“Your private quarters are at the top,” Will said, heading for the stairs on the right. “The common levels are shared with Scorpio students, though there aren’t many this term—just ten. They’re good people.”
Ten. Back at Dominion, each designation had dozens. In a way, this might actually be better. Less pressure, less social climbing. Unless it was worse in such close quarters, with their own batch of powerful families vying for a spot at the top.
I followed him up the winding staircase, passing several landings with doors leading to additional rooms or hallways. As we climbed, the staircase narrowed until we reached a small landing with a single door.
“This is you,” Will said, setting down my bags and stepping aside.
The room—or rather,rooms—were stunning. A large circular space formed the main living area, with windows on all sidesoffering breathtaking views of the misty forest. A four-poster bed stood against one wall, draped in deep blue hangings. A desk, wardrobe, and sitting area completed the furnishings. Two additional doors led off to what I assumed were a bathroom and another room with a small kitchenette.
I whistled low. “It’s not what I expected at all, andthat’sa good thing.”
Will grinned. “Imperium takes care of its own.”
I set Noodle’s case on the floor and opened it fully. He slithered out immediately, tongue flicking as he explored his new surroundings.
‘Warm,’he approved, moving toward the fireplace.‘Better than the last.’
“Noodle likes it warm. Does it get drafty all the way up here? I know the tower is ancient and it’s always rainy here…”
“The heating system runs through the stones,” Will explained, watching Noodle with fascination. “The tower stays warm year-round, so your familiar should be completely comfortable. There’s a hearth over there as well.” He pointed to the far wall in the sitting room.
Will set my bags near the wardrobe and backed toward the door. “I should let you get settled. Dinner is at seven in the Great Hall, but remember to see Professor Winters before that. Her office is in the Administration Wing—I can show you the way if you’d like.”
“That would be nice, thank you, Will.”
“I’ll come by at six-thirty, then?” He grinned as I nodded. “It really is amazing to meet you, Jupiter Black. ArealOphis.” He shook his head in wonder. “If you don’t mind me asking... What’s it like when you use your powers?”
I considered the question. No one had ever asked me that before; they’d always cared more about what I could do than how it felt.
I held up my hand, letting a small swirl of silver light dance across my palm. “It feels like touching something ancient and alive. It’s scary, and thrilling, but mostly fun too.”
Will’s eyes went wide, reflecting the starlight. “Incredible,” he breathed out excitedly. “Thank you for sharing that. I can’t wait to watch you in combat. You’re going to kick ass, as the Americans say.”
After he left, I sank onto the bed, suddenly exhausted. Noodle slithered up beside me, his cool scales soft against my hand.
‘You like?’
“I’m not sure yet. I think we could be comfortable here as long as everything goes exactly right for the next three years.”
Yeah, not fucking likely with my glorious track record.
‘The boy asks many questions.’
I smiled. “He does. But he’s kind.”
‘Kindness can be deceptive.’
“I know.” I stroked his head gently. “Believe me, I know. But I’ve got you to protect me, right?”
‘I shall vanquish all enemies…’
I must have drifted off,because the next thing I knew, my phone was buzzing insistently beside me. The room had darkened as the sun began its descent, casting shadows across the unfamiliar floor. For a moment, I forgot where I was, my hand instinctively reaching across the bed for someone who wasn’t there.
I blinked sleep from my eyes and grabbed my phone, seeing Tye and Lydia’s faces lighting up my screen for a video call.
“There she is!” Tye’s familiar grin filled half the screen, Lydia squeezing in beside him. “The London lady herself.”
“Hey,” I said, my voice still rough with sleep. “Sorry, I dozed off.”
