This was the first time her stepmother ever dared to lay a hand on her and Azalea had a feeling things were only going to get worse the longer they shared a roof!

After her stepmother flounced out of the bedroom only then did Azalea visibly relax and let out a sigh of relief.

Then she picked up the papers thrown down in anger by Joan on the bed and read carefully.

MEADOWBROOK MARRIAGE ALLIANCE APPLICATION FORM.

This allocation lottery system serves to pair suitable matches that will safeguard the future of our country. Once the match has been confirmed by both parties the pair will live together and contribute a percentage of their income annually.

Today, on May 1st, Azalea officially turned 18 years old yet no one wished her happy birthday. Legally considered an adult and if her parents decide they want her out of their house, it’s over. 

Azalea felt more driven to get into an academy or she’ll have nowhere else to go. 

Wanting to speak with her father Azalea stayed up all night waiting for his return until she drifted off to sleep.

This is not the first birthday her father has missed but it was the first time he left something behind before going off that morning on one of his many business trips. 

Upon his return last night after seeing her fast asleep, Azalea's father decided not to wake her.

Instead left an envelope under her pillow. 

Once originally white the envelope now had a creamish color.

While the pink bow that had been used to tie it was now frayed at the edges. 

Azalea carefully pulled apart the envelope not wanting to damage the letter inside. 

There were a few tear stains and smudges but at least the handwriting was legible.

To my sweet child,

Happy Birthday my love, you’ve finally turned eighteen and your Mama is sorry that she can’t be with you on your special day. 

If you're reading this letter then it means that Michael was too chicken shit to tell you the truth.

Your real father’s name is Mikhail Blume, your father’s older twin brother. 

When I met your father he was already married and to save my family the shame of having a child out of wedlock I was forced to wed his younger brother. 

Your real father pretended to be single and already had three sons when I met him.

Before he could introduce you to them he was declared legally dead after he went missing in action while on a mission for the Military.

More importantly I have hidden your legacy and planted three special spiritual seeds that only you can uncover. 

As you become stronger these seeds will appear and only you can make them grow.

It’s up to you how you would like to deal with these mental plants in the future. 

Just like plants, relationships take time to grow and be properly nurtured. 

I hope you will become successful in life and not just have material things.

That you’ll experience joy, love and happiness too! Never settle.

I made that mistake with your father and hope you will take another route and find true love. 

Mother might be a helpless romantic but that's because I just want the best for you. 

Happy Birthday Azalea, may all your hopes and dreams come true, love you always!

-Flora Belgrade.

Just to make sure Azalea turned the old envelope inside out but there were no seeds or even any clues as to where she would find them.

Azalea didn’t have the luxury of getting emotional since May1st was also the day of the coming of age dream ceremony.

If she didn’t calm herself down and get a handle on her emotions then she would lose her only chance to escape this life her stepmother wants. 

After slipping the letter in her school bag, Azalea did a last minute check in the mirror. 

It reflected a young lady with pale skin and long black hair .

She always wore a center part with bangs pushed casually to the side. 

Under full eyelashes, were watery moss green eyes with a pinched expression, that appeared quite anxious. 

Azalea jumped.

A bunch of hard knocks on the outside of her bedroom door brought Azalea out of her reverie. 

Turning to leave Azalea quickly opened the door. 

“Are you deaf?” screeched Janet. “Why didn't you answer if you heard the knocks?”

Her stepsister frowned at Azalea before making her way down the stairs while grumbling under her breath loud enough for Azalea to hear. 

Janet had the common blonde hair and blue eyes that most locals shared in Meadowbrook. 

Azalea’s father had shocked everyone when he married an outsider with exotic looks. 

Being different got her mother labeled an enchantress. 

In her opinion, her stepmother Joan was the real witch.

To this day Azalea didn’t see what made her father who vowed never to marry anyone after her mother died change his mind.

“Such creepy green eyes, every time I see them I shudder. No wonder none of the guys at school wanted to date her.”

“What did you say?”

Janet froze, her facial expression was almost comical.

Normally Azalea just ignored her muttering and let Janet have her own way all the time, so what changed?

Janet deflected, “You should fill out that application form while my mother is still willing to be helpful.”

“How is that your concern?”

“Do you know what it’s like to live with a sister that’s a complete social pariah? You’ve been kicked out of three schools for fighting students who stated the obvious YOU LACK MENTAL POWERS. Do us all a favor, stop being a burden and fill out the form. Without the system performing a charity by matching you with some other loser. Do you think anyone in their right mind would willingly marry someone with a serious defect?”

Azalea’s eyes widened self consciously. 

Janet knew exactly what to say and how to get under her skin. 

Her only defect was that she currently could not summon a mental beast because Azalea’s body possessed very little mental energy. 

“Will you two quit wasting my time and get in the car?” yelled Joan. 

“Sorry mom,” said Janet sheepishly.

“Bang!” was Azalea's only response.

The sound of the car door slamming into its frame was followed by a string of curse words from Joan as the car sped along the highway to the examination center.