Lime nods, agreeing with her.
The guy from earlier comes back to mind. Even though that interaction was terrifying, I discovered a new confidence in me. I’m not ashamed but proud to be the daughter of Emerald Blaze and Digger, so it’s time I start acting like it.
I step toward Stella with my hand outreached. “I’m Ember. Ember Vulterra.”
She reaches for my hand, and we shake, then I see it, her eyes widening as she registers what I said. “Wait … Did you say, Vulterra?”
I swallow hard and nod. “Yes.”
She slowly releases my hand. “Ember … Vulterra? As in, the daughter of …”
I stand a little taller. “Yes. Emerald Blaze and Digger.”
Her eyes widen more, and Lime pokes her face as if he’s worried she’s forgotten to breathe. She blinks fast, and her chest expands dramatically. “Well, I was not expecting this.”
I stare at my half-unpacked duffle bag on the bed. Clothes are strewn next to it from when I got out my dress earlier to change from my incognito clothes. The notion to shove everything back in there and run from the room almost overwhelms me.
“I’m so sorry about what happened to your parents. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through. Let me know whatever I can do to help you here.”
Her offer takes me off guard. “Thank … you? I don’t know what to say.”
She tilts her head. “What do you mean?”
I break eye contact to stare at the door to our private bathroom behind her. “I just … expected this to go a lot differently. People normally want to drill me with questions.”
“I guess I can get that, but I doubt you actually want to talk that much about things. There’s probably a reason why the public hasn’t heard from you since everything happened, right?”
Even though I know these are questions I should get used to, I want to try to keep my world as private as possible. Changing the topic seems like the best course of action. “So, what’s your major?”
She smiles understandingly. “Well, I’m undeclared at the moment. I tried out for the Defender program, but they denied me. I’ll reapply next semester, so I’ll wait to see how that goes before I really decide anything.”
“Oh, you want to be a Guardian?” I ask, feeling slightly disappointed by her ambitions.
“Yeah, I’ve always dreamed of protecting Stalwarth and helping people when they need it most, but I’m not holding my breath. They told me my abilities are impressive, but, unless I learn how to create larger golems with multiple rocks, I probably wouldn’t do well holding a Guardian position.”
“Well, you know being a Guardian is just one big hoax to get you to sacrifice yourself for the city, right? I mean, they separate you into leagues, like the Capital League based on your powers, and then if your league doesn’t help you, well, you’re doomed. No one else cares.”
Stella stares at me, unblinking.
“Oh, let’s not also mention that Guardians are just a fancy way to show off your abilities. They make other people feel like they aren’t good enough and have to settle for some lower-paying job.”
“I don’t think that’s the case. Some people just don’t want to be a Guardian. Their abilities are just as powerful in normal jobs. My mom, for example, works in landscaping. She makes gardens look as if they have been given an elixir for vibrancy. She just radiates life.”
I swallow hard. “Oh, yeah. Well …” I want to say what I said to the other guy, that she is an idiot for wanting to follow this dream. However, it would probably be best not to offend my roommate any further. “I wish you luck with whatever you pursue then.”
She smiles. “Thanks. How about you? Have you decided what to major in?”
My face feels like it just became stone. “No. I’m undeclared for the moment as well.”
“Oh? Really?”
“Yes.”
Stella looks away and purses her lips, and Lime shuffles nervously on her shoulder.
I realize my people skills probably are not the best, since it’s not like I’ve really interacted with many people my age. Part of me does feel desperate to become Stella’s friend though. It would be nice to have someone to talk to while I’m here, but, at the same time, I just want to stay locked behind the barrier I’ve built around myself.
I sigh. “Well, I probably should finish unpacking.”
Stella eyes my luggage. “It doesn’t seem like you have that much. Why don’t we get some lunch? Maybe explore campus a little bit together?”
My heart flutters. “What? Really?”
She laughs. “Yeah, I mean, since we’re roommates for a whole year, we might as well get to know each other a little, don’t you think?”
It hits me; she doesn’t know I’m only here for a semester. I feel bad at not filling her in on this detail. “Okay, sure … well, I actually ran into someone a little bit ago who recognized me. I don’t want to take the chance of seeing him again right now. He was a fan of my parents. I don’t know if he’ll point me out to other people.”
“Well, if he does, I’ll just set an army of rock golems after him, and that should show him not to bother you.” She grins slyly.
Lime mimics her with his own evil little chuckle.
I laugh and suddenly feel more at ease than I have in a very long time. “Okay, sure. Let’s get something to eat.”
Chapter 4
Ember
Stella exits the student center with a bounce to her step. “So, first day of classes! What’s your first class today?”
I try to suppress my yawn, walking out after her. The morning sun is a cruel joke to my eyes, and I don’t mirror Stella’s excitement about it being Monday. My breakfast sits in my stomach like a lump of lard. “Extreme chemistry.”
“Oh! That’s cool. I know you said chemistry is one of your favorite subjects.”
From the corner of my eyes, I see Lime perched atop Stella’s head like a captain of a curly haired ship. I smile slightly at the sight, but the feeling doesn’t last. “Yeah, just … I’m not looking forward to the class as much as I should be. I know the professor.”
“You do?”
I sigh at having to relive any of my past. “Yeah, I actually knew him once as Uncle Erik. He was a long-time family friend before … well, before everything happened.”
Stella looks at me with tight lips. “I’m sorry. I know seeing him probably won’t be easy then.”
My breakfast feels like it’s crawling up my throat. “No, it’s not.”
“Then why are you taking the class?”
“Well, as much as I hate to admit it, he’s the best person to teach a class like this. He has a few science degrees and … he’s The Regenerator.” Saying the name tastes bitter in my mouth.
Stella stops. “Wait a second. You’re friends with The Regenerator? The guy who took down Mad Marie? Who had to regrow almost his entire left side of his body?”
I halt and narrow my eyes. “Was.”
Both her and Lime look a little taken aback by my reaction. Lime tries to hide under some strands of Stella’s hair.
“I’m sorry. Let’s forget I asked,” Stella says with a small wave of her hand. “So, I’ll meet you outside the English building at noon, and we can grab lunch. How does that sound?”
I appreciate the change of subject. “Sure, that sounds good. I’ll see you then!”
We wave bye to each other and head in opposite directions, getting lost amid other students. I notice one guy with longer avocado-green hair floating on his back toward one of the buildings with his books on his stomach, snoring away. I chuckle, but I’m jealous I can’t be asleep also.
Class begins in less than five minutes, and I refocus on the direction I need to go, beholding the sight of all the buildings. All of them are similar in design, comprised entirely of the smoothest glass I’ve ever seen. They reflect the sky so clearly it’s hard to believe buildings are actually there. I head for the science building. It has silver letters above the doors that read, VA
XT BUILDING FOR THE SCIENCES.
When I reach the doors, I freeze midway grabbing the handle. My hands shake at the thought of facing Erik soon, but this is just one more obstacle I must learn to live with. I open the door and enter. “Let’s get this over with,” I mumble.
A crowd of students are waiting around the elevators, and my heart drops. No way do I want to get on an overcrowded elevator. Looking to my right, I sigh in relief seeing a door with a small black plaque engraved with STAIRS. The directory for the building is on the wall next to it, and I locate room 206. Taking a calming breath, I open the door and enter the stairwell.
Sunlight floods the whole area due to the never-ending window on the side. After blinking a couple times, I focus on the black iron, spiral staircase. It seems to go on forever, and I climb, soaking up the warmth coming through the window. I reach the entry to my floor—a door adorned with an enormous silver two—and enter the hallway.
The door to my classroom is propped open and I enter. The room is alive with chatter from the other students seated at metal tables covered in beakers, burners, and other chemistry-related tools. There is no sign of Erik.
Thank goodness.
I head toward the only empty seat near the back and see a guy with dark hair sitting at the station also. The top of his glasses are barely visible behind a book titled, Insects are Friends not Food. I set my backpack on the ground and pull out the stool next to him. He doesn’t budge. Seems like he’s not one to start a conversation, and that is fine with me. I have enough to deal with already.
“Good morning, my chemistry enthusiasts!” a man belts out.
I snap my head toward the door and see the familiar tall, slender frame that used to enter my own home—Uncle Erik. His appearance has not changed other than hints of aging. His short black hair used to be just highlighted with blue now also has gray streaks. Some faint laugh lines outline his eyes. His outfit matches a stereotypical chemist’s garb—a long white lab coat over a black shirt and jeans. The coat looks like it may have sat in the dryer too long. This doesn’t surprise me; he was never one for household chores.
He has the biggest smile while scanning the room at all his students, until he notices me. We lock eyes, and his smile falters slightly.
My stomach tightens, but I try to keep my face emotionless. This won’t be easy for either of us.
Surprisingly, his face softens, and his smile melts into a gentler one.
I quickly avert my gaze to the front of the room. I don’t want him to get the assumption everything is okay between us just because I’m taking his class.
He walks behind his station and clasps his hands together. “Well, well. It’s nice to see all these bright, new faces here today! You all probably know me by my Guardian name, The Regenerator, but here, please call me Erik. Yes, technically I’m your professor, but it makes me feel old if you call me that.”
A few students chuckle.
“Now, this is extreme chemistry one-oh-one. If you’re not taking this class, this would be the time to sneak out while keeping your dignity intact.”
One thing I can say about Erik, he has always been a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. Even with how antsy I am right now, I feel my body relax slightly by his demeanor.
Erik eyes some papers in front of him, shifts them around until he settles one in front of him and grabs a pen. “Okay, we’ll start by taking attendance. When I say your name, just raise your hand. Also let me know if you have a nickname or any other moniker you go by.”
I take a deep breath. This is it.
“Ted Broman, you’re first.”
A guy in the front quickly raises his hand.
Eric acknowledges Ted with a little nod and marks on the paper in front of him. “Carly Marzolla, you’re next.”
A girl with pink skin and magenta-colored spiky hair raises her hand.
“Thanks, Carly!” He makes another mark. “Okay, Adam Nansen, you’re up.”
No one raises their hand. A few students awkwardly look around the room.
“Adam Nansen?”
From the corner of my eye, I see one student slightly jab another with her elbow. The student regards her questionably, and she motions with her eyes for him to look at Erik. He looks up slightly confused.
“Are you Adam Nansen?” Erik chuckles.
Even from the back of the room, I can see Adam’s cheeks turn the same color as a tomato. “Oh, yeah. Sorry.”
Erik smirks and makes another mark on the paper. Erik announces names, and fellow classmates raise their hands accordingly.
I cannot control my legs from bouncing like a dribbling basketball. Some beakers rattle on the table in front of me. Soon everyone will know who I am, and I can’t do anything about it.
“Ross Toblerone,” Erik says loudly.
The guy next to me looks up and raises his hand. Ross glances at me, and his eye color reminds me of a tan leather purse my mom used to have. He has a boyish charm. His face is round, and his square metal-framed glasses sit on the edge of his nose. I can’t help but give him a polite grin, which he returns.
“Okay, that’s everyone! Now, let’s move onto the syllabus, so everyone has an understanding of what we’ll be doing this semester.”
I jerk my head to stare at Erik. Wait, he didn’t call my name! Panic sets in. I was on the class list, right? What should I do? Do I ask him about it now? Or after class? As I sit here and debate, another thought comes to mind. Maybe he didn’t call it because he knows me. Do I take the risk and just assume that? Unfortunately, talking to him seems like the best solution. I’ll wait until after class, since there is no reason to bring unnecessary attention to myself right now.
Erik begins class by reviewing the syllabus and gets into our first lesson, the body and chemical reactions. I have a hard time focusing on the subject, since my thoughts keep drifting to how I should address him after class. My legs become uncontrollable again, and I sense Ross staring at me, since the stuff on the table is rattling around. It seems silly how nervous I feel because of this. And here I thought the hardest part of the day would be seeing him. I didn’t anticipate having to actually talk to him today, and unfortunately, class seems to go by in a blink of an eye.
Erik loudly closes the book on his station. “Okay, everyone, that’ll be it for today. Make sure to read the first chapter and be ready for Wednesday. We’ll be conducting our first experiment.” He mischievously surveys the room like a kid about to do something naughty. “And heads up, if you’re squeamish about melting flesh, make sure to eat a light breakfast that day.”
Some students gasp and scrunch their face in disgust. Others just laugh it off.
Erik chuckles. “Now, go out there, learn things and have some fun!”
Everyone gathers their stuff and heads toward the door, all except for me. I grab my backpack and go to the front of the classroom to where Erik is still standing behind his station.
He is reviewing some papers again, but he glances up, and his eyes pop open. “Ember. Hi.”
I straighten my posture as if I am bracing myself for a fight. “Hi, Erik.”
“It’s nice to see you again.” He smiles. “I will admit, it took me off guard when I saw your name on my roster.”
I lift my backpack to put it on my back, avoiding eye contact with him for a moment. It’s hard to control the building anger. It’s bad enough Erik did not help my parents, but then he never cared to check on me afterward. “I just wanted to take the class, but you can just ignore me in the back. You’re good at doing that.”
The smile on his face disappears. “Ember, I think we should try to clear the air. I know you must have questions—”
“All I want to know is why you didn’t call my name during attendance. If I’m going to be here, I want to make sure I get credit.”
His eyebrows raise, giving me a knowing look. “Well, I know who you are. It wasn’t necessary. Plus, I figured you wouldn’t want the attention.”
The fact he’
s right annoys me. “Well, should I thank you then?”
He shakes his head. “No. Eventually everyone will know who you are, so enjoy it while you can.”
“Okay. Well, I’ll just go, and I guess I’ll see you on Wednesday.” I turn for the door.
“Ember!”
I roll my eyes and look back at him. “Yes?”
“We really should talk sometime.” His eyes plea with me to agree with him.
Without replying, I leave the room. Deep down, I know we probably should talk, but that is something I’m not ready for. Right now, I just want to focus on my next class, where the professor has no connection to my parents and should go a little smoother.
Chapter 5
Ember
Here I sit in my next class, English 101. My legs are once again uncontrollable, causing my desk to shake with them. Why did I think this class would be easier? The professor may not know me, but that means they will definitely call my name—only a few minutes left to savor in my anonymity.
“I’m so excited to be taking this class with Professor Souris!” some girl with blue curly hair next to me says.
“I know! Especially since she has an eidetic memory! She probably can go on forever discussing the books she has read,” another girl, who looks more like a skunk than an actual human, answers her.
I look out the window to try to distract myself. The view perfectly showcases the sunny day. From here, I can see the lake, which pulls at my desire to be outside rather than stuck in here.
Thump!
I jolt to look at the door where the noise came from. Someone dropped a book. The guy bends over to pick it up, trying to keep his backpack from falling over the top of his head. He has long white hair pulled back in a ponytail.
My jaw drops. Oh god, it’s him!
The guy who had the nerve to talk to me on Saturday enters the room. He searches for an empty seat. Of course, the only one left is in front of me, and he heads my way. He sets his backpack on the ground, and right before he sits, he freezes. Very slowly, his gaze finds my own staring at him.
The Guardians' Daughter Page 4
