Chapter 1

EMBER'S POV

‘Paradoxically, I, a fragile princess, was born into a family of geniuses - the last thing I wanted.’

Unfortunately, it wasn't like I could decide my own family myself.

I had to accept the fact that I was born into the Leighton family. The family filled with geniuses.

I felt left out sometimes, and I wasn't exempted or treated unfairly, but I often felt that way.

A family filled with geniuses, but I, the only daughter, wasn't a genius, just a normal fragile princess.

My two older brothers, Thane and Kaid are the faces of Ravenswood College, and since I wasn't a genius like them, my parents wouldn't let me attend Ravenswood College.

“ Honey, how about you go to Olivewood College?” Mom heaved a sigh. “ It is closer to Ravenswood, and also, Thane and Kaid would come visit you over the weekend.”

“ No, Mom.” I said firmly, holding eyes with them. “ I want to attend Ravenswood.”

“ But–” Dad, Mr Oliver Leighton wanted to speak, but I was quick to cut him off.

“ I know I'm not a genius like Thane and Kaid, but isn't it right that I join them in the same college, so they could watch over me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.

I was trying my best to keep my emotions at bay, as they threatened to explode.

“ Ember, hear me out.” Dad's deep timbre voice resonated inside the spacious sitting room.

“ Okay.” I pouted.

“ You know Ravenswood College is not an ordinary college. It's very dangerous.”

“ And why is that?” I flicked a glance between Dad and Mom and then to my brothers, who remained quiet while Dad spoke.

“ It's not something you should know.” Mom said, her eyes penetrating mine.

“ I need to know, because I would be going to Ravenswood College, and no one will be stopping me.” I stood my ground, backing my words firmly.

“ Don't push your luck, Ember.” Dad warned, his sharp tone cuts me like flint.

My shoulders drooped and I felt like crying.

He could let my brothers attend the same college he claimed to be dangerous, but I can't?

Anger surged inside of me, and the need to tear up wafted past me.

“ I get that I'm not a genius like Thane and Kaid, but I want to attend Ravenswood.” I wiped the tears that fell off my cheeks. “ This is the first time I would be asking you for a request.”

The temperature seems to plummet after my words, but I don't care.

“ I wish you could understand me, Ember.” Dad heaved a sigh, reaching out to hold my hand, but I was fast to move away from him.

“ I don't think I can understand if you don't say anything to me.” I mumbled. “Ravenswood you say is dangerous, yet, you let Thane and Kaid attend it.” I sniffled.

“ Princess,” Mom reached out to hold me, but I moved back, tears filled my eyes.

“ I need to clear my head, “ I shook my head, tears blurring my vision.

“ Ember, don't do this to yourself.” Thane stood up and reached out to me.

“ Don't come closer, Thane. I need to be alone.” I said, nausea creeping up my throat, as I stared at the whole family of geniuses with me as the outcast.

He didn't come any closer, he didn't, not after I shut him off.

Thane has always been my favourite buddy, as we shared most things in common, but right now, I wasn't in the right state of mind.

“ Get your shit together, Ember!” Kaid who has been silent shot at me, and my head snapped towards his direction. “ Ravenswood College is not for a weak princess like you.”

I knew he was fucking right, I knew that for a fact, but who cares?

If he could go to Ravenswood College, then I can. I must.

“ I hate the way you all treat me like a weakling.” I let out my darkest thoughts. “ I'm twenty for fuck sake!”

“ No foul words, young lady!” Dad snapped at me.

“ I would rather leave to grandpa's place,” I took a few steps backwards. “ Since he is the only one who understands me.”

“ Baby,” Mom called helplessly. “ No Mom, you all are better off without me.”

With that fucking said, I turned around and took to my heels.

“ Come back here, Ember!” I could hear Dad's voice from afar, but I wasn't stopping.

I had no plans to return except if I'm permitted to attend Ravenswood College.

……

Good gracious!

If not for the few dollars I had left on me, I would have been stranded after leaving home.

I arrived at Grandpa's place, and of course, I was welcomed. I felt welcomed.

I feel alive when I come to his place.

At least, they weren't any genius at his place. We were all normal and I didn't feel inferior, like how I felt back at home.

“ Why did you leave home, Bellezza?” Grandpa asked, his soft gaze fixed on mine.

I love how he calls me Bellezza, meaning beauty in Italian.

We are half Italian, half American.

“ Dad won't let me attend Ravenswood College.” I started, taking a sit across Grandpa as we played chess game. “ Infact, everyone is against the idea.”

“ Maybe that was the best decision.” Grandpa suggested. “ They all meant good, so don't take it to heart.”

“ No, they don't. They always make me feel inferior because I ain't a genius like them. They are better off without me.” The latter words were better off as a mumble.

“ No, they aren't.” Grandpa chuckled. “ You're the beauty of Leighton family.”

“ Heh! Grandpa, don't flatter me.” I waved him off. “ Kaia is also a beauty like me, if not more than. She is also in Ravenswood College, but why won't Dad let me attend?”

Kaia is a cousin of mine. She also has two brothers like me; Beckett and Axel.

Infact, all the Leighton family attends Ravenswood College, except for me.

“ Don't worry, your dad will let you attend Ravenswood, just give it some time.” Grandpa assured me with a smile.

“ I hope so too.” I heaved a sigh.

Just when I was about to place a chess piece on the chess board, my phone began to ring.

Picking it up, it turned out to be Dad.

“ Return home, you're allowed to attend Ravenswood College.” His baritone voice reverberated from the phone.

“ Yes!” I jumped up happily. “ Thank you so much Dad, I love you!”