✔ 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝔹𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕦𝕤 Fate: The Winx Saga

02. Mansplaining Blondes

Octavia

"Now," Mother said, her stance regal as she stood beside us. "I have a meeting with headmistress Dowling soon. We shall get the last of your training details sorted, stella. Not to mention the guards I'll have to have put in place for you, Octavia"

"You think someone will try and hurt her," Stella demanded, taking a step closer to our mother. "That's ridiculous, this is Alfea - there's nowhere safer."

Don't need guards. You have use

Yes, well keep you safe

Safe. safe. Keep you safe

I winced as the shadows voice took over my mind, yes, you keep me safe my darlings. No need to panic

I could have sworn I heard one of the shadows swoon over the pet name.

"And I doubt Dowling will allow it mother."

"Dowling will take my advice if she want to keep what little power we allow her And it is not Octavia being hurt that I worry about. The last thing the royal family needs is another scandal."

 She paused. I felt myself tense as she took a step closer, felt her cold hands as she gently brushed a lock of hair from my face. "Besides, I can't have anything happen to them" Mother looked down at my shoulder, reverently brushing a hand towards one of my shadows.

CRACK

Faster than I could stop one of the shadows whipped out to my mother.

She reeled back in horror until delight filled her eyes

"Glad to see they haven't lost their fight" after what she did, she means. Glad they're still standing after what happened.

"Queen Luna" A tall dark skinned fairy walked towards us, every step was filled with power and authority. Not like my mother's. This was confidence and control of one's movements brought through years of training. A specialist then. "Allow me to escort you to Dowling's office"

Mother turned to Stella and I one last time. "Make me proud my dears and I will see you in the meeting Octavia"

I watched as she strode away, the specialist having to jog slightly to catch up with my mother's graceful stride.

What a funny sight. I hope that not all of the specialist can be as easily defeated by a power walking bit-

She is still my mother and queen. I reprimanded in my head. Show a little respect.

I began walking through the gates of Alfea, twirling a lock of dark hair around my finger. Or rather a lock of hair that was a hiding little shadow. The little creature wouldn't leave me alone. Perhaps he can sense my anxiety. Or not a "he", I suppose, don't want to be presumptuous. It's always rude to assume another's gender - especially when there are no blatantly obvious flaunted characteristics.

"I'm supposed to be meeting a newbie at the gates. Some fairy named Bloom" Stella's brows were furrowed in annoyance as she looked around the campus.

"Shouldn't you be looking for them then- wait hang on. Did you say... Bloom?" I paused incredulously "bloom, as in... that's their name? Who calls a kid Bloom?"

Silly name, silly name indeed mistress my dark shadow - I really have to name them at some point, this is getting ridiculous - mocked quietly in my ear. I saw a smile twitch on Stella's face but it was gone before I could be sure.

"She's new to Alfea apparently. I believe Dowling said it was her first time in the Otherworld"

We began walking through the gates, Stella clearly had no intention to wait for the poor girl and began striding towards a group of her friends from the year before. Right, because my twin was here last year. Of course she would have friends. Helios, it was so stupid of me to think otherwise. I walked towards the closet building carrying my duffle bag with me. Pausing hesitantly in the courtyard I began to look around for signs or teachers with maps.