Chapter 11
1824 Words
“How do you talk to the huntress?” I trail after Ariah inside the hallway. She’s showing me around, getting me acquainted with everyone. People in general are friendly, but no one misses a chance to ask about my mark.
As she opens her mouth to answer, a tall, bald man appears beside us, clearing his throat. “Miss Woods.”
Ariah lets out a depleted sigh. “Mr. Len, what can we help you with?”
In response to Ariah’s question, Mr. Len hands me a timetable. I frown down at it. “This has to be a mistake. It says my first lesson with Mrs. Humphrey is at midnight?”
Mr. Len huffs, drawling, “You can’t expect to tap into the spiritual realm during broad daylight, can you?”
Apparently, it’s not doable during the day—something to do with the alignment of the stars and the moon and whatnot. The tedious tone of the teacher has me zoning out during his explanation. When he stops talking, I take that as my cue to respond. “Right. Thank you.”
He offers a curt nod, spinning around and stalking away. His shoes make an obnoxious squeaking sound with each step, and I find myself clenching my teeth.
“So, that’s Lenny. He teaches Herbology,” Ariah smirks. “If you want to die a slow, monotonous death—have classes with him.”
I’ve barely had a few seconds of conversation with him, and I’ve already managed to shut him out. “He seems… pleasant.”
Ariah nudges me with her elbow, giggling. “Understatement.”
A group of girls passes by, staring at me. I meet their gaze, hoping they’ll look away, but they don’t. Left with no other option, I turn my back on them and focus on Ariah instead. Hopefully, by next week, people will have gotten used to me and forgotten I exist.
“Anyway, before Lenny interrupted,” Ariah sighs, rolling her eyes. “To answer your question. You tap into the spiritual realm. It’s quite a process, so I can’t explain it to you. Most likely you’ll learn how to in separate lessons, since we already covered it at the beginning of the year. That’s how they do it with the new pups, and it’s usually with Mrs. Humphrey.”
“I see,” I cringe, having no idea how I’m supposed to make it work. From what I’ve seen, my schedule is going to be packed, and that’s without extra lessons.
“This is the girls’ common room.” Ariah pushes open two large oak doors engraved with scarlet roses. “It’s a great spot if you want to hang out, read, do homework, or whatever. If you need silence, it’s not the best place because there’s always someone trying to talk to you.”
“Noted.” I scan the spacious room. It’s a warm, inviting haven, brimming with cozy charm and feminine touches. The walls are painted in a blush pink, adorned with floral patterns and framed artwork of enchanting landscapes and illustrations. Sunlight streams through tall, arched windows draped with sheer, pastel curtains, matching the scatter pillows stacked on the plush-looking sofas.
In the center of the room is a circular, whitewashed wooden table, surrounded by dainty chairs. The table is currently set with a vase of fresh roses and a fair selection of delightful treats, from macarons to chocolate-dipped strawberries. It’s perfect for hanging out with your friends or group study sessions.
Ariah turns to face me, walking backward. “I recommend our room or the library if you need silence.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Though, looking at the treats and the set-up, I can’t imagine skipping this space for our bedroom. Which too, I have to admit, is pretty neat. Minus the fact that someone died there. I shiver at the thought, rubbing my arms.
“Anyway, if you need a snack, the kitchen is open twenty-four seven. Unfortunately, they don’t offer anything sweet past nine in the evening. Only fruit. So, if you tend to snack on candy, soda, or anything like that late at night, you’ll need to stock up in advance when we’re allowed to go into town.”
I peer at the table of macarons and chocolate-dipped strawberries. “Then what is this?”
“Oh. Or you can help yourself to those throughout the day too, but I personally avoid this area.”
“Why?” I admire the room.
“Uh, I just don’t get along with a select few girls.”
I can’t imagine anyone not getting along with Ariah. I don’t push the subject, though, feeling it’s not my place to wander in. “Is there some place we can work part-time while staying here?”
“Yeah. The library is looking for someone, and a few teachers need assistants. I think the office—”
“Let me guess, the poor new girl can’t afford to buy a candy bar?” There’s an outburst of laughter. I turn to find a petite girl standing there, arms crossed, her long hair framing her face like an ashy river. She can be pretty if her face wasn’t all scrunched up in a sour look.
“This is the main reason I avoid this room,” Ariah whispers so only I can hear, her expression darkening. She then squares her shoulders, speaking louder. “Oh, and let me introduce you to the wicked witch of the school. She thinks her butt is made of gold, suffers from a serious daddy complex, and is more plastic than skin.”
“Watch your mouth, Winter, or you’ll lose it.”
“This is Valerie Stone.” Ariah glares at the girl in front of us. “Let me guess, you ran out of victims to t*****e and now you’re looking for fresh meat?”
“You are not what I expected.” Valerie’s ice-blue eyes narrow as she looks me up and down. “You’re not pretty.” It sounds more like she is trying to convince herself than to insult me.
“One way to deal with a threat,” Ariah laughs, leaning toward me. “This is what she says to anyone who beats her in the looks department.”
Valerie turns her attention to Ariah. “Are you still blabbering?”
“Yeah, do you mind?” Ariah speaks through clenched teeth. “I’m showing my new friend around. Your big forehead is in the way.”
“Do you realize who you’re talking to?” Valerie’s eyes turn to slits. She pushes her hair back over her shoulder. “I can ruin you.”
Unfazed, Ariah rolls her eyes. “Because you think you’re the future luna? Oh, please. Accept the fact that you’re nothing but a peasant like the rest of us.”
Valerie plants her hands on her hips, giving Ariah a scathing once-over. “Not for long. Soon, you’ll be whimpering at my feet.”
“Elijah’s way too good for you. It’s a matter of time before he ditches your skinny butt.”
Valerie coughs a laugh. “Wow, jealousy bites, doesn’t it, Winter? He’s mine. Get over it.”
My brows shoot up. “I don’t think she ever mentioned that she’s into him.”
Valerie immediately moves into a defensive stance. “No, but it’s obvious, isn’t it? She wants what she can’t have.”
I peer at Ariah with a concerned look. “Is she… okay?”
Ariah looks like she’s fighting a smirk. “Not even close. She’ll do anything for attention, even if it means fighting.”
“Uh, hello? I’m right here,” Valerie interjects. “And I’m not looking for a fight. I’m stating facts.”
“Facts no one is interested in hearing oozing from your greasy pout. Now, excuse us.” Ariah tugs me by the hand, but Valerie grabs hold of the other, her nails digging into my skin.
I flinch, ripping my hand from her grip. “What the hell is your problem?”
“You are.” Her lips purse. “I want to make it abundantly clear that I’m watching you. Closely.”
“Oookay?” I frown. “Are you going to elaborate on why?”
She tilts her head to the side, smiling sweetly. “I know you were hanging out with Elijah early this morning. I can smell you on him.”
I sputter a laugh. “Okay, you’re nuts.”
“Told you,” Ariah sings.
“Oh yeah?” Valerie’s lips draw tight, pinning Ariah with a scowl. “Go sniff him, why don’t you? She’s been all over him.”
“Probably because he’s the one who recruited me and brought me back?” I suggest. “It’s part of his role as a guardian, isn’t it?”
“Of course I know that,” Valerie snips. “But he never smells like any other girl.”
“Oh jeez.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I ran in front of a truck, and he tried to stop me. That’s why he smells like me. I have no interest in getting all up close and personal with your boyfriend. So, you can back off with your insecure girlfriend complex.”
I have no idea why I even bother explaining the situation to her. Maybe part of me feels sorry for Elijah, having to deal with someone like her.
“What makes you so special?” she eyes the mark on my neck.
“If you ever find out, I’d like to know too.”
“You’re telling me the huntress didn’t reach out to you or anything?” Valerie sputters a false laugh. “I don’t believe you for one second.” She shoves a finger into my chest. “Just let me make myself clear. Don’t think that because you have the mark of importance it gives you the right to take over and do what you want. Don’t get the impression that it’s going to buy you into places. It won’t. Thirdly, stay the hell away from my boyfriend. Do you understand?”
Valerie flips her hair over her shoulder, smiling smugly. “And remember, I’m the queen around here. Don’t test me. Now, be a good little mutt and make yourself invisible.”
I c**k an eyebrow, watching her sashay from the room.
“If you haven’t noticed, she’s got a few screws loose,” Ariah finally speaks. “That, and she’s clinging to the luna position for dear life.”
“Right,” I breathe. “I can tell she’s unhinged.”
“Totally. And the worst part is she’s not even into Elijah.” Ariah turns to me. “But whatever, come on. I have a few more places to show you.”
- Writer
