“Of course, I’ll be there to change that, dear brother,” Heaven waves her hand with confidence.
I giggle as Tatum raises his eyebrows at her. “Good luck. It’s not easy.”
“None of the Paths are easy. The school itself is filled with the strongest,” Ahren reminds him.
Aside from me. I don’t belong there.
“So, are you guys going to do all your girly pampering after dinner?” Ahren asks.
“Yes, we are,” Jaddati says. “Would you like to join?”
“No, thank you, unless you are offering to give my head a massage?” Ahren asks her, rubbing his temples.
“Of course, I will,” Jaddati touches his cheek and smiles.
“Well, I’m going to hit the gym, and then go out for a bit,” Tatum says, glancing at his phone.
We have a home gym, and the Pack gym isn’t too far either.
“Well, don’t be out too late. You’re driving early,” Aunty Ri reminds him. He nods, and I observe him curiously.
I don’t think he has a girlfriend… Tatum’s pretty closed up about his love life.
“The food is delicious,” I compliment Jaddati as we continueeating. I think I’ll enjoy today because tomorrow I’m going to be back at that dreaded place.
That night, Ibarely slept. The same dream kept me awake, and the dread of what today will bring. When morning arrives, just like my mood, the weather is also dreary.
I pull on black jeans and a grey hoodie, and after bidding everyone farewell, I bundle into Tatum’s car. I’m in the front. We have a family rule that the eldest gets the passenger seat. It doesn’t matter who is in the car: the eldest gets the front, no questions asked.
Heaven isn’t complaining, though. She’s on her phone, most likely on social media. Her extra luggage is piled next to her on the seats. I have an account, but I don’t really use it. I have a few pictures of sunsets and sunrises, but that’s it.
“You’ll be put in a division this year, and as much as I’d have preferred it being mine, it won’t be,” Tatum says quietly, looking across at me.
Damn.
“How can you be sure? Didn’t one of your Aetheris graduate last year?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “We had someone join last term. They’ll be choosing a few division leaders this term, too, so I don’t really know where you’ll be placed.” He clenches his jaw, and I know he’s annoyed, but since Uncle Leo took over, well, let’s just say rules weren’t bent for anyone. At Midnight Academy, we weremeant to be equal, but what annoys me is, then why was I there? That was a rule bent.
I sigh, and Tatum pats my knee. “Don’t overstress it, just keep your head down and do your best. I can give you extra lessons if you need help with training.”
“I appreciate it, but it’s not that,” I mumble, resting my head against the seat and stare out at the passing cars.
“It’s her powers, and I’ll be there too, to help her,” Heaven chimes in.
“I know, but you and Alessandra won’t be in the same classes as her.”
“Where there’s a will, brother, there’s a way. So have a little confidence.”
“The rules are strict, and there are several teachers who are witches, so don’t think they won’t realise if you break the rules, Goldilocks.”
“Don’t call me that!” Heaven huffs. She hates it, but he won’t stop, although at least he only says it when it’s just us guys.
A couple of hours later, the looming walls that surround the vast premises of Midnight Academy come into view, and with every passing second, my stomach knots a little more.
The weakest of them all…
I can sense the magic of the barriers and feel my power threatening to rise to counter it. That chaos that I always get as my emotions rise is beginning to grow inside of me.
