"Mom… Mom! I got it! I finally got my attribute—I can use magic now!"
Vanessa exclaimed, eyes shining with excitement.
Her mother smiled warmly, gently touching Vanessa's head.
"That's amazing, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you."
She pulled Vanessa into a hug.
"I can finally go to the magic academy, right? Can I?" Vanessa asked eagerly.
Her mother's smile softened, but a hint of worry showed in her eyes.
"Yes, but you'll have to leave home for a long time… Are you truly ready for that?"
"Yes, I'm ready! I'm ready to become a great witch—just like you, Mom!"
Vanessa said, her voice full of excitement, though a hint of sadness crept into her eyes.
Her mother's expression shifted slightly, softening with emotion.
"Alright then," she said gently. "Tomorrow, we'll start preparing everything you need for the magic academy."
"Go to bed now, sweetheart," her mother said softly.
"Goodnight, Mother," Vanessa replied, flashing her a bright, joyful smile.
She climbed the creaky wooden stairs to her room, her footsteps light with excitement. The moonlight spilled through her window as she slipped under her blanket, eyes wide open despite the late hour.
Though the house was quiet, Vanessa's mind buzzed with wonder.
"I wonder what I'll be able to do with my magic… What kind of spells? What kind of adventures?"
She whispered to herself, staring up at the ceiling, her hands clasped over her chest.
"I can't wait to become a powerful witch. Just like Mom."
"Ugh… morning already?" Vanessa groaned, rubbing her eyes as she sat up in bed. "I didn't sleep a wink last night…" she muttered, her voice hoarse with sleep but tinged with excitement.
She trudged downstairs, still in her nightgown, and was greeted by the smell of sizzling bacon. In the kitchen, her mother stood at the stove, humming softly as she flipped eggs in a pan.
"Morning, Mom. What are you making?" Vanessa asked, her stomach growling at the scent.
Her mother turned with a smile. "Eggs and bacon. Figured you'd need a good breakfast after your big day."
"Yum," Vanessa said, eyes lighting up as she sat at the table.
A few minutes later, the two sat down to eat, steam rising from their plates. Vanessa took a bite, then looked up eagerly.
"Mom, when are we going to the store? Don't forget—we need to get everything ready for the academy!"
Her mother paused for a moment, then smiled. "I haven't forgotten, sweetie. We'll head out after breakfast. There's a lot to buy—robes, spellbooks, items…"
Vanessa grinned wide, practically bouncing in her seat. "This is really happening."
After finishing breakfast, they both got dressed and stepped out into the warm morning sun. The village was already bustling with life—market stalls opening, merchants shouting their prices, and the distant sound of a bard playing a cheerful tune.
Vanessa walked beside her mother, her eyes wide with wonder. She had come into town before, but everything felt different now. She wasn't just a girl anymore—she was a witch in training.
"The first thing you'll need is a wand," her mother said with a smile. "I know exactly where we can buy one."
Vanessa tilted her head. "Mom, what exactly do witches use wands for?"
Her mother glanced at her as they walked. "Wands help young and inexperienced witches control their magic. Think of it like… a funnel. It focuses your energy into one point, making it easier to shape and cast spells."
"Ohhh," Vanessa said, nodding. "That actually makes a lot of sense."
They turned down a cobbled street lined with old shops and magical trinkets glowing in display windows. As they passed a stall selling enchanted birdcages, Vanessa looked up again, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Mom, what are attributes?"
Her mother slowed her pace slightly, giving her a thoughtful glance. "Attributes are the core of a witch's magic," she explained. "Every witch is born with one. It shapes the kind of magic you can use—some control fire, others bend shadows, heal, summon illusions… There are hundreds, maybe more."
Vanessa's brow furrowed as she scratched her head. "So… what's your attribute, Mom?"
Her mother didn't respond right away. They walked a few steps in silence before she finally answered, her voice softer than before.
"You're too young to understand mine," she said. "When you're older, I promise I'll tell you."
Vanessa frowned slightly. "But Mom, I'm fourteen."
Her mother chuckled and shook her head. "Exactly. That's still young. You've only just discovered your own magic, sweetheart. Give it time."
Vanessa pouted playfully but said nothing more. Deep down, though, her curiosity burned brighter than ever.
Her mother suddenly stopped in the middle of a narrow alleyway. "Oh, we're here," she said, looking pleased.
Vanessa blinked and looked around. The alley ended in a plain, weather-worn stone wall. "But… Mom, there's nothing here. It's a dead end."
Her mother smiled knowingly. "Don't be so quick to judge things by their appearance, Vanessa."
From her coat pocket, she pulled out a small, pitch-black card—so dark it almost seemed to absorb light. She pressed it gently against the wall and whispered, "Open."
A low hum vibrated through the air. The wall began to shimmer, then shift—its surface folding and rotating like a puzzle unlocking itself. Stones rearranged, bricks peeled away, and within seconds, a door emerged, framed by glowing runes. The wall had transformed into the front of an old, crooked shop, with a wooden sign gently swinging above the door. It read:
"Otto's magical supplies"
Vanessa's eyes lit up. "Whoa… that's amazing!"
Her mother chuckled. "Come on in, darling."