Three years had passed since my bewildering entry into this new world. In that time, I had come to understand much about my new life and the family into which I had been reborn. The Altair family was a gold-ranked noble house, a position of considerable status, though not at the pinnacle of society.
My days were filled with learning and exploration. I quickly realized that my new parents had high expectations for me. My father, Lord Altair, was a man of authority and command, while my mother, Lady Altair, was the epitome of grace and wisdom. They had raised three other children before me, each with their own unique talents.
My eldest brother, Lucian, was a dark mage. He possessed an aura of mystery and power, and his abilities with shadow magic were impressive, even intimidating. He was often away, honing his skills and taking on tasks that required his particular set of abilities.
My second brother, Aiden, and my sister, Elara, were both light mages. Their magic was a beautiful contrast to Lucian's, filled with brightness and warmth. Aiden was kind and patient, always willing to help me with my studies, while Elara had a fierce determination that made her a formidable mage in her own right.
From an early age, I showed a keen interest in learning. By the time I was three, I had already learned to read and write, much to the astonishment of my family. Books became my constant companions, and I devoured every piece of knowledge I could get my hands on. My parents were delighted by my intellectual curiosity and often spoke about my potential.
"Aric has the makings of a twilight mage," I overheard my father say one evening. The idea intrigued me. Twilight mages were rare and highly esteemed, able to wield both light and dark magic. The possibility filled me with a sense of purpose and excitement.
As I learned more about the world around me, I became aware of the ranks within the noble society. Bronze, silver, gold, and diamond—each rank carried its own prestige and responsibilities. Our house, while respected, was not at the top. Yet, the Altairs were known for their dedication, strength, and unity.
I spent my days observing my siblings, trying to understand the nature of their magic. Lucian's shadows seemed to dance with a life of their own, while Aiden and Elara's light could heal and protect. I practiced small exercises in secret, trying to feel the pull of magic within me, but nothing came. Despite this, I didn't feel discouraged. I knew I had time to grow and learn.
One afternoon, as I sat in the library surrounded by books, my mother found me. She smiled, her eyes full of pride. "What are you reading, Aric?"
I held up the book, a treatise on the history of magic. "Just learning about the different types of magic, Mother."
She sat down beside me, smoothing my hair gently. "You have a bright future ahead of you, my dear son. Remember, it's not just about the magic you possess, but how you use it. Your heart and mind will guide you."
Her words stayed with me. I resolved to make the most of this new life, to become someone my family could be proud of. Whether I became a twilight mage or discovered some other path, I knew I had a destiny to fulfill.
And so, with each passing day, I continued to learn and grow, eager to unlock the mysteries of this world and the potential within myself.