Background

     

        I come from two long lines of wealthy, prestigious magical families, the Wynter's and the Nightshades. My mother Raven Wynter died in April a couple years ago, she was exceptional with potions and had an innate ability to heal anybody but herself. I was close with my mother, she was kind to everyone she met, and her family was well-known for many generations for their unprecedented healing skills. My mother was sister to my Uncle Jasper. Jasper Wynter is the father to my cousin and best friend Kiyoshi Wynter.

My father, Grimm Nightshade, a blood purist, is very concerned about social status and how others perceive us. This means he expects me to excel at everything and accepts nothing less than perfection. He will harshly punish me if I do not live up to his expectations. This may result from his family being involved in both the MoM and the Dark Wizards. He tends to put too much pressure on me and I rebel which causes a strained relationship between us. I am still not clear on what he does for work but he spends most of his time between meetings with officials at MoM and meetings with the members of the Dark Wizards. I once heard my mother call him one of the new leaders of the Dark Wizards. He gives me money in place of affection.

My first showing of magic abilities was quite a few years ago. I think I may have been four or five. My father came home furious that day and there was a lot of yelling. Suddenly things started falling off the walls and shelves, and began swirling around the room. I don't remember much about that day, except I was scared of all the yelling. It was not a good day and I try very hard to strike it from memory.

Nearly 7 years ago my half-blood cousin came to live in my city with her father after the death of her mother. Kiyoshi Wynter and I met and have been inseparable best friends ever since. We have matching friendship necklaces that I will not take off even in death.