Glimmerdrop: The Crownwake Series

I’m beyond screwed if my parents find me before I leave the house.

I shouldn’t act behind their backs to do something I know they are against.

They barely let me leave the house as it is. They would freak out if I told them I’m enrolling at the Haldorian Academy.

That’s why I can’t tell them.

And also the reason why I’m not giving up on this idea.

I need to find some purpose in my life. I must discover what else is out there. They can’t expect me to be hidden from the world forever. And if I don’t go today, this is exactly what I can expect my life to be.

The idea of joining an academy where the best warriors, healers, and mystics go is terrifying, but not as scary as being a prisoner in my own house.

I’m just a simple human. I don’t have any skills or special abilities. But what else can I do? I don’t want to stay in Brammere. There’s so much out there for me to know. My district is cool and all, but it’s just…boring.

Going to the capital of the Haldoria Kingdom and becoming someone useful, someone who fights to protect others, sounds way better than following in my parents’ footsteps. Being farmers and helping the community is something to be proud of.

It’s just not what I want for myself.

I want…more.

I might sound greedy, ungrateful even, but growing up deprived of everything other kids had easily, things that should be considered normal, like dating or even going to school, left me with a bitter taste in my mouth.

I pull a black hoodie over my head, wear my worn-out sneakers, and check my reflection in the mirror one last time. My long, black hair is pulled into a high ponytail, and I’ve even managed to hide my bangs, pulling them to the side with hair clips. My high cheekbones are flushed from the cold, making my freckles stand out more than usual against my pale skin, and my lips are pink and slightly cracked from the chill.

But it’s my gray eyes that stand out the most. They show how fucking scared I am to be doing something so bold.

I was never one to go against my parents’ wishes. Sure, I was a bit hard to deal with when I was a teenager, escaping the house a few times to hang out with the neighbors’ children. But it was never something that got me grounded for longer than a couple of days.

The door to my bedroom on the second floor of our small cabin squeaks when I pull it open a few inches, peeping outside to check if the path is clear. I hear noises coming from the kitchen, pots and pans slamming against each other as Mom prepares lunch.

It’s past ten in the morning, so my father might be working outside on our cotton plantation. I won’t get a better opportunity than this.

I try my best not to make any sound when I walk down the stairs, skipping the last step, knowing it will creak under my weight. I walk through the living room, looking over my shoulder to make sure my mother didn’t see me, and finally get to the porch.

But my mission is not done yet.

I still need to dodge every curious neighbor and villager. Since today is Enrollment Day in all Haldoria, everyone’s eyes are on the young generation wanting to get in.

It’s pretty much the event of the year. Especially for a remote district like Brammere.

My heart is pounding so hard against my ribcage that I’m afraid it will tear my chest apart.

I need to get to the square before my parents realize I’m not home. Once I’m on the line, no one can stop me from applying.

The gravel crunches under my feet as I take the small road downtown. I pull the hood over my head and look at the ground, perking my ears in case someone tries to approach me.

“Hettie?” a familiar voice calls from behind me, and I freeze. “Where are you going?”

Shit…

I look over my shoulder, knowing exactly who I’ll find.

A pair of green eyes is narrowed at me, suspicion crossing his features.

“Hi, Hans.” I shoot him a smile, ignoring the look of reprimand on his face.

Dark curls fall over his thick brows, and his bronze skin absorbs the sunlight, reflecting a natural glow that would make anyone envious. That’s Hans. He is dressed in simple black clothes, and he hasn’t let go of the small hoop earrings or the silver pendant necklace he’s always worn.

Hans has been my neighbor since we were kids, and our parents have been friends since I can remember. We used to play around together whenever our families met, and eventually became good friends.

Hans looks around as if making sure no one is seeing me. Then he takes a few more steps until he reaches me.

“You’re not going where I think you’re going, right?” he hisses.

I shrug, knowing exactly what he means.

“Shit, Hettie. Do your parents know you’re here?” There’s no judgment or threat in his hushed tone, but rather concern.

I know I can trust him. He would never sell me out to my parents.

I shake my head. “No, and I intend to keep it this way. At least until I know if I got accepted or not.”

His eyes widen at me. “Are you crazy? They will never let you go,” Hans insists, but I ignore him, resuming my walk toward the square.

He follows in my tail, completely unsettled, as if he’s now an accomplice to a crime I’m about to commit.

“Hettie, can you please think this through?” he pleads.

I roll my eyes, looking sideways and shooting daggers at him, hoping that will be enough for him to get the hint and stop pestering me about it.

I need encouragement, not someone to make me doubt myself.

“I already did. I have to try this, Hans. I can’t stay here forever,” I tell him in a low voice, lowering my head when I spot Mr. Mulligan, the neighbour from the end of the street, who turns out to be really close with my dad, working on his garden.

I pull my hoodie over my face as we pass by his house, but thankfully, he’s too entertained to see us.

“Listen, I get that. But you know your parents won’t let you go, even if you pass the interview,” Hans carries on, worried.

“They can’t forbid me from going, can they? I mean, I’m already of age. And are they going to go against the kingdom’s approval?” I glance at him once more, and this time, he seems to consider my question.

“God, they’re going to kill you. And now me too,” he grumbles.

Brammere Square is a ten-minute walk from our home, at the heart of the village.

The whole place is buzzing when we arrive. I don’t remember it being this chaotic and full. The cobbled streets are packed with villagers, and Hans and I head for the main plaza, toward the human section.

Alright, this is it…

There’s no going back now, Hettie.

This is where my life changes. I just have no idea how much yet.