CHAPTER ONE

Each time that high-pitched ringing echoed in my ears, I shifted restlessly in bed. I let out a quiet groan as I rubbed my eyes and turned onto my other side. The moment my gaze landed on the old moon and star stickers on the ceiling, memories of when I was seven came rushing back. It was six o'clock in the morning... My brows drew together involuntarily because of the indescribable pain coursing through my body. When I couldn't fall back asleep, I buried myself in books, as always. I fought the urge to groan because of the sharp pain in my lower back. The creak of the door made my gaze snap toward it. My brother was leaning against the doorframe. His eyes, heavy with exhaustion, his tousled hair, and the wrinkles in his clothes made it obvious that he had only just woken up. He tilted his head slightly and watched me in silence. His eyes were telling me to get out of bed; there was no need for words. "Good morning to you too, big brother," I said as I dragged myself out of bed with great effort. Even though the pain in my lower back reminded me of itself with every step, looking around my neatly kept room was comforting. The clothes crammed into the suitcase on top of the desk had already begun to wrinkle. Meanwhile, the Lumen Academy uniform hanging over the chair seemed to fill the room with the Academy's modern atmosphere. "Aras, Leylim!" At the sound of Aunt Pamuk's voice calling from the kitchen, we both turned toward it. My brother stepped away from my doorframe, giving me a look that clearly said, 'Come on,' before heading to his own room. I went into the bathroom and took a quick shower. The warm water eased the ache in my body and relaxed my muscles. I pulled the extended waistband of my trousers to the side and fastened the button. Free from the bulk of a belt, the tailored fit sat perfectly at my waist, creating a flawless contrast with my off-white shirt. After carefully knotting my black tie, I slipped on my navy waistcoat, the final piece. As it hugged my frame, my tie fell neatly beneath its deep V-neck, exactly the way I had imagined. When it was time to do my hair, it was still damp from the shower, so I didn't bother drying it completely. Instead of pulling it back into a tight, sleek style, I gathered all my hair back into a loose, natural ponytail at the crown of my head. A few damp strands falling freely on both sides of my face softened the serious, masculine lines of my uniform, adding an effortless touch to my appearance. However, I wanted to add a small, hidden signature to this look. I separated a thin section from the middle of my ponytail and braided seven delicate, tight braids downward. These fine braid details flowing from the center of my slightly wavy ponytail balanced the formal suit-like feel of my uniform with their elegance. I took one last look at my reflection in the mirror. Completely free of exaggeration and perfectly in line with the Academy's rules, I looked as though I was heading to one of the city's elite gatherings. After adjusting my clothes one final time and making sure I was completely ready, I went downstairs to the kitchen without wasting any time. I leaned against the counter while the news anchor on the television reported the latest developments. "You'll get your clothes wet, Leylim!" I knew the protective annoyance in her eyes all too well. She was pointing out the water dripping from my wet hair and soaking my shirt. "Good morning, Aunt Pamuk," I said, returning the gentle pinch on my cheek she gave me. In response, she only frowned. These little habits of hers were adorable, especially when she was fussing over me. I couldn't stop myself from smiling genuinely as the memories that came to my mind resurfaced. She was a woman in her thirties, a person whose beauty seemed to defy time. With her beautiful blue eyes that resembled the ocean, she had a heart as soft as cotton. She was one of my mother's childhood friends. I had been living here with Aunt Pamuk and Uncle Me…