Chapter 2

"What's that awful smell?"

In the classroom, Clara circled around me, covering her nose in disgust.

"Lyra, you should really get yourself checked out. I swear there's a nasty smell coming from you."

Hearing her words, the students sitting near me immediately scattered.

I only smell like soap, but no one cares about that except me.

Their gazes swept over me like searchlights, as if they wanted to strip me naked.

"I knew I smelled something earlier—turns out it's her!"

"Stay away from her. Playing around that much, who knows what diseases she's carrying. I'm done for if I catch something!"

"She kept looking at me during class. Is she feeling the itch? I don't want this kind of trash!"

Overwhelming shame engulfed me. I almost bent down to smell myself.

I glared furiously at the smug Clara, wanting to explain but unable to speak a single word.

Because I was reckless as a child and caused plenty of trouble with my reality manifestation ability, my mom took me to many places.

We finally found a temple where a master helped seal my vocal cords, warning me:

"This is a great fortune. You cannot use it carelessly—it damages your karmic merit."

He gave my mom a vial of medicine:

"When the child understands right from wrong, you can use this to break the seal. Then she'll be able to speak normally."

My mom gave me the medicine when I left for college.

"Honey, being mute isn't so bad. Once you start using this ability, it'll be very hard to stop."

"I'm giving this to you so you have a way to protect yourself. Promise me you won't misuse it, okay?"

For over a decade, I'd never wanted to speak this badly.

I tried to explain in sign language, but no one could understand.

At that moment, my phone rang. It was my academic advisor.

A flicker of hope rose in my heart—had the school cleared things up?

After I answered, the advisor's cold voice came through.

"Lyra, due to your personal conduct issues, the school is revoking your scholarship and financial aid."

"Additionally, you need to submit a ten-thousand-word self-criticism to the Academic Affairs Office tomorrow."

"Do you have any objections? Speak now."

I anxiously made sounds, but all I heard was the busy tone of a disconnected call.

At the same time, Clara answered a phone call.

"Clara, the department just had a scholarship spot open up. It's been reassigned to you. Come fill out the paperwork."

It was the advisor's voice.

After Clara hung up, she saw me glaring at her viciously and smiled.

"Lyra, I really don't want this money, but what can I do about the school's decision?"

"Oh right, I forgot you need this money for your mom's medical bills."

"But I've always envied you for juggling school with three part-time jobs—such a fulfilling life. Unlike me—all I can do is travel and see the world."

I couldn't be bothered arguing with her. I turned to go find the advisor.

My mom had a sudden heart attack this year, and her health has been deteriorating.

This money was all I needed to get her a cardiac stent procedure.

Before I could even leave the classroom, I heard a familiar voice.

"You're spreading lies! My daughter would never do these things!"

It was my mom's voice.

And it was coming from Clara's phone!