Chapter 2

CHAPTER Two The girls climbed the marbled stairs and went through the huge front door. The school was light and airy with many windows. It was decorated with statues and paintings of unicorns. Ms Nettles walked so fast that Sophia barely had time to take it all in. It was all very grand, colourful and enormous. Sophia was certain that she'd spend the first week getting lost. Ms Nettles finally stopped outside an arched multicoloured glass door that reminded Sophia of the lake. "We are about to enter the hall. You must be

on your best behaviour and please ensure you are looking smart before you go in and meet Ms Primrose." Sophia pushed her long curls back over her shoulders. When the new girls had finished tugging at their clothes, Ms Nettles inspected them. "Lovely, Valentina." She smiled at the brown-haired girl. "Tuck your necklace in though, dear. Jewellery shouldn't be on show." "Thanks, Aunt… Oops, I mean Ms Nettles!" Valentina smirked. "Aunt!" mouthed Ava, widening her eyes. Sophia widened hers back. "Really!" "No talking!" snapped Ms Nettles again. She led the girls into the hall. Sophia caught her breath. High up, a domed glass roof filled with coloured swirls flooded the room with soft rainbow light. Its long rays lit up the magical map positioned in the centre of the room. The map was a model of Unicorn Island in

miniature, with snowy mountains, lush green valleys, dusty plains, deep green forests and sandy beaches. The school with its lake and fountain were right in the centre of the island. The map was protected by a glimmering magical force field. Sophia's mum had told her that the map was very powerful and you could visit anywhere on the island just by touching the place you wanted to go to. Sophia longed to try it out but Mum had said that it was only to be used by teachers, and pupils who had graduated. Ms Nettles marched across the room to where a large group of students were whispering in front of an enormous stage. A regal-looking lady, sitting on a high-backed chair, watched as Sophia and the others approached. That must be Ms Primrose, thought Sophia. According to her mum, Ms Primrose was almost as old as the island itself. Sophia didn't believe that, but looking at her wrinkled face and pure-white hair, she guessed that Ms

Primrose was very old indeed. Hearing a whinny, Sophia realised that Ms Primrose wasn't alone. Waiting in the wings at the side of the stage were a group of young unicorns, all with glimmering snow-white coats, glittering horns and silky manes and tails. Some of them were hanging back shyly, others were pushing their way forward, ears pricked. Ms Primrose rose to her feet gracefully.

"Good afternoon, everyone." Her voice was low and serious but Sophia caught a twinkle in her blue eyes. "Welcome to Unicorn Academy. Now you are ten years old it is time for you to spend a year here, training and bonding with your own special unicorn. You and your unicorn will be partners for life, helping each other and looking after Unicorn Island." She paused and gestured towards one of the large windows overlooking the gardens. "Unicorn Academy is a very special place because it is also the home of Sparkle Lake. The lake's waters originate from the centre of the earth and flow up through the fountain into the lake and then around the island in rivers and streams. Its magical water helps all the people, plants and animals on Unicorn Island flourish." She paused and let her gaze fall on every single pupil in the room. "During your year at the school, your unicorn should come into his or her magical powers. Some of you are likely to

discover this early in the school year, others will take longer. You will be paired with your unicorn in a moment." Sophia felt like she was going to burst with excitement. Which unicorn was going to be hers? A few of the young unicorns were pressing forward eagerly, peering out at the girls. There was a beautiful unicorn with long eyelashes and a pale-blue and silver tail that swept all the way to the floor; a cheeky-looking unicorn with red, yellow and gold swirls on her body that matched her mane and a tail; and a unicorn with rainbow swirls on his white coat and a rainbow mane and tail. As his lively brown eyes met hers, Sophia's heart flipped. I want him! The thought leapt into her head. The unicorn gazed back at her and Sophia wondered if he was feeling the same.