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Aurelia and the Academy of Secrets is finally here!
Join Aurelia Whitlock as she uncovers ancient secrets, takes on magical trials, and learns that friendship, courage, and a little mischief can change the fate of an entire academy.
A SNIPPET FROM CHAPTER 1 - BELOW
Perfect for readers aged 8 years and up who love:
Light-hearted magic Mystery and adventure Found family and school rivalry A hint of Hogwarts with a twist of new wonder!
CHAPTER 1
THE LETTER THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Aurelia Whitlock was having the most boring Saturday ever. Like, seriously boring. She lay sprawled across her bed, one leg dangling off the edge, flipping through her favorite book for probably the millionth time. The smell of pancakes wafted up from downstairs, mom's famous chocolate chip ones, but for once, not even that could cheer her up.
"Ugh, " she groaned, rolling onto her back and holding her book up in the air. "Why can't something exciting happen for once?"
Her room was exactly like it had been for the past twelve years of her life: walls painted sky blue (her favorite color when she was seven), posters of magical creatures she wished were real, and shelves crammed with books about wizards and spells and adventures she could only dream about.
"Aurelia!" Her mom's voice floated up the stairs. "Breakfast is ready!"
"Coming!" she called back, but didn't move. Instead, she stared at the ceiling, where those glow-in-the-dark stars she'd stuck up there years ago were barely visible in the morning light.
That's when she heard it, a weird tapping sound at her window.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
At first, she thought it was just the tree branch that always scratched against her window when it was windy. But there wasn't any wind today. The sky outside was perfectly clear, not a cloud in sight.
Tap. Tap. TAP!
Aurelia sat up so fast her book went flying off the bed. There, resting on the windowsill, was a glowing paper bird, its wings made of parchment, fluttering gently even though there was no breeze. Aurelia stared, frozen. The bird blinked at her, then fluttered once more before neatly folding itself midair into a sealed letter, which landed softly in her lap.
She picked it up with trembling fingers. Her name shimmered across the front in violet ink:
Miss Aurelia Whitlock
The Blue Room at the Top of the Stairs
42 Maple Street
Elderton
With a deep breath, she broke the golden wax seal, shaped like a spiral galaxy, and unfolded the letter.
Dear Miss Whitlock,
We are delighted to inform you that you have been accepted into the Academy of Hidden Arts of Wizardry and Magic. Your natural magical abilities have not gone unnoticed, and we believe you will make an excellent addition to our student body.
Term begins on September 1st. Enclosed, you will find a list of required materials and instructions for your journey to the Academy.
We await your response no later than July 31st.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Elowen Thistlewood
Headmistress of Academy of Hidden Arts
P.S. For first-year students from non-magical families, a representative from the Academy will visit your home within 24 hours to explain everything to your parents and assist with preparations.
