I want to become a chef

The moment I stepped out of the limousine, my nerves hit me like a wave. The grandeur of the event was overwhelming.

Golden banners adorned with our school's crest flapped in the gentle breeze, and the courtyard was alive with a mix of laughter and chatter from students, parents, and faculty.

Flowers bloomed in vivid, enchanted colors reds and purples glowing faintly, as if to reflect the Demon Queen's presence.

A pathway lined with shimmering light orbs led toward the stage set up for the ceremony, its backdrop a towering arcane sigil etched into the stone walls of the academy.

I took a deep breath, smoothing my dress as I tried to calm the fluttering in my chest. Composure, Rhiannon. You're fine. Just another over-the-top event for the queens and her daughters.

As if to underline that thought, a thunderous round of applause and cheers erupted the moment we exited the car.

My mother, Seraphine, waved with a regal grace that sent a ripple of awe through the crowd.

Riley looked less impressed, her arms still crossed as if daring anyone to approach her. Beside me, Rowena basked in the attention, her confidence radiating as brightly as the magical lights overhead.

And then, of course, there was them—Rowena's fan club.

A group of admirers clustered near the fountain, their squeals of delight piercing through the ambient noise.

"Rowena! You're amazing!" one of them shouted, holding up a sign that read, 'We love our Fire Queen!'

I nudged Rowena, a sly grin spreading across my face. "Your loyal subjects await, Your Majesty."

Rowena groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Don't start, Rhiannon. Not today."

"Oh, but today is perfect," I teased, leaning closer so only she could hear. "You know, they even made a banner. That's dedication."

Rowena glared at me, but her lips twitched with the hint of a smile. "At least I have a fan club. You just have Ember."

"Ember's all I need," I shot back with a smirk. "She's way cooler than your groupies."

Our playful exchange didn't last long. Riley's sharp glare cut through the air like a blade. "Enough, both of you," she snapped, her voice low but firm. "If you ruin this day with your bickering, I swear—"

"Got it, Mom," we chimed in unison, exchanging sheepish looks.

The ceremony began shortly after we took our seats near the front, a place of honor reserved for the Demon Queen and her family.

The principal, a wiry old mage with a long silver beard, stepped up to the podium. His voice echoed across the courtyard, amplified by a subtle enchantment.

"Welcome, everyone, to this year's graduation ceremony," he began, his tone formal and commanding.

"Today, we celebrate the achievements of our students, the support of their families, and the traditions that make this academy a beacon of magic and knowledge."

He turned toward our section, bowing deeply. "And, of course, we extend our deepest gratitude to Her Majesty, the Demon Queen, for gracing us with her presence."

The applause that followed was deafening. Seraphine smiled and inclined her head, ever the picture of royal poise. I caught Rowena rolling her eyes at the display, and I had to bite back a laugh.

The principal continued his speech, weaving in the usual platitudes about hard work, perseverance, and the bright futures awaiting the graduates.

My mind drifted as he spoke, my eyes wandering to the stage where the diplomas were neatly stacked, glowing faintly with the magic that certified our completion of the academy's rigorous program.

When the time came to hand out the diplomas, my heart raced again. The principal called out names one by one, and each student walked across the stage to polite applause. But when Rowena's name was called, the crowd erupted.

Rowena strode up to the stage with the confidence of someone who had been born to shine. Her suit caught the light, and she looked every bit the future legend she aimed to be. After receiving her diploma, the principal paused and gestured for her to stay.

"Rowena Ashbourne," he said, his voice carrying an air of reverence, "as the top graduate of this year's class, it is tradition for you to share a few words with your peers and mentors."

Rowena stepped up to the podium, her crimson eyes sweeping over the audience. She took a moment to collect herself, and then she began.

"First, I want to thank everyone who supported us on this journey—our teachers, our families, and our friends. None of us could have made it here alone," she said, her voice steady and clear. "But today isn't just about looking back. It's about looking forward."

Her gaze sharpened, her tone gaining strength. "Magic isn't just a tool or a gift—it's a responsibility. It's a way to protect, to build, to inspire. I've always believed that we're not defined by the power we're born with, but by how we choose to use it. And I choose to use mine to become one of the strongest mages this world has ever seen."

The crowd erupted into applause, cheers echoing across the courtyard. Seraphine clapped the loudest, her enthusiasm so over-the-top that I couldn't resist leaning over to whisper to her.

"Subtle, Mom," I said, earning a laugh from Rowena as she returned to her seat.

Then it was my turn. The principal called my name, and I walked up to the stage, my dress flowing behind me like a crimson wave.

The applause was warm, if not as thunderous as it had been for Rowena, but that was fine by me. I preferred it this way less spotlight, more focus on what mattered.

As the principal handed me my diploma, his smile was kind, his eyes twinkling with something that looked like pride.

"Rhiannon Ashbourne," he said, "it's been a pleasure to watch your journey here. Your talent and determination have been truly remarkable."

I smiled, murmuring a quiet, "Thank you." But as I turned to face the crowd, something inside me shifted. This was it. The moment I had been dreading and anticipating in equal measure.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped up to the podium. My hands gripped the edges as I steadied myself. "I have something to say," I began, my voice calm but firm. "I do not wish to become a mage."

A collective gasp rippled through the audience, their expressions ranging from shock to confusion. My family's reactions were a mixed bag, Rowena looked stunned, Riley's jaw dropped, and Seraphine raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"I want to become a chef," I finished, my voice unwavering.

The silence that followed was almost comical, the crowd staring at me as if I had just declared the end of the world.

These people are overreacting, I thought, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.