The Woods
Shaylee’s POV
I’ve been dreading this day all of my young life , my parents ruled over Fairyland . They’re the King and Queen , I was the youngest born fairy of my brothers and sisters but also the most powerful amongst them .
Today was my 18th birthday and had to prepare myself for mutant school . Mutant school was for the freak (of nature), deviant, monstrosity, monster, mutations of the world and in today’s society I’d be considered one of them because I am a freak of nature .
“Knock , knock ! ” our mother says while entering our bedroom , I shared a room with 3 other girls who were my sisters . Ailsa , Asherah and Deema , they were the oldest .
I sat up in my bed while looking out the window into fairyland , everyone looked so happy and I should be happy for today was my birthday, but I wasn’t . My mom came and sat on my bed with a cupcake , there was one birthday candle placed into it while lit .
“Happy Birthday my little princess , may all of your wishes come true .” She said while gesturing the cupcake closer for me to blow out the candle , I looked around at the on looking eyes of my sisters as they smirked .
I blew my candle out without making a wish because no matter what , by sundown tomorrow , I’ll be flying off to school .
My mother kissed my forehead as I took the cupcake , my sisters watched on .
“You know , this isn’t a bad thing that your attending Mutant school . ” Deema says and I put my head down .
" You three wouldn’t know what this feels like . You guys got to stay here and learn everything from mom and dad , why can’t I stay here ?” I asked as they laughed .
“Keep dreaming , they don’t have time to train you . They’re preparing to wed one of us off to one of the other royal families and it isn’t you , so off you go . ” Asherah said while smirking .
“Who makes these rules anyway ? Isn’t there anything else I can do?” I asked as they laughed again while getting ready to leave the room .
“Are you forgetting who our parents are ? Royals who over watch everything , nothing changes unless they approve it with the highest council and grandma being the highest council, forget it princess .” Asherah continued as they leave the room , I sat on the bed still while looking out . I got up and put on my long cloak then climbed out of the window , I let my wings be free and flew to the lake I always went to .
I sat by the lake on my knees while looking out into the water and letting the breeze hit my face , I can hear footsteps approaching but quietly . I knew it was him , it was Alvin . He was another fairy who understood me , we hoped to be wedded some day .
“Hi , my princess . ” he says while pulling me closer , I look up at him with a smile .
“I leave tomorrow .” I explained to him and he nods with a slight frown .
“We need to talk . ” he said while guiding me to a tree branch to sit down , he stands in front of me while looking down at me .
“Okay , lets talk . I was thinking we plan our wedding after I graduate, and we build a nice little cottage away from the royal palace . ” I said to him and he gives me a fake smile .
“Sweetheart , we can’t ...” he says, and I tilt my head while folding my hands on my lap .
“Why not ? We’ve been planning this for months and you said you’d wait for me . ” I say to him as he puts his head down .
“I’m marrying another . ” he said as my eyes started to water , I stand up and look at him .
“Who ?” I asked .
“Deema...” he says , I slapped him across the face and he starts to try to explain himself .
“I didn’t wanna hurt you , it just happened Shaylee . ” he says, and I shake my head while starting to walk away .
“We can still bare children together and still see each other . ” he continued as I shake my head no .
“I’m leaving , I never wanna see you again . Congratulations on your Royal engagement , I won’t be attending . ” I said to him as we can hear another presence approaching the the lake , he takes out his little fairy sword and gestured it forward as a young adult male wolf approaches .
He didn’t show signs of aggression towards us, but Alvin was still on edge , I gestured for Alvin to put his sword down and he wouldn’t . The wolf walks over to the lake and takes a few drinks of water as Alvin tries to grab my hand to pull me away to safety .
“No , I’m fine . You can leave , I still don’t want anything to do with you . ” I explained to him , he sucks his teeth and walks off . I go sit near the lake again while looking up at the wolf , his eyes were like a olive color , his fur was of golden brown and gray with a belly of white .
“Can I pet you ?” I asked while looking into the wolfs eyes , he moved closer and sat down next to me .
I gestured my hand slowly at the base of his head then gently stroked his back , he was staring into my eyes as if we was studying me . I smiled at the wolf as he nudged his face against mine , it was almost as if he had characteristics of a human .
“Someone’s coming !” I whispered to the wolf , he goes running straight into the woods as I show my wings then fly behind a hidden tree . I watch as the Royal Guards and my parents along with Alvin search the woods .
“She was here , we were here ... The wolf we encountered probably took her .” Alvin explained to my parents as I watched on , I observed everything from afar .
“Find my baby Oberon !” My mother shouted at my father , she rested her head on his chest before he and the guards stormed off to finish their search . I flew back to the palace unseen and hurried to my room , I wrote a note to my mother because I was headed to where they wanted me to go .
Dear Mom ,
I’m safe , no harm has been done to me but only just a broken heart . I look forward to seeing you and dad at my graduation in a few months , goodbye for now .
Shaylee
I packed a few of my belongings and placed the letter on my bed then flew away towards the edge of fairyland , this was the end for me as I crossed over into the next realm . There were a few different passages that connected to each realm for others to cross over into, but some never bothered but I was headed to the realm of Mutant School .
Queen Celeste’s POV
After being escorted back to the palace , I stood at the opening doors with my eyes closed while wondering where my child could have went off to . No one has seen her except Alvin , he tells a story of a wolf but there was no wolf once we reached the lake or signs of a struggling event .
I took a few deep breaths and opened my eyes , my door opened as one of the guards hand me a rolled-up note .
“Your highness , we found this on her bed . ” he says , I rush to open it and read over it . It was definitely her handwriting , I put the letter to my chest and began to weep softly .
“Is there anything we can do ?” He asked, and I nodded no .
“She’s fine , please send for my husband .” I expressed to him , he leaves the room . I still stood at the window as minutes went by , my husband comes running in .
“Where is she ?” He asked, and I hand him the letter , he reads it .
“She left without saying goodbye , this is your fault Oberon . She doesn’t want to be a knight , she is a young princess and she deserves that . ” I expressed to him and he closes his eyes while sighing .
“Celeste , its what’s best for our kingdom . She needs to prepare for the great fairy war , she’s the strongest in the realm and we need her ready with no distractions and that includes love .” He says , I tilt my head at him .
“Your putting your daughters happiness on a back burner for your own selfish ways , you knew she loved that boy . I didn’t get to send my baby away , you pushed her away . ” I yelled at him and he shakes his head .
“I don’t want to hear this , it’s already done . She’s gonna get the proper training she needs and when she comes back , we will be ready . ” he said as I pour me a glass of wine .
“Sure , I hope and pray she comes back or, yet she doesn’t, and she falls in love . ” I said to him while downing the glass of wine , he leaves the room . I walk over to my desk and write a note back to Shaylee , I pray she gets it and which she should .
Shaylee’s POV
On foot and stopping between flight , this was taking longer than I expected . Nightfall was approaching so I took a break and gathered wood for a fire , I sat at it and can feel the wind blow then a messenger fairy appeared .
“I have a message from the Queen for you Shaylee , do you accept ?” She asked in her small squeaking voice , I nodded yes .
“My dearest Shaylee , it saddens me to not hear this goodbye from you personally, but I understand . Will you accept visits ? I know the school does visits , I can come often as will your father . I wish you nothing but the best my princess , I also have another gift for you .
When you reach administrations , you do not have to stay in the school itself with the others if you do not wish to . You will have a prebuilt , small cottage in the woods as you approach .
Please find your calling , I will always love you no matter what .
Your mother .” The fairy recites everything my mother told her , I look at the fairy as the fairy waited for a returning answer .
“Tell her I accept and thank you , I’ll promise to be in touch and I am open to visits . ” I said to the fairy , the fairy nods with a smile then flies off . I lit the fire and made a bed of leaves to lay in , I should be at the school by morning .
I slept peacefully until I felt a small nudge at my arm , I rolled over to avoid it while not even thinking then felt it again at my back . I rubbed my eyes then opened them , it was the wolf . I jumped back a little while holding my chest because I was a little taken back , he had a heavy furred blanket hanging from his mouth as he nudged me again .
“Is this for me ?” I asked, and he rubs his head on me , I take the blanket and wrap myself in it while rubbing his head.
“Thank you .” I say to him , he walks over to the other side of the fire and lays down . I almost feel protected by a wolf that I didn’t even know , could he have been following me this whole time ?
I laid back down and fell asleep again , it did get a little chilly in the woods so I’m thankful for this blanket because this was keeping me warm .
I woke up and he was already gone like a ghost ,I put my head down for a few minutes then stood up . I folded the blanket and packed it away then continued on , I finally made it . I made it to the cottage , the outside was beautiful and had a well-kept garden . I smelled the flowers and slowly approached the front door , the messenger fairy appeared while handing me a key as she curtsied then disappeared again .
I unlocked the door and slowly pushed it open , I peeked my head in and notice everything was practically brand new . She wanted me to have my best life here , I walked around and continued to look around . I finally reached the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed , I took my shoes off and my clothes then went to take a nice hot shower .
I almost didn’t get out, but I needed to be at the admissions office of the school soon , I dried off then put my clothes to wash and looked inside of the dresser . I tried on a few things , she wanted me to fit in .
“Lilly ...”I called out for the messenger fairy , she appeared .
“How can I help you Princess Shaylee ?” She asked .
“I prefer Shaylee , just Shaylee . I was thinking , is it possible you could maybe help me with this .” I explained to her while pointing at my outfit .
“This is what everyone is wearing now a days , this is what your mother requested for you . Do you like it ?” She asked, and I shrug .
“Can’t I just wear my cloak ?” I asked, and she shakes her head no while laughing .
“Try on this ...” she says while pointing at a black shirt then a pair of jeans , I try them on and she gives me a thumbs up .
“Palace life is a little different compared to this Shaylee, but you will enjoy this . ” she continues, and I nodded , maybe this could be a slightly good thing . I grabbed the small button up sweater with a few things I needed for admissions then began walking towards the school gates , I stopped midway while observing from afar .
“Has the princess lost her way ?” A black-haired man asked me while watching from afar as well , I jumped a little bit .
“Princess ? Me ? No... My names...” I get ready to say to him and he shakes his head no .
“Princess Shaylee .” He says, and I make a eek face .
“Shaylee , just Shaylee .” I said to him and he smiles .
“Well just Shaylee , welcome to Mutant Academy . ” he said while extending his hand , I extended mine back and we shook hands .
“Who might you be ?” I asked, and he smirks .
“Professor Morris , also headmaster Morris . ” he says, and my eyes widened , this was the creator of the school . What if I made a bad impression already , there was no turning back now .
“Frightened?” He asked, and I nodded yes , he gestured for me to go as the gates opened and we continued to walk .
“There’s nothing to be afraid of , everyone in here are here to learn something just like you . We have giants , creatures with wings like you , creatures who throw fire , creatures who spit fire , every creature you could ever imagine . Wolves who turn into beautiful humans and you wouldn’t even know it . ” he expressed, and I look at him .
“Wolves ?... ” I asked because maybe I’ll see the wolf who was always appearing .
“Yes , we have quite a few here . Come on , let’s get you registered . ” he says as we continued to walk around the school , he shows me around and different passageways from my cottage to the school and so forth .
As we were walking down the hall I can see a tall , young man with dark brown hair and olive like eyes standing up against the wall talking to a girl . He winked at me , I put my head down and kept walking .
The admissions process was a breeze , Professor Morris showed me to my first class . He introduced the teacher to me and I went to take a seat in the middle section of the class , a girl with curly black hair and bold brown eyes and caramel skin like mine smiled at me .
She leans to the side and starts a conversation with me .
“Nervous ?” She whispered, and I nodded yes with a smile .
“I’m Ember . ” she extends her hand and says , I extend mine as well .
“Shaylee ...” I said to her and we shake hands .
“What are you ? You don’t look like a mutant . ” she says, and I put long curly hair behind my hair to reveal my ears , she looks shocked .
“You’re a fucking fairy ?” She says loudly while covering her mouth , I slide down the chair and she smiles .
“Miss. Langston is there a problem?” The teacher asked Ember and she shakes her head no nonchalantly , Ember looks at me while smiling .
“Do you use Mutant Book ?” She asked while whispering, I shrug because I never heard of it .
“I don’t know what that is .” I said to her and she smiles , she slides me her phone and shows me .
“It’s like a social media for all of us , everyone had one . You should create one !” She says, and I smirk , I don’t even have a phone to be able to use this Mutant Book, but I do have a laptop my mom put in the cottage, so I guess creating one later wouldn’t hurt .
The rest of the day consisted of many ooh’s and ahh’s because I was the first fairy that’s ever attended her in years , some were bullies, and some were nice . I was just glad the day was over , I got home and went straight for my bedroom .
I wanted to see what this Mutant Book was all about , I created a profile and looked for Ember . She had so many pictures and mine was just blank , I folded my hands while looking around then noticed Lilly appearing .
“Here , I programmed a few numbers in here for you .” She says, and I nodded with a smile .
“You’re like a angelic fairy , you’re a lifesaver Lilly .” I expressed to her and she smiled while flying away , she didn’t leave instructions for this thing, but I guess I’ll figure it out .
I opened up the camera and messed with it a few times then finally got it , I took a few pictures then uploaded them to Mutant Book .
I got a few friend request from a lot of our classmates , I got a anonymous message from someone . I didn’t know weather to open it or not, so I left it , I went to read a cooking book then couldn’t shake the feeling . I went and sat back down at the desk and opened the message .
Anonymous: Hey .
Me: Hi
Anonymous: Almost thought you weren’t gonna reply lol
Me: Sorry , I just thought it was strange .
Anonymous: I understand , was the blanket comfortable?
I looked around the room for a minute because I was kind of scared but then realized, they were talking about the blanket from last night .
Anonymous: Hope I didn’t frighten you...
Me: It was comfortable, thank you .
Anonymous: Your welcome .
Me: I washed it , I can fold it and put it away somewhere safely for you to retrieve it ...
Anonymous: Keep it , it’s yours .
Me: This may sound weird, but will I see you again ?
Anonymous: We go to the same school so of course , nice talking to you Shaylee ...
I closed the chat ; my mind was all over the place and I didn’t know how to react to this . The wolf and I go to the same school but who was he ? Will he show up in his human form or will he appear again to me in his wolf form ?
