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Shrugging, I took another bite of my sandwich. My appetite was still fickle. The unknown such a stressor on my system. All around me clatter and laughter sounded, the dining hall a lively and happy place. The scents of cooking were a comfort that meant I usually felt calm and happy here. Nothing worked on my nerves now, though.

“I think I’m going to check it out now,” I announced, rising from the table. I’d only managed to eat half of my sandwich, but it would have to do. If things went well tonight, I could eat my own weight in those delicious butter buns tomorrow at breakfast.

“Good luck!” Myve beamed, pecking a quick kiss on my cheek. “And remember, no matter what happens, you have us all here tomorrow at breakfast.” I loved my sister, and it was at times like these where I truly appreciated her sensing my feelings. She’d always been the empathic one, more so than others I knew. It was a comfort I didn’t know I’d needed until she’d spoken. No matter what happened, I still had my family around me.

I gave them all a nod. “Enjoy your night together.” Then I turned around and let my light guide me out of the dining room and up the stairs.

One hallway led to the next and I passed couple after couple, all giggling with happiness as they were shown to their shared rooms. Why their happiness only seemed to dampen mine, was a question I’d like the answer to. I guessed it was mostly about the fact that I wished I’d had more time at the academy with my mate. The others had lots of fun with their mates, going on dates and spending quality time together. I had two trips to the hot spring with my mate that I could activate whenever I wanted. I just couldn’t do it unmated.

The light came to a stop in front of a door that looked exactly like all the others. Like my former room. However, this was anything but my old room. It wouldn’t have my old roommate in it, a bat shifter that tended to sleep hanging from the chandelier. I was going to miss Dren, but his bat would soon be sleeping with Trish, his fated mate.

Letting out a deep breath, I eased the door open, holding my breath until I was firmly inside the room. There was only one bed, a huge one. Myve had been right that we would share. And then by the end of said bed, two trunks stood side by side. All my mate’s things were in one of those trunks… It was surreal to think about, even more so that he would be sleeping next to me tonight.

The door closed behind me, locking me inside the room I now shared with my fated mate. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. There was no lingering scent of him, no sign at all that he’d already been in here. I was the first of us. The only true proof that he did exist, was the trunk I couldn’t open. My own held the same possessions as I’d had in my old room.

It felt wrong to pick a side of the bed, but my trunk was on the right side, so it made sense to claim that as mine. I sat down, feeling so out of place it was ridiculous. How should I sit? He could walk in at any moment and I had to look my best. Did I even have a favored side to my profile? I really wished I’d looked more intently in the mirror. I had to see myself now, so I hurried into our bathroom, eyes wide as I took in just how huge it was. Before, we’d had to share bathrooms with the others. I’d weirdly thought it would be a small room with just a toilet and bath. The room had a huge tub, big enough for both of us, a thought that made me grin. The toilet was hidden behind a partial wall and we had two sinks and lots of plants. I had no idea how The Magic did all of this, but it was incredible.

My gaze slid to the mirrors above the sinks. My appearance was so different now with my hair cut short, but my eyes were the same. It wasn’t as though there was anything I could do to fix myself further, and I didn’t want my mate to see me portrayed as something I wasn’t.

I returned to the bed, resting against the headboard and waited.

Chapter Three

The sound of the door closing had me startling awake. The room was dark and even as I blinked rapidly, it remained that way. Not daring to take my eyes away from the door, I held my gaze firmly in place, but as the room got clearer, I found it empty. Where had my mate gone? Had he walked in here and saw me sleeping, then bolted out of here? It had to be late, the moonlight shining through our stained-glass window my only indication of time.

I sat up and walked closer to the bathroom, listening for any sounds, but there was none.

Bewildered, I returned to the empty bed. “I guess I’ll be sleeping alone tonight,” I sighed to myself. As I lay there, I swore I could smell the hint of sweet apple.

“Spill!” Myve declared, her eyes were wild and her smile a tad manic as she sat down in front of me, a steaming cup of tea between her clasped hands.

I sighed, already knowing what was coming this morning. My other family members all looked my way, eager to hear how I’d met my mate.

“He never showed up,” I said, slumping in my seat.

Myve frowned. “But he needs to? There’s still rules about being out after dark.”

“Well, the door did open, but he was nowhere to be found.”

“What about this morning?” Jamie cut in, not even bothering to hide he was listening in. I knew they all were.

“When I woke up, he’d already left. I even checked under the bed.”

Nym slid a plate of butter buns my way, smiling as my gaze found his. “He’s likely sleeping somewhere in the room, but in his shifted form. We don’t know why he’s hiding away from you, but please don’t blame yourself for it. He might have his reasons.”

“But what can I do?” I asked, my tone pleading. I was done caring how whiny I sounded. I wanted my mate dammit!

“Talk to him,” Casey suggested.

“But how? He’s hiding, remember?”

Casey rolled his eyes. “He’s in the room, so talk! Tell him about yourself, let him get to know you.”

“That’s actually a good idea,” Jamie said.

“Well thank you,” Casey beamed at his ex-boyfriend, now best friend.

Clearing my throat, I got all their attention back on me. “So, I just talk?”