“Early bird,” Chef asked.
“More like an early grouch. Last day of training. After tomorrow, I’m going to sleep for an entire week.”
He chuckled, and I dished up my normal oats with blueberries.
I ate fast and drank my glass of orange juice. Afterward, I took the long walk to the Parthenon dome, hoping that my food would digest faster. When I got to the dome, Micha was still not there, so I warmed up. I need all the time for today’s lesson.
Micha spoke about the Rubicon’s weak points today and I paid attention. He had more than just his tendrils. There was a spot on his stomach too, which she’d show me tonight inside the simulator. Something told me that there was no time for a party.
We trained a bit, and then she walked with me back to the academy.
“Remember, Elena. Underneath that big lump of muscle and scales is only a boy.”
I nodded and went to my room and took a shower to get the sweat off me. I never had so many showers in my entire life.
Micha’s word about only a boy replayed in my head. He was just a kid. I knew it. Then how could he break Lucian and Arianna? That made little sense.
At ten, my name got called over the system and I left.
My outfit for the claiming waited with Micha, and she came with me to my room to fit it.
The leather pants hugged my body, and the boots came up to my calves. I had a mean vest. It was rock solid and from the newest range. It was so light. The black long sleeve shirt underneath kept my body cool.
One more day, then I would be sixteen and could claim the insecure little boy behind that lump of a beast.
After lunch, I went to my room to pack. Everyone who shared the room with me had suitcases in front of their beds. But none of them were here. Many voices rang out in the corridor. They were telling each other goodbye. They formed a lot of friendships during the week. I only know Sammy, Blake, and Lucian.
Master Longwei’s voice blared from the system, calling all the first years to the orientation. I grabbed my bag as footsteps skidded in all directions. The three pushed through the door as I hauled the strap over my shoulder and out the room, wearing a pair of shorts and a summer top, with flip- flops. It was hot here.
I passed Blake’s dragon, and she laughed. She was perfect. She would probably kill me if she knew I was in his room. I kept my head down as I walked past them.
“You are Elena, right?” her voice came from behind me.
I stopped and looked at her. My stomach tied into knots and my heartbeat thumbed. “Yes.”
Her lips curved on the one side into a lopsided smile. “Good luck with tomorrow. You are going to need all the help with that dragon.”
“Thanks.”
“We can’t lose him, but piece of advice, be careful of the boy inside. He doesn’t always know what he wants or what is good for him.” It sounded like a warning.
She knew the Rubicon. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”
She smiled and walked on.
After orientation Master Longwei took me to his office, where Lucian waited. There was no sign of Blake.
I did not know what we were doing here.
“You ready?” Lucian asked as he gave his suitcases to Master Longwei and took mine from my shoulder, handing it to him, too.
“Ready for what?”
“The best rollercoaster ride of your life.”
“Oh crap!” I sighed.
Lucian and Master Longwei chuckled.
