*Sigh* If returning home is dangerous, and being here may kill me, what am I supposed to do? Sure, growing up I’ve always felt my world isn’t as it appeared, and there must be more in store for me other than pleasing multiple men a day. Who would have thought I was right?
Rosie never let me believe I was less than, encouraging me to go after a life of hacking. She felt one day my past could reflect my future, and hacking would assist me in finding answers. However, at this moment, I’m not seeing it.I wonder if she knew magic existed.
After spacing out, I give myself a tour. Removing my shoes and enjoying the floor’s warmth, I search around my new room, but make a quick detour to remove today’s stench. I’m blessed to find a mini spa-like bathroom consisting of pristine marble walls, a large vanity mirror, a walk-in shower big enough to fit a group of people, and fresh towels. Simply put, heaven.
My shower lasts longer than anticipated, and I use a ridiculous amount of water, but who gives a shit. If I’m to endure whatever hellish games they have planned, I’ll enjoy these amenities as long as possible.
Trotting into my new bedroom, brimming with delight and an uplifted attitude, I look dreamily at the elegant, king-sized bed awaiting me. Silk bedding, decorated with fluffy pillows, begs to consume me, and I rush into my closet to find something comfortable to wear.
It’s as Angie described. Academy uniforms line the left of the closet, and my workout clothes sit across from them. Further back, drawers embedded in the wall hold an assortment of new underwear and bras. I remove the packaging, and my eyes widen. The first pair of lace underwear is crotchless, leading into a thong.
In fact, the entire stack is crotchless, just a mix of different colors and threading.What kind of woman do they think I am? Who do they expect me to wear these for?
Going through the stack until a pair of high-cut cheekies nab myattention, I put them on and grab a hoodie along with my phone. My bed awaits.
A chill races across my thighs as the bed engulfs me, and I pull the glacial sheets over my legs. Exhaustion announces itself. The day is still young, yet my body desires a nap. Maybe later.
Searching through the phone, I find it works like any other. The apps, however, are far different from what I’m used to. There are normal social media apps, but within them are tabs called ‘Fay.’ Once clicked, I can see everyone’s location–who is saved in the phone–and which building they are in on campus. Like turning privacy mode on and off. I toggle it more than I should.
The word ‘Magna’ draws my attention in the top corner, and curiosity forces my hand. I click it, and a blinding light scorches my retinas, resulting in me dropping the phone.
“What the fuck!” Rolling over, I violently rub my eyelids. Eventually, I bear witness to a cascade of buildings, landscapes, and people standing amidst them. The map is now in full 3D. It’s massive, and somehow during its descent to the floor, I must have swiped up on the screen because I’m getting a birds eye view.
“Nope, I’m not dealing with this today.” Overwhelmed, I retrieve the phone, smashing the button ‘Magna’, whatever that hell it means, and fall back as the images melt back into the phone screen. Sure, magic is intriguing, and for the most part, remarkable, but right now, I need normal. Plain normal.
Allowing my vision a break, my thoughts wander towards Rosie. “If she was alive, would we both be here, or would I be at home not knowing this place exists?”
“Neither.” A voice startles me in fright, and I leap off the bed towards the back wall.
“What the hell are you doing in my room, Ethan?” He remains quiet, eyeing me whilst stalking over. My guard rises, and I sweep the room for anything I can grab. “Come any closer and I’ll scream.” With the deathly stare he is giving me, it’s near impossible to hear myown voice over the pounding in my chest. He waves a hand, and gold sigils trace across the marble walls.
“Go on. Yell. Not a single fay here will save you.”
“W–Why are you doing this? What did I do to you?” My voice sounds weak and unsure.
“You don’t belong here. Your mere existence tempts my hands to end my own life. A future where you bring havoc to Valirene cannot come to fruition. You will not be allowed a chance to ascend. Now leave before the Awakening, and maybe I’ll spare your pathetic life.”
He continues stalking forward, and my back presses firmly against the wall. Even through my hoodie, I can feel the marble’s frigid bite as heat pours down my arms, and an uncontrollable itch tingles my fingers.Am I about to have a panic attack?
A firm pressure builds around my neck, and I fight back, hyperventilating. “A–Ascend? I–I don’t know what that means.” The pressure squeezes tighter, making me aware it’s more than in my head. “P–Plus, you said no one is to interfere before the Awakening.” Ethan steps around my bed, fixating his glower over my chest, and I watch him closely. Wheels turn in his head with each step. “Stop!” My throat burns from shouting through the invisible pressure gripping my neck.
He flicks his wrist, and a golden light lifts me off the floor and presses me harder against the wall. High enough that I’m now eye level with my arms and legs spread in confinement.
His scent barrels its way into my lungs as he ceases his steps inches shy from me. Growling. “Why wait for you to fail when I can kill you now and be done with it?”
My heart flutters out of beat. His growl doesn’t stop at my ears, but burrows itself within my core, taking refuge. His perfect white teeth pierce his bottom lip while a sinister grin makes the lone dimple in his cheek pop. I frown when I recognize I’ve been staring at the dangerous predator on the cusp of devouring his prey. Me.
“If you’re so sure I’ll fail, why not wait? What harm will it do?” Isearch for any way to prolong my expiration date while fighting back tears. I’m at the mercy of this…beast.
“By some miracle of the Gods, if it becomes possible, I’d rather not risk it.”
And it hits me. “Your sigil, you can see the future?” I whisper.
“Don’t pretend to think you know me, Kyra.” My name rumbles off his lips, and again, it embeds itself deep within, followed by a blanket of energy caressing my skin. “Killing you will be a mercy,” he whispers, placing a hand around my throat. “And by my hands, it’s the best death you can ask for.”
I feel his fingers pulse the tighter he squeezes. It’s not enough to cut away my air supply, only to ensure his point.
“T–Tell me, what has you so afraid that…you h–hate me enough to kill me?” Tears sparkle against my lashes knowing any moment could be my last. His eyes speak that truth.
