“Yes, I know I look too young for retirement.” Vel gestured elegantly to the room. “This level of the house belongs to Squad One. Congratulations, darlings. You are one of the elite ten forthe year. You are the class that broke the record for entrance exams, hence my nickname for you, little legends. Well done.”
Her words hit differently, and it made my chest tighten a little. I’d worked so fucking hard for this opportunity, and it washere.
I had a chance to prove myself as Rune and not as my parents’ daughter.
“If you haven’t already, I’ll make introductions.” She motioned to each of us, not pausing for us to tell her we knew each other already. “Rune Bloodwyne. Dimitri Nocturnus. Koa Ashbourne. Slater Havoc. Zuko Vyre. Eleanor Fawnmere. Aura Whimzle. Raze Mournfall. Lorian Stonepaw. Hawk Moonfang.” Vel sighed dreamily. “What an adorable class this year.”
Most of us rolled our eyes, but a few smiled at her.
“Now, it’s time to chat about rules,” she said sweetly. “I know, I know,boring. But veryimportant. One: no first years leave campus without direct authorization. No sneaking, no teleporting of any kind. I mean it. It’s part of immersing you in the academy and away from outside influence. Two: respect the common space. No fighting among yourselves in the house. No pranks. Youhaveto live together. You are a squad. Figure your shit out. Three: the curfew is nine PM. Not a suggestion. Though, you will probably spend most of your time in this house for year one, so I doubt that will be a problem. Four: you will report to the infirmary in Apex Nexus if you are injured, sick, cursed, or anything along those lines. Hiding any pain from staff or classmates is considered betrayal.” Her smile sharpened. “And if you break any of the rules, I’ll know.”
Zuko leaned in until his lips brushed my ear. “There was nothing about not indulging in each other on that list.”
I hummed in agreement.
Vel’s eyes sparkled as if she’d heard us, but she didn’t comment on our conversation. “Well,” she said, smoothing herblouse, “I’ll let you little legends get settled. Other floors await my instruction. Try not to kill each other. Or fall in love. Unless it’sfun.”
She swept out, hips swaying as she left.
“I don’t know how to feel about her,” Raze muttered, his eyes narrowed at the door she’d just left out of.
I happened to agree with him.
“Vel’s always like that, but she’s harmless. I’m going to check out my room!” Aura exclaimed, turning and bouncing over to the door with her name over it. She hurried faster past Dimitri, almost like she was afraid of him, but that didn’t make any sense.
“I don’t care, but falling in love issoon the table,” Slater told me. “Don’t listen to her.”
“We can make itfun,” Zuko murmured his agreement. “Don’t you think?”
I bit down on my lip. “Idolike fun.”
Zuko and Slater chuckled, and it sent warmth down to the base of my spine.
“I’m curious to see what our rooms look like.” I turned toward the door with my name above it, letting a steady breath out.
“We shouldalldo that,” Koa said loudly, leading Slater and Zuko toward their doors.
He was taking Tibby’s role for him seriously.
The door shimmered as it recognized my pin. It unlocked with a soft click and eased open.
Inside, the room was small but cozy. A twin bed with white sheets and a white throw was to the right side. A desk with built-in shelving on the left with a reading lamp on top of it. There was also a wardrobe tucked against the far wall.
“This place is better than any musical bunk I’ve ever seen,” Dimitri muttered from his perch against his doorframe.
“Musical bunk?” I questioned, but Dimitri didn’t reply.
I wasn’t sure why I thought he’d talk to me anyway.
Holding back a sigh, I stalked into my room and tossed my bag onto the bed with a satisfying thump. The mattress immediately creaked in protest. I didn’t bother unpacking yet. I had bigger priorities to attend to. I dug through the side pouch until my fingers closed around a small velvet pouch. Inside, nestled around tiny dried blossoms and curled leaves, was my savior: a tea sachet filled with some of my favorite poisonous herbs. I also grabbed my favorite mug: a big dark green mug that turned neon when it held poison. It never got old watching the enchantment change color.
I padded into the shared kitchen while everyone got settled in their rooms. I was pleased to find a kettle already on a heat rune on the counter next to the heating crystals. Setting my mug down, I let out a quiet sigh.
Around me, the house was lively with everyone exploring our floor.
Putting water into the kettle, I placed it back onto the rune and waited for the inevitable whistle. Once it pierced the air, I poured the boiling water into my mug. Steam rose and curled around my face. The tea sachet bloomed in the cup as I put it in, poisonous herbs unfurling like petals of a deadly flower.
How beautiful.
