Auroras Academy

Chapter 8

My eyelids are heavy with sleep deprivation as I make my way to the cafeteria. Yesterday feels like a hazy dream that I know is all too real. Even worse the after effects were leaking into today.

As I stumbled into the cafeteria the breakfast rush was already going in full force. Groups turned and whispered as I walked by, some blatantly stared. I was too tired to care. It didn’t matter anyways, the second I could, I was leaving this school.

The end of the food line stretched around the outer walls of the cafeteria, stopping near the first table. I joined the end of it and a moment later Lauren was by my side, nudging me as I dozed off.

“Hey, why didn’t you tell me?” Lauren whispered, anger seeping through her hushed words. There was no point in her being quiet. I swear the entire school leaned in closer to hear my reply.

“What? That my Aunt accidentally signed me up to a school full of supernaturals? Or that I have a glamor that if removed too quickly I could explode?” I snap sarcastically, rubbing my eyes. Lauren's thin eyebrows shoot up, as she crosses her arms like an angry mother.

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” She grumbles, clearly not appreciating my tone. Today her hair was in loose spirals down her back, still wet from a shower this morning. I shoot her a glare, if only I had a bed to wake up on. After Clarke dropped me off at the Freshman dorms I had the pleasure of meeting my roommate; Kaiya. A.K.A. s*x demon from hell!

The second I opened my dorm door I was flashed with two naked torsos going at it on, what I hope, was her bed. Thankfully, their lower halves were covered by a sheet but I quickly slammed the door shut, my eyes forever scared. What I just saw felt illegal on so many levels! Could boys even be in this part of the dorm?

A few moments later the door cracked open and I expected the lover to be kicked out, instead Kaiya stood half naked flinging a pillow and a blanket out into the hall, scowling. They thump on the floor next to my feet.

“Don’t interrupt me again.” She hissed, slamming the door shut, the lock clicking into place. I couldn’t believe it. The hallway's hard floor was my bed last night. Though, I tried to look at the positive; with a horrible roommate it made one more reason for me to leave.

Either way I shouldn’t take it out on Lauren. It wasn’t her fault she was born Aurorian. I’m sure if she had the chance she’d love to be normal. She is just more adjusted than I am to not being normal. Everything at this school felt like it was going to kill me. And her easy laugh and confidence that everything was perfectly alright wasn’t helping.

“Sorry, I didn’t sleep well last night.” I grab a muffin, my stomach grumbles. I didn’t have a chance to eat last night either, probably not aiding to my mood.

“I can imagine.” Lauren agrees. Along with the hallway and everything that happened yesterday it was impossible to sleep. I was jumping at every sound I heard and my dreams were filled with teeth sinking into my neck. She stacks her plate full of eggs and bacon next to me, taking the entire bottle of hot sauce with her.

“So ah… what are you?” The question seemed like a reasonable given the circumstances but it still somehow felt… offensive? A light heat filled my cheeks. Thankfully, Lauren didn’t play by the regular social norms.

“I’m a Werewolf. But not some weak sauce Werewolf like Clarke. I’m a Lycan; faster, stronger, and smarter in every way.” Her pride beaming through as she smirked.

I chuckle, it was hard to imagine her turning into some large wolf let alone whatever a Lycan is. As I approached the lunch ladies their green tone was hard to miss today. I glance down at my watch. Was it really taking the glamor off? Even worse, what if I didn’t want it to?

“Excited for your first CTE class?” Eloise asked as I sat my tray down next to Lauren’s at the table. My face scrunched up confused, as Lauren’s foot swung out into Eloise’s shin. She squeaked stiffening, as Elliot let out a snarl. She quickly mumbled, “Oh- Ah, never mind.”.

“CTE class? Like woodworking and welding?” I turn to Lauren, lifting an eyebrow.

“It’s not a big deal.” Lauren waved a dismissive hand. Then she tensed, grabbing my arm and pulling me close so I just heard her voice. “But under no circumstance get near Flint. Kay?” She went back to eating as I nodded.

It was totally a big deal! I’m offended that Lauren didn’t warn me beforehand. I stood awestruck in the center of the colosseum like gym, rows of seats surrounded us, funneling into a ring that stood in the middle. Two guys were at the center of it all where they were trying to kill each other. I gasp as a man with long dark hair flashes out claws, slashing at his opponent's chest. The other easily parries, his strong athletic form dodging out of the way. My breath catches as the second opponent narrowly dodges an outstretched claw, inches from his face.

There were no holding back punches. No, safety gear. And no, tapping out.

The first opponent grows restless and with a loud snarl he flings his arms out, coarse hair shooting up them. He leaps wildly at the second opponent, who stumbles and freezes. At the last moment he rolls to the side swiftly knocking the first opponent out with a chop to the neck.

I blink astonished. I barely saw what happened and there was no way the second guy could have moved that fast. Of course there is nothing natural about Aurorians. Hands clap together and a tall man whose presence felt like it sucked the air from the colosseum walks out onto the ring. Each arm muscle ripples, disappearing under a short sleeve black shirt, as he reaches down to help the winner up, pulling him to his feet.

“See everyone!” The man yells out catching our attention. “How Tyran drew his opponent in by faking a mistake after wearing him out? That’s how you trick a rampaging Aurorian. Very good.” The intimidating man grins, patting Tyran on the back.

“Who’s next?” He begins but he checks his watch and sighs, “that’s all we have time for today.” The class grumbles packing up their books and bags. He glances up at the incoming students and my heart thumps, dropping to my stomach. Flint. The one person Lauren told me to stay away from in CTE classes. His hatred towards humans is well known according to Lauren. And apparently he basically runs the CTE courses even though he’s a third year.

Yesterday, I barely saw him across the cafeteria but now I could see a clear view of his face. His sharp jawline was clean shaven matching his military buzz. Each angle on his face was sharp with strict precision. And his eyes…

Like red embers.