look up.

It’s Mistress Corvina, the caretaker of the ravens that inhabit this tower. Her gray hair is tied in a messy braid, and her dark eyes shine with a mix of wisdom and compassion. She’s always here, always seems to know when I need someone to talk to.

—Hello, Mistress— I murmur, wiping my tears with the sleeve of my robe.

—What happened this time, Stephanie?— she asks, sitting beside me as naturally as if this were the most normal place in the world to have a conversation.

—I ruined everything— I say, staring out at the mountains. —The exam is in a few days, and I don’t have an element or any talent. That’s why Dorian left me, you know? Because I’m a failure. No one wants me.

Mistress Corvina sighs but doesn’t judge me. Instead, she offers me an apple she pulls from her pocket. I take it without enthusiasm but appreciate the gesture.

—Maybe your element isn’t in sync with you— she says after a moment. —Or maybe you’re resisting it. Magic isn’t just about strength, Stephanie. It’s about connection.

—It doesn’t matter— I reply, feeling the weight of her words isn’t enough to ease my pain. —The exam is in two days, and I don’t even know if I’ll pass.

—It can’t all be that bad— she says, placing a hand on my shoulder. —Try harder. Sometimes, the darkest things have the brightest light hidden within.

Her words comfort me a little, but not enough. After a while, I say goodbye and descend the tower stairs, feeling like I can at least breathe again.

When I get home, I find my sister Luna sitting in the kitchen with a serious expression. In her hands is a letter, and I know immediately it doesn’t bring good news.

—Steph— she says, looking up at me. —This came for you.

I take the letter with trembling hands and open it. It’s from the academy.

"Dear Stephanie Willowspring, due to the incident that occurred today in the Herbology class, you have been temporarily suspended until the day of the exam. Please use this time to reflect and prepare."

The words hit me like a punch to the stomach. Suspension. I never thought it would come to this.

—Don’t worry— Luna says, standing up to hug me. —While you’re home, we’ll practice together. We come from a line of great healers, Steph. It’s just taken you a little longer because you haven’t paid attention. That’s what I think.

Her words surprise me. I’ve never thought of my lack of skill as something that could change. I always assumed it was just who I am.

—Do you think I can improve?— I ask, feeling a small ray of hope.

—Of course— Luna replies with a smile. —You just need to believe in yourself.

I feel a little better, but I know the road won’t be easy. The exam is in two days, and I have so much to learn.