The Hybrid Heiress and the Rise of Shadows

Chapter 5

Witches don’t usually get placed in Aegis,” Tatum remarks.

“Of course, I’ll be there to change that dear brother,” Caelina waves her hand with confidence.

I giggle as Tatum raises his eyebrows at her. “Good luck. It’s not easy.”

“None of the Paths are easy. The school itself is filled with the strongest,” Ziven reminds him.

Aside from me. I don’t belong there.

“So, are you guys going to do all your girly pampering after dinner?” Ziven asks.

“Yes, we are,” Grandma says. “Would you like to join?”

“No thank you, unless you are offering to give my head a massage?” Ziven asks her, rubbing his temples.

“Of course I will,” Grandma touches his cheek and smiles.

“Well, I’m going to hit the gym and then go out for a bit,” Tatum says, glancing at his phone.

We have a home gym, and the Pack gym isn’t too far either.

“Well, don’t be out too late. You're driving early.” Aunty Ri reminds him. He nods, and I observe him curiously.

I don’t think he has a girlfriend… Tatum’s pretty closed up about his love life.

“The food is delicious,” I compliment Grandma as we continue eating. I think I’ll enjoy today because tomorrow I’m going to be back at that dreaded place.

~~~

That night I barely slept. The same dream kept me awake and the dread of what today will bring. When morning arrives, just like my mood, the weather is also dreary.

I pull on black jeans and a grey hoodie, and after bidding everyone farewell, I bundle into Tatum’s car. I’m in the front, we have a family rule that the eldest gets the passenger seat, doesn’t matter who is in the car the eldest gets the front, no questions asked.

Caelina isn’t complaining, though. She’s on her phone, most likely on social media. Her extra luggage is piled next to her on the seats. I have an account, but I don’t really use it. I have a few pictures of sunsets and sunrises but that’s it.

“You’ll be put in a division this year, and as much as I’d have preferred it being mine, it won’t be,” Tatum says quietly, looking across at me.

Damn.

“How can you be sure? Didn’t one of your Aetheris graduate last year?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “We had someone join last term. They’ll be choosing a few division leaders this term too, so I don’t really know where you’ll be placed.” He clenches his jaw, and I know he’s annoyed, but since Uncle Leo took over, well, let’s just say rules weren’t bent for anyone. At Emberveil Academy we were meant to be equal but what annoys me is then why was I there? That was a rule bent.

I sigh, and Tatum pats my knee. “Don’t overstress it, just keep your head down and do your best. I can give you extra lessons if you need help with training.”

“I appreciate it but it’s not that,” I mumble, resting my head against the seat and stare out at the passing cars.

“It’s her powers and I’ll be there too, to help her.” Caelina chimes in.

“I know, but you and Alessandra won’t be in the same classes as her.”

“Where there’s a will, brother, there’s a way, so have a little confidence.”

“The rules are strict and there are several teachers who are witches, so don’t think they won’t realise if you break the rules, Goldilocks.”

“Don’t call me that!” Caelina huffs. She hates it, but he won’t stop, although at least he only says it when it’s just us guys.

A couple of hours later, the looming walls that surround the vast premises of Emberveil Academy come into view and with every passing second, my stomach knots a little more.

The weakest of them all…

I can sense the magic of the barriers, and feel my power threatening to rise to counter it. That chaos that I always get as my emotions rise is beginning to grow inside of me.

A place full of powerhouses.

We are stopped outside the gate and security checks the car before scanning our hands and eyes before we are allowed in.

“This suddenly feels like a prison,” Caelina says as she looks out of the window. “When they wanted our biometrics, I thought it was for a dinner pass or something.”

“It’s for that too and more,” Tatum replies as he drives past the trees and around the side to a vast car park.

There are lots of students all over, and I sink a little lower in my seat, a little unhappy whimper escaping my lips.

Tatum and Caelina both look at me.

“Really Serena?” Caelina giggles, “Come on, it’ll be different, alright?”

Will it though?

“Well, I’ll begin unloading the car, pep talk yourself Si, this is it.” Tatum gets out and I pull my hood over my head, sinking lower.

“Wow, I never knew you were part snake. Stop slithering down into the seat. Come on, stop being so gloomy and let's go.” Caelina tuts as she opens the door and gets out gracefully, tossing her blond hair over her shoulder and placing her handbag on her arm. I spot several people glancing towards her, and she smiles slightly, loving the attention.

I hate school.

I open the door, grumbling as I push it wide. It feels so tedious…

Maybe I’m a vampire, but I suddenly feel ill. I want to go home.

Keeping my head down, I shuffle over to Tatum and look up at him imploringly. “Si, I can’t do anything. Only Aunty Del has the power to get you out of here and she said no, remember?” he whispers, as he takes out Caelina’s never-ending set of matching sky-blue luggage.

“Watch those don’t get dirty,” Caelina says with a flick of her finger.

Tatum narrows his eyes at her. “Goddess, am I f****d if I’m going to be running errands.”

I smile slightly, but nothing is going to help me feel any better. “Come on, you have to wait in the hall until rooms are assigned,” I tell Caelina, about to grab one of her suitcase handles, but she whispers a spell allowing her suitcases to float around her, only drawing more attention to herself.

“See, Tatum? I don’t need your help. And yes, please Si, Ellie is already here. Grandad Cassian arrived early.”

I nod, grabbing my red pull along small suitcase and lead the way towards the entrance, hoping no one notices me as everyone we pass turns to look at Caelina. In her branded clothes, her perfect hair and her model-like strut, she’s clearly here to make a statement, and she’s already making one.

I wish there was such a thing as an invisibility cloak, like in Harry Potter! It would come in handy! I need one!

Yes, I know I’m sulking, but I hate this place. We’re almost through the car park when I spot a familiar bike.

Zane’s…

Once inside, it’s even more packed. Students are all over the place, talking, and shouting and one couple is even kissing. I walk down the large spacious entrance hall, glancing back to see if Caelina’s following when she enters. The hall visibly goes a little silent.

“Raihana De Luca’s daughter…”

“That’s the High Witch Seraphina’s daughter…”

“Caelina De Luca, some say she’s powerful already…”

“She’s strong. I can sense her aura!” A girl close to me whispers to her friend.

I smile proudly and nod in agreement. “She is,” I say to them.

They give me a strange look and one of them wrinkles her nose. “Weirdo,” she mutters before they both snicker and I remember where I am and what I’m thought of here.

I don’t say anything else as I wait to the side for Caelina. Her heels click against the stone floor as she smiles at me and walks over, stopping in front of the two girls. She gives them a haughty once over.

“Weirdos,” she rolls her eyes at the obviously appalled seniors, and I want to hide away,

“Come on Caelina, let’s go,” I say tugging her towards the hall. The sound of chatter is even louder and when we enter, it’s full of so many kids and luggage.

I scan the crowds, looking for Ellie, but can’t find her anywhere.

“Call her,” I say to Caelina since she’s holding her phone in her hand.

“She’s on the far side, lets-”

“If you’re not a first-year then out!” someone thunders and I wince, spotting Alpha Matherson. He’s one of our professors and I’m not about to disobey him. He’s at the entrance, pointing at a sign.

ONLY NEW ARRIVALS TO ENTER

Oops.

“I better go, I’ll see you guys later. Say hi to Ellie!” I whisper to Caelina.

“Miss De Luca! Out!” I flinch as I wave at Caelina and hurry towards the exit.

“Sorry Alpha Matherson,” I say as I step out into the hall.

I better head to my dorm, drop my bag off, find out who I’m rooming with, and then I can show the girls around.

I turn down the hall, gripping my carry-on by the handle as I hurry up the stairs. It’s quieter up here, the noise from below fading into a dull hum. When I reach the top, I put my suitcase down and wheel it along one of the long corridors.

I round a corner when I come face to face with none other than Zane Lupin, leaning against a wall, one foot propped against the wall behind him, arms crossed over his broad chest, standing too close to a pretty girl; a senior.

She’s laughing at something, her hand brushing his arm and he leans down as she says something quietly as she stares up at him with obvious lust that makes me feel sick.

My stomach twists, my throat tightens.

Why does it bother me?

Because he hates me but he’s ok with everyone else but me. He treats everyone else better.

Better than he’ll ever treat me.