The day had finally arrived. I was transferring to Azyrath University, a school in the city of Thorns where wealthy families would send their children to study magic and arts and learn how to embrace their fae forms.
It was also a school for rich pricks with no decency left in them except for their appearances. I had begged, rebelled... cried... groveled, but my parents were set in stone. They were sending me away.
They wanted me to attend the university whether or not it was in my best interest. I'd have to leave behind Floren, and my friends Cash and Amri... so much was changing, and I was being forced to endure it against my will.
All I wanted was my freedom... I knew I'd messed up a few times... I wasn't perfect... I just never thought my parents would make such a drastic decision without informing me. Just 3 days ago, I had thought I would have at least 2 weeks to say goodbye to my friends... but they'd already forwarded my documents and information to the school ahead of time... which meant they'd been planning this for weeks and just waiting for the right moment to spring it on me.
Assholes.
Floren had been the hardest one to say goodbye to. We'd balled our eyes out and clung to each other helplessly. It was like leaving behind a piece of myself. We'd promised to see each other during the holidays, but I knew that would be unlikely. It hurt having to leave him behind, especially considering I wouldn't see him for a very long time and he was going to be forced to become a herbalist. I hated that they never considered his feelings when it came to what he wanted to study. His dreams of becoming a powerful mage were broken by the laws of our families and the weight of their unrealistic expectations.
We weren't children anymore, but they'd always treated us as such. My 3 siblings... most of them had families of their own, but none of them had faced the same discriminatory treatment I and Floren had under our parents' thumbs.
I hated the fact they were making me move halfway across the country to some godforsaken university with pompous-elitists fae!
I closed my eyes as the train steamed onward, wondering what would await me at this new school... this new life. Would I make more friends here? Would I get to see Floren again soon?
I just wanted it to be over already.
***
As I hopped off the train, I texted my mom asking who would be picking me up to take me to the university. Just as my fingers were about to hit the call button, a tall woman with dark blonde hair approached me, her long legs striding as she walked up to me.
"You must be Scarlett!"
Her arms are outstretched in a seemingly inviting hug... but I don't do hugs. I don't do physical touch unless I know you.
"Hi."
I say curtly, backing away and forcing a smile.
"Ah.. not a hugger, I see. No worries!"
Her green eyes are vibrant and perceptive enough to make me feel a little bit of discomfort.
She has blood-red stiletto nails that look sharp enough to slice through glass and she has that "Welcoming" look in her eyes that makes me wonder if she's trying to pry out information from me with just one look.
"My name is Julia, I'm so pleased to meet you! I am the student advisor and consort. I came to take you to the school, and orientation starts in a few minutes. We should hurry."
She has a slight country accent, and as she extends her palm to me, I notice the vampire symbol on her wrist. Of course...
I force another smile and take her surprisingly cold hand as she leads me toward a big white van. I strain as I drag my heavy suitcases along with me, but she interjects.
"Here, let me help you with that."
"No, it's ok -
But before I can protest, she's already slipped them from my grasp and is lifting the luggage in her arms with ease. Damn, vampire strength. I roll my eyes.
She urges me to follow her, and I do, as we approach the white van.
I wonder if this is where I get kidnapped and forced to live my days in the basement of a vampire fortress, being drained of my blood.
To my relief, though, I found another student in the car. She has lively monolid yellow eyes, a perky nose, and wavy purple hair she's styled in a half-up half-down hairstyle with space buns.
"OMG, HI!!"
She immediately lights up when she sees me, a smile spreading across her face as I take my seat next to her.
"Hey."
I can't help but smile back at her, her kindness seeming to rub off on me.
"I love your locs... how long have you had them?"
Her eyes go wide with fascination.
"O-oh... umm, a few years now."
I shrug.
She looks at me with admiration,
"Woah... they look beautiful! You must take good care of them!"
"Yeah... it can be a pain, though..."
I laugh.
"Beauty is pain... and you are gorgeous!"
I blush slightly at her unexpected compliment.
"I'm Lyra Gomez."
She extends her hand to me, and I take it, offering her a genuine smile.
"Scarlett Thorne."
"Woah, pretty name!"
"Yours has a better ring to it, though. It's simple, sweet." I say
"Yeah, but it's also my grandmother's name... kinda unoriginal."
"Don't say that..."
I laugh, and she grins.
"What? It's true... I nearly changed it because people constantly compare me to her."
"She must be an amazing person then..."
I offer her a warm smile, and she nods in agreement,
"She was! And thank you!"
"Of course, I'm sorry for your loss.."
I say sympathetically,
"No, It's alright. It happened years ago!"
She brushes it off, but there's a hint of sadness in her tone.
I feel myself starting to warm up to her.
"So what's your order? I'm a chupacabra."
I'm caught off guard by the question, finding myself looking away nervously.
"I... um... I don't have one yet..."
"Really!"
She gasps.
"But your ears?"
"Yeah... my mother's a fairy, and I have some elven blood in my DNA..."
"You know what, that's cool! I've never met anyone without a fae form... but I can't imagine it being easy either. I'm sorry."
"No... no, it's ok. I'm used to it."
She puts a reassuring hand on mine.
"Well, Azyrath is all about self-discovery, so I promise you, you won't be alone. You'll have me, and I'm sure your fae form will emerge eventually."
I can't help but smile back at this strange girl. Her kindness is slightly overwhelming, but she's also a breath of fresh air... and I have a feeling I may have just made my first friend.
We drive deeper into a forest, the path clear ahead as we approach a large annular building surrounded by skinny trees. There's a large opening near a fountain, where many students are already gathered with their belongings.
"We're here, girls
"I'm not a girl."
Lyra interrupts, but there isn't any hostility in her tone.
"Yes.. of course! My apologies, what are your pronouns?"
Julia inquires with a warm smile.
"I go by any... genderfluid."
Lyra shrugs, smiling.
"That's lovely, and I'll keep that in mind."
Julia nods her way with an understanding smile.
She hops out of the driver's seat, her movements fast and precise as she moves to retrieve our items from the car boot. Lyra and I hop out as well just as Julia comes around with our bags and drops them off at a large circular dome, where many other bags, suitcases, and trunks are located.
"This way, guys..."
She gestures for us to move towards the large group of students now moving inside the building.
Students of various tribes, breeds, and order enter the large building, some in their fae forms like the faeries, goblins, elves, Satyrs, sylphs, and even a few ghouls.
We follow the crowd into a large hall, lively chatter bouncing off the walls as we all walk toward a grand auditorium.
Lyra takes my hand and guides me towards the stadium chairs, and we take our seats in the middle row.
As more students pile in and get situated, a cyclops with a muscular build and wide shoulder approaches the stage accompanied by a few staff members. I'm surprised by his casual attire, his shorts and jersey shirt contrasting with his jovial but deep voice.
"Welcome students to Azyrath University!"
The crowd rumbles and cheers with eager excitement when the dean speaks.
"I am pleased to see some new and old faces, I hope your summer break was as exciting as mine. I recently traveled to Solaria, and my, was it the event of a lifetime,"
He pauses as if to reminisce on his adventures in the rural city.
"But enough about me, let's talk about YOU! You made the right decision to enroll here. So much is in store for all your young bright minds, I hope you are as excited as I am!"
There's another roar of enthusiastic cheers from the crowd as he continues his speech.
"Now I'm sure many of our returning students are familiar with our university, but I wanted to give a very gracious and warm welcome to our new students. My name is Mikey Adler, and I am forever pleased and truly grateful to be your advisor and dean of this lovely institution!"
"AU! AU! AU!"
The crowd chants, and he chuckles, Lyra turns my way laughing, and I can't help but join in with the applause.
"Now, why don't we get straight into business? Firstly, I would like to state that our mission is to ensure the utmost best for our students. This is, after all, a prestigious institution, and we take true pride in making sure our graduates leave with strength in their bones and magic in their hearts."
The students chant his quote as if commemorating and solidifying it.
"Now, as the first order of business, I would like my friend and the vice principal; Miss. Jabari Basie to take the stage."
A tall woman with dark curly hair and a lion's tail softly swaying behind her approaches the stage after thanking the dean.
"Welcome back, new students, I hope you had an amazing summer. My name is Jabari, but I'd prefer it if you called me Miss Basie. As young fae, you all enrolled here for good reason, whether that is to explore new relationships and academic achievements, study magic, or strengthen your abilities. Or, just discover who you are and who you want to be. As part of our mission, we strive to help you become the best version of yourselves, we want you to explore your potential and hopefully make a name for yourself!"
The crowd erupts cheering, and I can't help but join them, with Lyra by my side whooping.
"Alright, so first things first, for our returning students, your dormitories are already set, mentors, you will find your mentees as you prepare them for the Ascension ceremony... this will decide what tribe you will reside in for the rest of your journey."
"What's that?"
I whisper to Lyra,
"It's like a ceremony to determine if you are part of the 5 factions, earth, fire, water, air, and Luna."
"Now, I would like to introduce you to our captains for each faction!"
A very attractive silver-haired boy, with a toned and athletic physique, runs towards the stage his arms raised and his body rippling with muscles as he starts to chant, accompanied by a few cheerleaders as they run through the crowd. The members of the tribe all wear matching shirts with fire symbols on them.
"COMING IN HOTTER THAN THE STRATOSPHERE WE'LL BURN IT UP IN THE ATMOSPHERE!"
They chant, riling up the crowd as they circle the auditorium. One of the members holds up a flag with a painted symbol of a pentagram circled by a blaze of fire.
As they get up on the stage, a few of the girls do a cheerleading routine that makes the crowd go wild, the boys following with acrobatic somersaults and high kicks that make the crowd roar with excitement. One of the boys blows out actual fire, and the crowd screams and roars with revered enthusiasm.
Lyra and I applaud equally mesmerized by the display of school spirit. Finally, the silver-haired boy reaches for the mic, his eyes blazing with a fiery spirit.
"And that's just a preview of what we have to offer at the House of Embers! If you are accepted, you will never regret it. You have a home with us, a brotherhood, a sisterhood, a family. We are the house of embers, and our mission is to make sure any fire elemental freshie discovers and embraces their true fire heart. It won't be easy, and you just might have to go through hell... and back."
A few fae scream out cheers after he pauses and flashes a charming smile winking at someone in the audience who lets out a screech so loud the entire room shakes. My ears ring as I cover them alongside the other students as I realize she must be a banshee.
"We will be waiting for you after the ascension ceremony with open arms..."
"And open legs..."
Lyra nudges me, and I choke... sucking my lips to stop myself from bursting into a fit of laughter.
The next tribe that introduces themselves is the house of Earth. A few faeries fly in through the doors carrying drums as they spin around in the air. My mouth drops when one of the faeries suddenly shifts back into her human form and levitates in the air, showering us with an array of beautiful flowers. Lyra and I giggle hysterically as flower petals dance around us, landing on every surface. Afterwards, a satyr blows a triumphant melody from a horn and 4 large gnomes assemble before they are tossed in the air levitating and spinning in a circular motion that creates a gust of wind that washes over us. The faerie, still soaring above the auditorium, comes down with a whoosh of air, landing on the stage completely... naked.
"Holy shit!"
I gasped as a few male students roared with excitement before she whisked her forefinger in the air, forming a long flowery gown around her body that flowed down the stage and hugged her slender figure. She is incredibly gorgeous, with long blonde hair and eyes that seem to melt the audience. She exudes so much confidence that it only seems to encourage more cheers and screams from the audience as a few fae chant her name and yell out words of encouragement. Someone from the audience even calls her a sexy bitch but she just laughs it off bashfully, her golden brown skin glowing as she speaks.
"We are Terra Haven, House of Earth and my name is Aurora... and I am ecstatic to welcome you to our lovely school. We hope you find your stay here wonderful and that you may join us in celebrating the beauty of life. We hope to see you soon, best regards."
She blows a kiss at the audience and I could've sworn I heard someone scream "Marry me".
The next two houses are the House of Air; Elysian House and the House of Hydro.
The House of Air's performance had to be the most beautiful as the top of the auditorium opened up to reveal the members and the captain, who may I say, was incredibly attractive. With dark tousled long hair and a body that screamed "sex-god", he and his members transformed into various winged fae all of them presenting their magical abilities in the form of air. Then suddenly, the captain transformed into a majestic white dragon, with broad leathery wings and bold, captivating pale red eyes, he rose into the sky blowing a puff of steam that then turned to ice, which was then shattered into beautiful snow petals that rained down on us in soft pellets. He had to be the most magnificent dragon I'd ever seen and the largest as well. The crowd was standing up in their seats screaming, applauding, and cheering as he then used magic to write out their chant in the clouds,
"We will go where the wind takes us, we are the breath of the sky, faster than a beam of light, surrender your weakness and take flight!"
With a powerful roar, he flapped his breathtaking wings before he was enveloped in white smoke and disappeared. I couldn't help but scream with excitement as the rest of the audience, was awed and oooh'd wondering where he'd vanished to.
The house of Hydro, the water tribe; had a harmonious performance with instruments joining the serene and hypnotic song of the sirens and howl of the nymphs. It was beautiful and mesmerizing the way they sang in unison, It felt like we'd been absorbed underwater as the beautifully haunting chorus of melody carried us.
"Like the water flows, so do our hearts grow... glorious as the raging sea, we will set you free."
My voice was so sore from screaming and cheering, Lyra and I watched the show with reverence. It was incredible and I was still awestruck by their performance until the final house; The Luna Chamber, the house of the moon, astrology and transformation took the stage.
After the performance from the other groups I had expected the excitement would die down... but boy was I wrong. As the Captain of House of Luna gets on the stage, the auditorium is consumed by darkness, but only for a second, before an array of beautiful stars form various zodiac signs in the night sky.
I was astonished at how they'd managed to turn the sky from light to evening as music began to play. A few werewolves howled at the rising moon and suddenly the ground below us rumbled and shook. And before I knew it we were lifted in the air floating 5 feet off the ground as the melodious music hummed around us.
It was as terrifying as it was blissful and I was a little disappointed when it finally ended and we landed back in our seats, the sky clearing and the sun reappearing.
"Now that you have seen what each tribe has to offer I wish you good luck on the ascension. All mentors please find your freshman mentee..."
Lyra turns to me, looking slightly nervous about what's to come.
"What's your number if we get separated?"
She asks me with urgency.
"RH 300-200-440"
I say and she quickly taps it away on her phone.
She leans in to hug me wishing me good luck as the mentors crowd on the stage.
"Eveline Forest!"
One mentor calls and the freshman runs towards him. One after the other, mentees are called to the stage to partner with their mentors. Eventually, Lyra is called and I wish her good luck as she flashes me a nervous smile and walks down to the stage.
"Scarlett Thorne"
I swallow a gulp as my name is called and make my way down the stairs towards my mentor. Too immersed in my thoughts, as I go down the steps, I accidentally collide with a very hard, very firm chest.
"I'm so sorry!"
I immediately apologize as I stumble back.
But the voice that responds is velvety and rich, with a clipped and sharp Northwestern accent that sends a wave of desire down my spine.
"Too much on your mind?"
My eyes pan up his very lean, very tall physique. He's wearing crisp formal attire that has me trembling at the knees, wondering what glorious sin he's hiding beneath those clothes.
His eyes are enigmatic and mismatched, but I find myself slightly disoriented as I wonder which one to stare at; the icy blue eye that makes me ponder how far I could dive into them and how quickly I'd drown in them, or the crimson red eye that seems to hold so much dominance and authority... sending shock waves throughout my body, and making me forget my name entirely. And just like the sexy and deep rumble of his musical voice, he is nothing short of captivating, with a sharp-edged jawline, light stubble that stops just above his Adam's apple, and very luscious pink lips and what seems to be an array of freckled constellations dotted over his nose.
"I... no... not really."
I take a sharp breath as a very rich and delicious scent envelops me. He reminds me of morning coffee and smells of cedarwood and sage.
"Well... if you'll excuse me."
He steps aside, passing me and leaving me utterly flustered and speechless, his scent drifting away with him.
I stumble back watching him leave with wide eyes as I make my way to my mentor.
As I walk up the platform to the stage, I am surprised to discover my mentor just so happens to be the same silver-haired captain of the House of Embers. He isn't shirtless anymore but he's dressed in athletic attire that shows off his deliciously sculpted biceps.
"Well, hello beautiful?"
He flashes me a sharp toothy grin, his fangs giving way to his order.
Demon.. Or vampire? I wonder
"Are you excited, love?"
He eyes me perceptively, his eyes raking up and down my figure. I stiffen, uncomfortable with his unexpectedly sensual demeanor.
"Umm.. y-yea?"
I stammer, finding it hard to meet his gaze.
His eyes widen slightly, his pupils shrinking in the sunlight.
"A little nervous?"
I laugh sheepishly.
"A little..."
I eye him suspiciously.
He suddenly reaches for my arm pulling me over to his side and wrapping a strong arm around my waist. I find the sudden urge to kick him in the balls as his hand trails down to my ass.
"So... what's your order babe?"
His voice is silky and sultry as he leans in walking us out of the auditorium to join the other students, his hands still looped around my waist. A few girls and boys shoot me spiteful glares and I start to wonder if having him as my mentor will make me enemy number one.
"I uh..."
My mouth goes dry at the question as heat rises in my face.
I pull away from him quickly, but he just smirks deviously, a glint of mischief in his blue eyes.
Despite his strange demeanor, I can't ignore the fact that he is very attractive... almost a little too attractive.
"I don't have one."
I say and his blue eyes widen momentarily before he starts to smirk.
"A fledgling huh? Cute. Don't worry I won't tell."
He licks his lips, a look of untamed hunger in his eyes. I shift uncomfortably as I notice the greedy and hateful looks from a few students as I talk to the captain.
"Oh! Forgive me, babe, I meant to introduce myself..."
He blinks with realization, his eyes never leaving mine.
"I'm Lucien Roussard..."
He extends his hand to me and for some strange reason, I find myself reaching out, like some kind of invisible string has latched onto me and is drawing me closer to him.
Once our palms meet he pulls me back into his embrace and before I have a second to react he brings his lips to my ear.
"You look good enough to eat babe... I haven't tasted a fledgling in years..."
His voice is low and seductive as he presses himself against me, his lips brushing the hairs of my skin as his fangs lightly graze my neck. I recoil.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing!"
I form a defensive stance, shoving him back.
"What?"
There's a glint of mischief in his eyes as they pan up and down my body invasively.
I suddenly feel too exposed for my liking. I was wearing jean shorts and a turtleneck tank top with a cut-out that exposed more of my cleavage. The girls were sitting nicely, but that didn't mean he could stare!
And as if he's read my thoughts his eyes trail down to my breasts indiscreetly, shamelessly! My cheeks burn with disgust and shame.
What the actual fuck??
I pull away from him immediately.
I am relieved when all the freshmen are assembled, interrupting us, some girls swooning at the sight of him. I try to avoid the stares of the envious fangirls as I take my place around the globe. I'm not sure why they're jealous of being drooled over by a creep but to each their own.
One by one, the mentors step forward retrieving small pieces of paper from the large hole in the white globe sitting at the center of the circle on a round table.
"What's this?"
I ask as Lucien hands me a piece of paper with a strange symbol on it.
"That's your way back here. When you go into the portal you'll need a way to get back. As your mentor my job, is to make sure you don't get lost. My voice will guide you as you navigate your way in the dark depths of your mind."
He leans in.
"And don't worry babe I'll be with you.. Every. Step. Of. The. way."
My heart races as cold goosebumps rise from my skin making me fall back in surprise.
As I fall on my ass a few rounds of laughter circulate and I scowl wishing I wasn't so clumsy.
"Now students... hold hands with your mentors... "
Miss Basie instructs, and I hesitate as Lucien moves to stand in front of me. He extends his hand to me with a smug look on his face.
I hope I don't get into the house of embers...
"Close your eyes love..."
Lucien yanks me to my feet and closer to his embrace. I fight the urge to barf.
"Chant with me, babe..."
He says in a suggestive tone and I try to put some distance between us, but his iron grip is firm, His hands caressing my knuckles as he speaks.
Is this part of the ritual... are we supposed to be this close?
"I call upon the earth and sky, the call of the wind and the rising flame beyond. I call upon the elements, may they grant me the power to find my true nature... May they endow me with the energy of the moon."
"Come on babe..."
He leans in again, the heat of his breath brushing my earlobe. I shudder with disgust and try to repeat the chant.
"I call upon the earth and sky, the call of the wind and the rising flame beyond. I call upon the elements, may they grant me the power to find my true nature... May they endow me with the energy of the moon."
As we chant, I find my thoughts slipping away, the chant a calming rhythmic beat that floods my ears. I find myself drowning... as though I'm sinking into the core of the earth, my skin feels inflamed and the wind whispers around me as I find myself lost in the ritual.
It's ominous and dark but I'm not scared.
"Follow my voice..."
Lucien purrs, but he sounds far and I try my best to ignore the fact he's pulled me closer. I focus my attention on the task at hand...
"Follow the path, don't stray..."
I almost want to ask what path, as I'm surrounded by complete darkness... until a bright light bursts through the shadows revealing a long road.
"You got this sexy."
Lucien's husky voice nearly steers me off the road completely but I push my feet forward...
What a creep!
The path is empty, with no evidence or signs of life... just the whispers of the wind and the heat now building in my veins.
"You'll know when you find it. Wait for it and let it come to you."
I can practically feel his breath against my ears.
As I follow the path I find the urge to run, my legs moving at a faster pace towards something. I'm not sure what, but I know I need to find it. It's like a song, a siren melody whispering to me... beckoning me.
"Yea... just like that babe.."
WHAT.THE.FUCK!
I shiver with discomfort but fight the urge to pull my hands away as I continue running down the winding road.
Suddenly the road begins to dip downward and I scream as It gets steeper, causing me to slide down, down, down into a dark pit.
I fall straight through, my heart thumping against my chest as I fall.
My screams are swallowed by the silence of the hole, the adrenaline in my blood pumping faster as I dive.
Just when I think everything is lost... just when I start to panic, my feet touch the ground. I can't hear Lucien's voice anymore and I know I should be relieved but I can't help but fear what's to come as I wander through the darkness.
Suddenly something cold and wispy.... drags me forward and the closer I get the colder the air becomes, until it's an icy breeze against my skin.
I gasp as I push against it but then, I hear a voice.
"Don't fight it, babe."
The howling gets louder and I try my best not to resist the surge of energy that slams into me. It grows and grows until all I feel is ice.
"Reach for it. Reach for that power."
I do as he says and extend my hand feeling for something... anything. Suddenly my hand latches onto something and it grabs onto me! I try to fight back but its hold is too unyielding. I scream but It doesn't budge instead, It yanks me forward and drags me upwards.
Suddenly, I'm pulled into a pool... an ocean, it's unbearably cold, but that warmth from earlier seems to grow, cascading a blanket over me as I swim.
Lucien's voice has faded and I find myself utterly alone... in search of whatever has dragged me here.
I'm relieved when I see a light up ahead. A burning passionate flame that burns brighter the closer I approach.
For some reason something tells me to dive in, it's an absurd command but my feet move on their own anyways. I squeeze my eyes shut ready to be engrossed in the flames but the second I step into its heat I'm met with the most powerful sensation ever, my back arches and I ascend with the blazing flame, rising above my feet and flying!
I laugh, my fear dispersing and making way for excitement. It's an amazing feeling words cannot describe. Suddenly I find myself staring at myself... a younger version of me reaches out, her tiny fingers stretching as she tries to grasp onto me. I do the same wielding myself to move closer until our hands brush against each other. I groan and cry out as I latch onto her finally, relief washing over me as the flames carry us up to the surface.
I awaken with a start, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I find myself in the middle of the woods. I slowly rise to my feet, my body aching and disoriented as I look around.
Where the hell am I? Is this part of the ascension?
I feel something against my pocket and reach in to pull out a piece of paper, inspecting it.
Realization hits me when I remember it's my way out. It suddenly comes to me and I immediately read out the words on it before I am lifted off the ground instantaneously, a bright light consuming me as I'm enveloped inside. Twisting through a windy yellow portal.
I land on my back and groan, discovering I'm back where I started, near the auditorium. I wince as I stand, my legs aching and my muscles slightly sore from the fall.
To my eternal relief, Lucien is gone but I notice other students landing on the ground, some falling with a crash and others groaning as they come out of their disorientated states.
"Any students who've finished their ascension please find your mentor."
Says Ms. Baise, I grumble and scowl realizing that Lucien isn't gone. Matter of fact he's standing just two feet away from me and watching me with keen eyes as if he's undressing me where I stand.
Gross!
I begrudgingly approach him and he flashes me that damned toothy grin. I notice the symbol on his wrist and suddenly it all makes sense. He's a fucking incubus.
"Glad to see you back in one piece babe-
"Don't call me that."
I snap, finally having it with his sexual advances.
His eyes go wide, feigning shock.
"Ouch... I'm just looking out for you..."
"Yeah well stop. It's making me uncomfortable."
His brow arches,
"You know... most girls would die to be in your shoes."
He pulls me forward into his arms and I try to resist again but his fingers dig into my arm, keeping me in place. I wince as he leans into me and whispers, his breath caressing my ear.
"Of course, the rules are only fire elementals... but I can make a few exceptions for pretty girls... So tell me what did you get?"
I shove him back with disgust.
"I... I don't know."
He steps forward and I back up, he almost seems amused with my discomfort.
"Did you find yourself swimming? Did you get blasted by the wind..... Or did you find a flame of fire, did the moon sing to you? Did the earth capture you?"
"I..."
I trail as I recall the events in the ascension.
"I got four I think. Fire carried me, I was blasted with the wind, I swam... and I think the moon or sun shined on me."
His eyes grow wide, an astonished look on his face as he stares at me as if I've just grown three heads.
"What? What's wrong?"
I stammer.
"That's... that's impossible... No one's ever gotten more than 3 elements."
"What?"
I blink.
"If you got 3 elements or more... Then that makes you unique, sweetpea..."
A devilish grin spreads across his face.
"You're far more interesting than I anticipated..."
He licks his lips hungrily and I rear back.
To my relief, Miss Baise approaches me with a smile.
"What did you get dear? Fire, earth, water, air, or moon?"
She inquires, her gaze unflinching and sharp.
"We have ourselves a novelty."
Lucien muses.
"T-that's impossible ... how-"
Miss. Baise trails, her eyes widen with a new revelation.
"Well... this is a first. My, my deary do you know what this means?"
She reaches for my arm and I flinch as her hands grip my shoulders, revered excitement in her grey eyes.
I notice, in my peripheral vision students have started to crowd around us, their eyes watching me with curiosity... surprise... envy, and intimidation.
I know this is probably something I should be proud of but I can't shake this feeling of foreboding at the thought of having so much power... not to mention the way everyone's eyes are glued on me, some look as if they want to tear my hair out for even coming close to achieving something so great.
"Well... since this is a first, you get the opportunity to choose what house you'd like to inhabit for the next 2 years."
My eyes widened, I wasn't expecting that I'd get a choice... maybe things aren't so bad.
"So... what will it be?"
She asks me and the other students stare at me expectantly.
I notice Lucien's blue eyes, eyeing me with intrigue and excitement.
Yeah, like I'd choose your house.
I swallow my breath, my eyes wandering around the crowd as more students gather.
"I choose... Terra Haven."
I finally say.
Miss. Baise smiles with understanding.
"Great choice! I'm sure Aurora would love to have you!"
She clasps her hands together and I notice a few hushed voices and my name being whispered amongst the crowd.
"She probably cheated her way in.."
I can't help the shrill anxiety that burns through me at their comments, their harsh words cut deeper than I thought was possible.
"It's a shame you chose Terra Haven... I was hoping to spend some alone time with you..."
Lucien steps up to me, his chest pressing against my back.
My breath hitches as he leans in,
"But don't worry I'll come find you for some fun later if you're interested babe..."
I roll my fists as I tear my body away from him. Who is he? What gave him the impression I wanted anything to do with him??
"No thanks."
I bite back and his eyes sparkle with desire.
I get out my phone relieved as I watch him walk away, finally. My body, shivering from the strange encounter.
I text Lyra asking if she'd finished the ascension and what house she'd gotten in.
It only takes a couple of seconds before my phone pings from a notification. I walk over to where my bags were placed and fish them out from the circular dome.
I check my phone,
Lyra: I got into House of Embers!
Me: Wya? We should meet up after we settle in
Lyra: Of course! I'm so excited!
I laugh to myself, pleased she's happy to be where she is... but I can't shake the discomfort of the fact that Lucien is her house captain.
I get a notification ping and discover I've received a map of the dormitories. Terra Haven is a 10-minute walk from here and I can't help but groan as I dread the long road ahead.
I grab my luggage and drag them along as I follow the Foogle GPS.
The walk is long but I listen to my music as I pass through the trees. Up ahead I see a couple of cabins coming into view...
I know I'm close when I hear the loud chatter of students. I end up passing through a lavish garden with an array of colorful flowers and glimmering fountains. Fae statues, fairy lights, and beautiful ornaments decorate the garden. It's mesmerizing, to say the least, and the scent of flora and nature fills my nose, I sigh with contentment. Nature is in my blood and this feels like heaven being surrounded by so much beauty. I wonder what the other houses look like, and if they have cabins just as we do in Terra Haven.
I notice a few girls crowded around a cabin as they laugh and chatter,
As I roll in, their heads turn in my direction, some scowling and some giving me a once-over.
I suck in a deep breath diverting my gaze as I look for my cabin.
Suddenly a tall blonde girl with honey-brown skin walks up to me, her vibrant magenta-colored eyes glistening with intrigue as she looks down at me with a glossy-lipped smile.
"Hi! You must be Scarlett Thorne!"
She beams,
"I'm Aurora, your Terra Haven captain, I'm so excited you chose us!"
She grins widely, her features unmistakable as I remember her performance.
"Oh! Hi... yes. I'm excited to be a part of your house!"
I stand to attention, slightly intimidated by her presence.
"Of course! You made the right choice... and also. A little birdy told me you harbored almost all the elements!"
I smile nervously.
"I harbor 3 elements... air, earth, water... But I've never heard of harboring four! You must be proud of yourself!"
There's a slight edge to her tone despite the enthusiasm on her face.
"Um... yeah... maybe."
I mumble. A few girls start to crowd around us, their eyes glowing with suspicion and curiosity... Some do smile at me, but I find it hard to smile back from the condescending way their gazes flicker with annoyance.
"Well... I'll show you to your cabin."
"T-thankyou!"
I can't help but appreciate her kindness but I also can't fight the funny feeling something is wrong.
She leads me towards a cabin near the end of the trail, it's humble, to say the least, but it's also much smaller than the others.
But at least it's mine... can't complain right?
"I'll see you at the dining hall later love!"
She hands me a key and skips away happily, her sickly sweet attitude rubbing me the wrong way.
I unlock my door and discover the room enveloped in darkness the moment I step in. I feel for a switch on the wall and the lights flicker on. I gasp in surprise as I take in the sight before me, the cabin is much larger on the inside than it is on the outside. Its walls are painted chartreuse, a desk sits at the end of the wall in front of a curtained window with a comfortable cushioned chair and a flower vase with a small bouquet of roses. The bed is queen-sized, with clean fluffy sheets and cloud-like pillows that look like heaven.
Inside the cabin, there's a door that I assume leads to the bathroom and when I step in my eyes grow with excitement at the large glossy bathtub. I can't help but wonder what strings my parents pulled to get me here... it's shocking, to say the least.
The tiles are porcelain and there's a full-length mirror opposite the sink. The room is also equipped with a small washer and dryer along the wall, towels, bath products, and toilet paper are packed neatly on the shelf.
This has to be the most expensive room I've ever been in and it's only more exciting that I get to spend the next 2 years here!
I grin as I run towards the bed and flop onto the soft, clean blanket, enjoying the floral scent of freshly washed sheets.
I could get used to this...