by Lexie Scott
“I don’t normally offer extra help, but you are in a unique situation. If you would be interested in my tutoring you, we can come up with a schedule that works for both of us.”
“Thank you. I would really appreciate that.” She was so nice, and I would need all the help I could get.
“Now go on. The start of term assembly is at ten, and you don’t want to be late.” She walked me to the door of her office, and I thanked her again before taking the stairs down to the main floor and heading outside to go back to the administration building.
Only a few people milled around. It was probably class time, so I rushed down the path without the crowds. When I reached the back entrance of the building, I froze. I skimmed over the rulebook last night, but fell asleep before finishing.
I pulled out the packet and quickly signed the back like I was supposed to before heading inside. I hadn’t noticed anything that stood out from the basic rules I was used to from my old school. No mention of promising my first-born child for a sacrifice or offering myself up as a blood donor. I could finish reading over them later. I doubted there was anything all that unusual, and it wasn’t like I was the rule-breaking type.
Chapter 10
I stepped into the office, and Ms. Personality didn’t bother looking up again.
“I’m here to see Mr. Haddon,” I said quietly.
Without acknowledging me, she lifted the phone and held it between her ear and shoulder.
“Dallon, you have a student here.” She hung up before he could reply and continued typing.
I didn’t bother thanking her, just stepped back and waited silently.
“Good morning, Saige.” Mr. Haddon waved me to follow him back to his small office. “How did the assessment go?”
I took the same seat as the day before and pulled out the note Mrs. Hedgings gave me. “I have two affinities.”
He covered his look of surprise quickly and nodded. “Very well.”
I handed the note to him, and he scanned it quickly before turning to his computer. “This will add to your workload, but with Mrs. Hedgings offering to tutor you, I have every confidence you can manage.”
His words held a hint of challenge.
“I will. Hannah offered to put together a study group as well. We met two shifters on the way to the dorms that also volunteered to help.”
He glanced at me. “Good.”
I pursed my lips to keep from smiling. He wasn’t one to give praise easily, but I could tell he was impressed. I accepted the compliment, even though I wasn’t really responsible for the idea. Hannah was the orchestrator.
“And do you have your signed acceptance of the school rules?” He held out his hand, and I pulled the last page from my folder and passed it over.
He checked my signature and sat it down next to the note before focusing back on the screen. “We split the schedule between traditional non-supernatural classes and those specific to your abilities, so those who prefer to go to an outside university are able and all of our students are prepared to blend into non-supernatural society.”
Normal classes? I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or let down. At least there would be times when I didn’t feel so out of place, but I was here to learn to control magic, not study algebra.
“Okay,” I said to fill the silence.
“I’ve gone ahead and reviewed your transcripts and assigned you to the appropriate classes. You fulfilled your previous school’s language requirements with your Spanish classes. The only language we offer here is Latin. It might be helpful in your studies, especially spell casting. Would you like to take it?”
Latin? They taught the dead language?
“Will that count as a normal class or a witch class?”
His lip twitched at my word choice. “A normal class.”
I didn’t know what to do. It sounded like a good idea, but keeping up with my workload was going to be a struggle as it was.
“You can also take it next semester,” he offered.
I smiled. “That sounds good. It would give me time to adjust before taking on another challenge.”
“I’ll make a note of that.” He clicked around, and a minute later the hiss of a printer started from behind him. He spun in his chair, grabbed the paper, and turned back to face me. “On Mondays, you will attend all classes. Tuesdays and Thursdays, you have double periods, and you will attend only your first three classes. Wednesday and Fridays, you will attend your last three.”
He used a pen to point them out on the paper.
History IV, Math IV, Science IV, Literature IV-W, Advanced Water, Advanced Earth.
“There are only two witch classes.” I gazed up at him, wondering if he made a mistake.
He tapped on literature. “This is the witches’ section. It emphasizes the classics, as well as spells, and the power of words.”
That seemed a hundred times more interesting than what I imagined. “Okay.”
He watched me for a moment before sliding the pen back to the beginning. “You’ll cover not only non-supernatural history but also the supernatural history that parallels the events you’re more familiar with. In math, there’s an emphasis on measurements and conversions that you’ll be using in potion and spell making. Science IV is a mix of chemistry, or potion-making, and physics that will help you master portaling and object manipulation.”
My mouth nearly dropped open. So, all of my normal classes were really witch classes, just under disguise. This was going to be so much better than normal school.
“If you fall behind, remember to reach out to me, and I will set up tutors for you.”
“Thank you.” I took the schedule and read it over once again, paying attention to the class locations. I’d be rotating around between four buildings. Hopefully, they were close. I wasn’t sure where history or literature would be.
Mr. Haddon stood. “It’s nearly time for the assembly. I can show you the way if you’d like.”
I got up and wrapped my hands around my folder. “Yes, thanks.”
We walked down the hall together, and Ms. Personality narrowed her eyes at us as we passed. What was her problem?
There were more people outside now, and all headed in the same direction.
“Did Hannah give you a tour yesterday?” he asked as we walked side by side.
“She pointed out the buildings we passed on the way to the dorm, but I didn’t see this side of campus.” We were walking in the opposite direction from where I’d gone the day before.
He pointed to a large, flat-roofed building on the other side of the path. “That’s the athletic center. There is a pool, indoor track, cycling studio, classrooms for various training, and an exercise room with all forms of workout equipment. You are free to use it in the mornings, evenings, and weekends.”
I stored away that information. I wasn’t a huge fan of working out, but things could change.
“Beyond that are the sports fields, and just past those is an area specifically for shifters. It’s where they are free to train and practice shifting without onlookers.”
“Got it.” I read between his words. Witches were not welcome.
We followed the gentle curve of the path, and I saw another building. “What’s that one?”
“That is where your literature class will be.”
I nodded before recognizing what I was pretty sure was the lab building. I asked if I was correct, and he confirmed.
“So, this path is a big circle?”
“Yes, if you continued, you would eventually pass the history building, tower, dorms, health center, and end back up at the administration building. There are paths that cross through and connect for shortcuts.” He pointed to the one in front of the lab that I’d already used.
The map I’d reviewed now made more sense, and I felt better about finding my way around.
We reached the entrance to the auditorium, and Mr. Haddon straightened and began looking around. I didn’t recognize anyone, not surprising si
nce I knew five people at this school.
“Mr. Kelly.” His voice rose over the chatter.
A guy my age with dark, nearly black hair falling across his forehead and the brightest blue eyes broke away from the group of students and strode toward us. He was tall and lean, wearing black jeans, a black T-shirt, and combat boots. If the frown he sported was any indication, he didn’t seem like the kind of student teachers would look to for assistance.
“Yes, Dallon?” His hint of an accent made me wish he’d keep talking so I could identify it.
Mr. Haddon gestured to me. “Niall, this is Saige. She’s a new student. Would you mind showing her where she should sit for the assembly?”
I silently groaned. I didn’t need this random guy showing me to a seat like an unwilling usher. Why couldn't he just point me in the right direction?
“Sure.” Niall turned and walked down the stairs toward the stage.
I tossed a glance at Mr. Haddon before hurrying down after him. He stopped only a quarter of the way down and pointed to the mostly empty row. “Fourth years sit here.”
Was it an English accent? Irish, maybe?
He arched a dark brow, and I realized I’d been staring at him. “Thanks.” I smiled and walked along the folded chairs. I stopped a few spots away from the next student, a lanky boy with blond hair that stuck up in every direction and sat.
When I glanced back, Niall was gone. It stung that he didn’t bother saying bye, but I guess that wasn’t his responsibility. He fulfilled his duty and took off.
The room filled up, once again reminding me of my new girl status. I hated sitting here alone in a room full of people with no one to talk to. My fingers drifted to my hair, separating three sections and braiding while I looked around. Students claimed the seats around me one by one, but left either side of me empty as if they didn’t want to get too close.
I guess it didn’t matter if the students here were supernaturals or not. High school rules were universal. Avoid the unknown. Stick to your friends.
“Saige!” I turned at the sound of my voice and saw Hannah waving from the end of the row. “Is there room for me?”
The others around us watched me, and I took the opportunity to pretend like this was planned. “Yeah, I saved you a seat.”
She beamed and shuffled along toward me until she dropped next to me. “I didn’t see you this morning. Or last night. Things okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. I crashed early and didn’t wake up until it was time for me to take my assessment.”
“Oh, right. How did that go? Do you have your schedule?”
“Yeah.” I handed her the printout, and she looked it over.
“You have two affinities?” Her voice carried, and several heads turned toward us. I ducked a bit, but that didn’t help.
“Yeah, Earth and Water.”
Her eyes brightened. “That’s so cool! You know that’s super rare right?”
“That’s what Mrs. Hedgings said.”
“Everyone’s going to want to be your friend once people hear about that.”
I huffed a laugh. “I doubt that.”
She stared me down. “No, really. It’s all about power and strength here. You’re an anomaly as it is, but add this news in and you’re going to be known by everyone within days.”
That was an unsettling idea.
“We have history, science, and literature together, so at least we’ll see each other every day. Remember me when you’re popular, okay?”
I ignored that comment. “That will make studying together easy.”
She nodded and pulled out her phone. “I found a few more people to join our group. I think we should have all our bases covered.”
“Really? Thanks.” Hopefully, with their help and Mrs. Hedgings, I wouldn’t fail my courses.
She grinned and sat back in her chair as the lights dimmed and a spotlight appeared on the stage. A single podium stood in the center, and Headmaster Goldstein walked out from behind the curtains.
A few people clapped, but no one around me. Was he not well-liked? He didn’t really give off caring or friendly vibes.
“Good morning, students. Welcome back to a new term. The faculty and I are confident this will be another excellent year.” He paused, probably for applause. None came, so he continued. “We have a few announcements that are included in this year’s rulebook, but I wanted to cover it here to make sure you clearly understand. The barn and attached fields are only open to vampires, and students currently take agricultural classes. Anyone caught in or around that area will face detention, at minimum.”
I leaned over. “An actual barn?”
“They breed all sorts of animals. Pigs, cows, chickens, llamas.”
That only confused me more. Why would vampires be in charge of farm animals?
“Additionally, as a reminder, be respectful to the brownies. One report of harassment, and you will be suspended. Multiple infractions will result in expulsion,” the headmaster said in a stern tone.
“Brownies?” I asked. He couldn’t mean the baked good.
She covered a small laugh. “I keep forgetting how much you don’t know. Think of them like house-elves.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Like Dobby?”
“Yeah, but they’re not as cute as him. They are over housekeeping. We rarely see them since they clean the dorms while we’re in class and the classrooms while we’re sleeping. Some people aren’t very nice to them. They think brownies are beneath us.”
I frowned. That was horrible. “My aunt told me there were only three types of supernaturals.”
She rocked her head back and forth. “That’s sort of true, but sort of not. Witches, vampires, and shifters are the only . . . human species. But there are brownies, trolls, daemons, and demons.”
She whispered the last word, and a shiver ran through me. “Demons?”
“Yeah, but the school grounds are protected. Don’t worry about them.”
“Shh!” A girl turned and glared from the row in front of us.
Hannah rolled her eyes. “I'll explain more later.”
Her revelation overwhelmed me, so I was fine with silence. Headmaster Goldstein dragged on about other reminders, but I ignored him. My brain was too full of information I didn’t understand, so I let my eyes roam over the students. I glanced over my shoulder and froze.
The guy, Niall, was staring at me so intensely I couldn’t help but shrink in on myself.
I faced forward, but the back of my neck burned with the persistent feeling of being watched. What was his problem?
Chapter 11
The headmaster instructed us to head to our fourth-period classes, then dismissed us. Hannah stuck with me as we merged into the crowd leaving and headed down the path toward the literature and language building. Students spread out, walking on the grass and crossing to the other paths, but we stayed right in the center of the bricks.
“Today is basically just information about the class and what we’ll be doing this term. After we’re done, I’ll take you over to the library so you can get all the textbooks you’ll need. Tomorrow, bring a backpack or bag and notebooks.”
“Thanks.” I moved out of someone’s way as Hannah waved to someone else. She said I was going to be claimed by the popular kids, but it seemed like she was one of them. We didn’t make it three steps before someone called her name or waved.
Someone bumped into me as they hurried past, and she called out to them. “Watch it, Theo!”
The guy stopped mid-step and spun around. He grinned back at us, revealing two perfect dimples on his smooth, tan skin. He looked to be of Asian descent, with shiny black hair in a tousled style achieved by either running his hands through it to keep it out of his face or by using a ton of product and a blow dryer. There was no way of knowing without asking, but he was beautiful. Handsome. Stunning. “Oh, hi there, Hannah.”
She stood her ground with her hands on her hips. “You need to apologize to my friend. You can’t just
bulldoze into everyone smaller than you.”
That would include pretty much everyone. He was at least six-four with wide, muscular shoulders and biceps that strained the confines of his white T-shirt.
His attention turned to me, and his grin widened. I swear my knees shook as he stepped closer. I fought to keep my eyes on his and sweep them down to admire his bulky form. I was a sucker for athletes, and he was clearly built like one.
“Sorry, gorgeous. I should have been paying more attention. I have no idea how I could have missed you.” His deep voice sent a shiver down my spine. I was melting. And there were witnesses.
“Oh, stop flirting. She’s my friend, so she’s off-limits to you.”
He turned to glare at Hannah at the same moment I did. Off-limits? No thank you!
She returned his look with a scathing one of her own, and he finally sighed and stepped back. “Fine, but can I at least get your name?”
“I’m Saige.” I high-fived myself mentally for keeping my voice steady.
He took my hand and placed a quick kiss on my knuckles. I swear I felt a zap of electricity and snapped my hand back.
His eyes flashed. “Sorry, did I offend you?”
I shook my head, not sure what just happened. Had he not felt that?
“Just go. You’re being weird.” Hannah waved him off, and he shot us both a wide smile, making those damn dimples appear again before turning around and jogging off.
“Sorry, Theo’s nice and all, but he’s also a player. I don’t want him thinking he can use his tricks on you.”
“Tricks?” I watched him disappear into the crowd, already missing the sight of him.
“He’s fully aware of how good looking he is and uses that to his advantage. Plus, his other abilities.”
“Like what?”
She pursed her lips. “I’ll tell you later.”
Her eyes drifted around the crowed path. She didn’t want to tell me out in the open?
“Okay. Thanks for watching out for me.”
We got to the Lit building without running into anyone else she knew or getting tripped by racing shifters which was a relief. She led us up the main staircase to the second level and down the hall to our classroom. It was nice having someone with a clue of where we were going to lead me along. Most of the desks were open, and she headed down the center aisle toward the back but stopped a few rows from the end and sat before patting the one next to her.
