Delia's POV
I had already spent three years at the training school. Aunt Pelsia had sold many things just to afford my fees. She gave up her comfort so I could have a future.
But those three years were far from peaceful.
Alsyria never stopped bullying me. Not even for a day.
One day, she came into the classroom with her usual smirk and announced to everyone,
"Hey, class! Today, we're going to have a good show."
Her loyal minions—Rodia, Mikney, and Elia—stood behind her, clapping and calling out for the class to watch. I knew something terrible was coming. I tried to stay focused on my notes, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing fear in my eyes.
But suddenly—SLAP! Four pairs of hands struck my cheeks from both sides. The sound echoed across the room.
The entire class began to shout as though this were entertainment. As though my pain was a game.
I quietly packed my books, deciding to walk away. I didn't want to give them the fight they were looking for. But before I could reach the door, Alsyria grabbed my bag from behind, pulling me back. Mikney shoved me forward—and just as Alsyria let go, I lost balance and fell hard to the floor.
The class erupted in laughter. My face burned with humiliation, and tears welled up in my eyes. No one came to my defense. Not a teacher. Not a classmate.
I slowly stood up, brushing off my dusty uniform. Though I was trying to maintain my composure, my heart was breaking. I walked out as the class followed behind, singing mockery songs, taunting me with every step.
I wasn't even watching where I was going anymore. My vision was blurry with tears. I didn't see Elia's leg in front of me until it was too late.
I tripped and crashed onto the ground again.
The singing and laughing got louder.
That was the moment I snapped.
Without thinking, I reached deep within myself—and poof! I turned into wind. Invisible. Untouchable.
I stayed hidden until they had all passed, whispering among themselves in confusion. They didn't know if I had gone up into the skies or disappeared into the earth. Eventually, they gave up and went home.
But that wasn't the only time they hurt me.
Another day—an exam day—I was walking to school when Rodia shoved me into a puddle of mud. She smiled, sweet as poison, and said,
"Oh no, I'm so sorry,"
before walking away without waiting for my response.
I had no choice but to return home and change, arriving late for the exam. I pleaded with the teacher for more time, but he wouldn't listen. I did what I could with the little time I had—but I was alone.
I was always alone.
And now… I'd had enough.
In the East, people whispered behind my back and spat cruel words to my face.
They called me cursed, a witch, the reason for the continent's suffering.
Some even said that my birth had brought poverty.
Others believed I needed to be banished for progress to return.
I couldn't live like this anymore.
I made my decision.
I would go to the West—a new land, a fresh start.
A place where maybe, just maybe, I could live without being seen as a burden.
Where I could find a job, earn my way, and be seen for who I truly was.
I would leave the East.
No matter what.