Biting my tongue because there’s more important questions, Iinstead ask, “What’s an ‘Awakening,’ and what do you meanremoveme?” I’m ignored like a child seated around adults.
Holland swells his chest, racking his beady, hazel eyes over me, and continues, “You don’t get to make demands, Ethan.”
“And you don’t have a choice, Elder.” He speaks his title with everything other than respect. Stillness rings out, and I present a scowl with deep, hooded brows.
“Uhh, I have a choice. I’m not participating in whatever game this is.” But once again, I’m ignored.
Above, one of the decrepit, old men stand, wearing a ‘K’ over his heart, and if I had a penny for every time a guy eyed me how he is, I’d be rich. He grins with a lust-covered smirk.Eww.Shuttering chills crawl down my spine in a warning to stay away.
“She will partake in the Awakening and trials. Upon passing, we will accept her like any other student. I’ll personally give her a tour.”
Like hell you will.
Echoes of agreement spread throughout the boardroom, and Holland tsks, anger branding his expression. He is outvoted and storms out first. All the other Elders make haste as they leave the second floor, placing bets on if I’ll succeed or not. What a pretentious group of…
“Angie, escort Kyra to her room for preparation. The Awakening starts in a few days, and remember, if she fails…” Ethan starts, but Angie flashes a glare, and my heart pounds against the walls of my chest, stalling my breath.If I fail, what?
She takes hold of my hand, summoning her white symbol beneath me, and we vanish.
In a blink, I arrive inside a room twice the size of my apartment. Everything is polished and neatly tucked away. Empty, yet filled with decor right off the pages of a pompous home magazine. Still, it’s better than nothing.
Blinding light streams beyond the humongous windows, engulfing the side wall to my right, which overlook a bloomingcourtyard.
Transporting here is different than using Ethan’s sigil–no flashing images or void. Just white and a flowery, heavenly scent. If that’s even a thing.Why do I feel well rested all of a sudden?
“I’m sorry, Kyra. This must happen if you’re staying with us.”
“Whathasto happen? Furthermore, who says I plan on staying in the first place? From how it sounds, I may not live to have a say in the matter if I fail whatever test y’all are hell bent on me taking.” Remaining stagnant, I study Angie’s expression. She is leaving out information.
“Listen. There are things in this realm you can’t begin to comprehend. For reasons unknown, some of those things want you dead. At least for now, you’re safe. If you truly want to leave, go. But before making a rash decision, know that what came after you will come again, and we won’t be there to protect you a second time. The best thing you can do is figure out who wants you dead and avoid such an outcome.” Her eyes swim with seriousness.
She is right. I’ve come here to track down my best friend’s killer. Her true killer. Despite everything else, I owe Rosie this much. A promise is a promise.
“Fine. It’s not like I have a death wish, but I’m overwhelmed and beyond confused.” Taking a breather, I attempt to calm myself from the incoming heat, brushing my neck. “Plus, I’m still clueless of where and what this place is. On top of Holland and Ethan’s wrath upon me.”
Directing my steps to the oversized windows, I stop and peer upon the courtyard brimming with assorted flowers, keeping my mind from spiraling.
“Holland can be a bit cock-ish at times. You can’t tell, but he’s one of our strongest Elders and has vast knowledge of fay society. He worries about our Academy’s safety.” Angie advances, her steps thudding against the marble flooring. “Ethan, on the other hand, I can agree that something’s off. Let me deal with him.” She stands beside me, also looking upon the courtyard.
“Yeah, sure.” Not holding much faith in her doing so, I doubtshe’ll go against her boyfriend’s wishes. “So, who else sleeps here? Is this one of those academy’s where we share dorms, and the entire floor splits a bathroom?”
“No, silly. This room is yours and should provide everything you need. All students have their own, including those without an official house yet.” She smiles and points further into the apartment sized dorm room. “The door down the hall to your left is your bathroom. Across from it is your bedroom. And before you ask, yes, you can have as many guys over as you like.” Angie flutters her brows, and I crease mine.
“No, thank you.” I chuckle nervously. What else do I say to such a random suggestion. I’ve sworn off guys until I’m dead and not a minute sooner.
“Your bedroom closet should contain clothes your size. One side is for training and the other is for Academy uniforms. Also, there are heated floors throughout and multiple windows for natural lighting.” She continues pointing things out like a realtor closing me on a home.
This place is more decorative than my old apartment. A bit of an upgrade, resembling a five-star hotel. Luxury at its finest, and I’m not mad at my new heated floors.
“We don’t consider this luxurious. Once you’re in an official House, you’ll see the difference.”Okay, never mind.“But I hope it serves you well,” Angie mentions, staring at a few students lingering around the courtyard.
“Riiight.” Side-eying her insane comment, I ask, “Do I need something this lavish, though? A simple bed, bathroom, and kitchen will suffice.”
“A kitchen?”
“Yeah. The place where food is cooked.”
“I know what a kitchen is,” she chuckles. “What use will you need of one now?”
