Casters

Chapter 1

Catherine

Ooh, hi there! My name is Catherine- sshh don’t let anyone know I can see you! My gifts started manifesting around the time I got, Sky, my best friend and animal spirt. Sky is a cat- bet you didn’t see that one coming! He’s the fluffiest tabby you could ever imagine. But fair warning, don’t try to hug or pet him without his consent. Sky’s got standards, though he can usually be bribed with treats. Food is the way to his heart!

Back to my gifts- most people don’t start getting theirs until after their 19th birthday and up to around age 25. Receiving them later than that is incredibly rare, although the King Bernard I famously got his gifts at 30. If someone’s gifts start showing before 19, it’s said to be a sign of greatness- or at least, that’s what my mom always told me. She’s a hopeless romantic when it comes to destiny and stuff like that. She also advised me not to tell anyone about my gifts until tonight- which funny enough, happens to be my 19th birthday party!

And it’s not just any birthday- it’s the summer solstice and a blue moon! Can you believe it? This rare coincidence only happens once every 160 years or so. For such a grand occasion, my mom and I decided to embrace the Victorian theme. We’re dressing in ruffles and lace; my gown is a soft, dreamy blue that complements my greyish-blue eyes and ash-blond hair perfectly. Mom, with her gorgeous red hair and bright blue eyes, is wearing a stunning forest-green gown. She looks absolutely regal. Honestly, I’m a little jealous f how effortlessly she carries herself.

Oh, and did I mention that my dad is King Bernard III? Yep, that technically makes me a princess. Not that it’s all that important in our society. Royals these days are more like figureheads without any real authority. The actual power leis with the government, the Elders’ Council, and the Casters, who shape history and decide how our society is rules. My dad’s title is more ceremonial than anything else. But growing up in the castle has its perks- I get unlimited access to the library. Sure, it’s open to the public, but I’m allowed to venture into the restricted areas. So much forbidden knowledge just waiting to be explored! Not that I’ve found a use for it yet.. but someday, when my gift training is complete, I’m planning to work at the Sorting Centre.

Oh, I should probably explain- the Sorting Centre is where all the newly manifested gifts are categorized and honed. It’s a critical part of ensuring that magical abilities are understood and used wisely. I can’t wait to start contributing there. Sky thinks I’ll be amazing, and I trust his judgement- after all. He’s a cat. They always know best.

Dammit! Look at the time- I really need to get ready! Tonight’s party is going to be the event of the century, and I can’t afford to be late. Talk to you soon!

+_+_+_+_+_+

Sky

The hall was absolutely breathtaking! Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the polished floors and gilded decorations. Waiters glided gracefully through the crowd, balancing trays of drinks and delicate finger snacks, like seasoned acrobats. Most of the guests carried themselves with an air of authority, no doubt because they were either Casters, members of the Elder Council, or held high-ranking government positions. Because, of course, you can’t have a royal event without those guys. Note the sarcasm.

When Catherine entered the hall alongside Queen Tabitha, the room seemed to pause, if only for a moment. The pair looked radiant, moving together with an elegance that made them seem untouchable. They began making their way to around the room, greeting guest with warm smiles and polite introductions. This event was after all, quite significant- a perfect opportunity to network. What better place to rub elbows with the powerful than a royal ball? Though, personally, I find these events a bit dull. The only thing I truly enjoy is napping on Catherine’s dress train. Oh, and skiing across the ballroom floor on silk fabric? That’s always a highlight.

Catherine isn’t particularly fond of dancing, but her dance card was filled faster than I could sneak a snack off the main table. First up was Elder Arthur. Quite impressive for his age- just 100 years young and still battle-ready despite the fact that there hasn’t been a war in over 80 years. His wife, Lady Doe, however, was far more interested in mingling. Dressed in a gown that seemed more suited to a red carpet than a ball, she flitted around the room collecting gossip like a magpie gathering shiny trinkets, Networking, as they call it.

Next in line was Sir Philip. Oh, where do I start with him? His long, horse-like face and aristocratic airs are impossible to miss. The man is perpetually in the market for a new wife- number five or six at the point? Honestly, I’ve lost track. Judging by the look on Catherine’s face, she didn’t enjoy that dance in the slightest.

Then came Sir Leo, a towering figure with broad shoulders and a mane that rivals his animal spirit, Patcho. Yes, Patcho is a lion, in case you were wondering. Sir Leo’s imposing presence didn’t seem to faze Catherine, though. She handled the dance her usual grace.

As the night wore on, I lost count of the suiters parading their way into Catherin’s evening. But there was one who stood out- Sir Altair. I could feel Catherine’s heart skip a beat, through our bond, when she danced with him. He is part of the Enlightened, gifted with a rare form of sight that allows him to have insight into what’s to come. A handy gift, I must admit. Tall, dark and handsome with a magnetic charm to match, he’s the kind of man who can turn heads in any room. Unmarried and studying at the Sorting Centre, he’s already on track to become the Head of Sight, or so Lady Doe claims.

As the evening wound down, cake was served- finally, my favourite part as I got a salmon plate- and Catherine’s presents were whisked off to her room foe later. Afterward, Catherine, Queen Tabitha and the King stationed themselves at the grand doors, bidding the guests farewell with smiles and wishes for safe travels. And just like that, the night come to an end.

+_+_+_+_+_+

Sky

“Are you ready, Catherine?” I could feel how nervous she is about to going to the Sorting Centre.

“Yeah, its just.. I know I have multiple gifts, but I’m not sure if I’ll be a Caster or an Enlightened. You’ll be with me the whole time, Sky?” Her voice was small, her usual confidence replaced by a vulnerable edge.

“Off course I will be.” I said, trying to comfort her. Purring on her lap usually did the trick, so I settled in and gave it my best.

When we arrived at the Sorting Centre, it was buzzing as usual, but something felt off. The commotion had an air of urgency that wasn’t typical. Even I, with my impeccable feline sense, found it unsettling.

Elder Arthur approached us in a rush, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him with even a single hair out of place, but now? He looked downright dishevelled- quite the sight for someone so composed.

“Princess, you’ve came at a bad time. We have… a few minor issues that needs handling before someone can assist you with the characterizing,” he said, thought his pained expression told me the issues were anything but minor. Personally, I suspect something big was going on, and I fully intended to find out what. Without so much as a proper farewell, Arthur hurried off again. How rude.

“Cat,” I said with a flick of my tail, “why don’t we find out what’s really happening? I know Patcho is around here somewhere, and he might have some answers.” Patcho is surprisingly well-connected- almost as much as Lady Doe, though far lazier.

It didn’t take long to find him. There he was, sprawled under a tree without a care in the world. Typically, male lion behaviour.

“Patcho so what is going on?” I asked. His ears twitched, and he gave one of those deep, lazy yawns before stretching in that infuriating nonchalant way only lions can pull off.

“Well, Sir Altair saw something, and now everyone high up is panicking.” He said scratching his ear. “Not sure why they’re making such a fuss, though. Its really not that big a deal. He saw that someone with a dragon animal spirt is going to take over our society. Honestly, I think it’s about time for a reform. But now they’re scrambling to try and stop it. How stupid can you be?”

“A dragon spirit?” Catherine exclaimed. “But there hasn’t been one in over 320 years!”

Patcho blinked at her lazily before delivering a revelation that left both of us stunned.

“Well, dragon spirts aren’t given at age 12 like normal ones. They’re transformations that happen to an existing animal spirt- usually a cat type. But it doesn’t just happen. There are requirements: the person has to be of royal blood, pure of heart, have an unbreakable bond with their spirt, and must have received their gifts young.”

Catherine and I exchanged wide-eyed glances. The pieces clicked into place with terrifying clarity. She fit every single criterion. As the only child of the current royal pair, with a cat spirit (me, of course), gifts that appeared early, and the purest heart I’ve ever known- it was possible. No, probable. I could transform into a dragon!

“Well, that complicates things,” I said, suddenly imagining the tragic loss of my favourite snacks. “Thank you, Patcho.” I managed after regaining my composure. He merely flicked his tail, stretched again, and promptly went back to sleep. Lazy lion.

Catherine and I decided to return to the castle at once. This was all too much without solid facts, and there was only one place to get answers- the library.