“So more are being segregated now, not just the Dissidents. We have to let others know their rights. They can’t do this to us,” I say standing to my feet.
I begin to pace back and forth in front of my group.
“Dissidents have classes at night and fed the scraps leftover from all the other houses. They are treated worse than dogs and now they have cut off our access to the outside world. We have to do something, we can’t just sit here and take it,” I say, feeling my face getting hotter with every word.
Sam stands and walks over to me, takes me by the shoulder, and looks me directly in the eyes. “We will stand together and we will get through this,” he says, wrapping me in his arms.
The hollow begins to ripple, and I wake in my room.
Chapter 16
Things are getting worse than I imagined. I hop in the shower and try to wash away the pit that’s building in my stomach. Why are they slowly separating the houses and where will it end? Is it really going to accomplish anything? I thought they considered the other houses as equals.
When Alfred arrives with my breakfast, I decide to talk to him.
“Alfred, can I ask you something?” I ask.
“What can I help you with Miss Lawrence?” he eyes me suspiciously.
“Are we able to speak freely here?” I look around.
“It’s safe enough. What did you want to ask me about?” he asks.
“Why are they doing this? I can somewhat see their logic behind separating the Dissidents. They’ve always looked down on us, but why Caballine? Won’t their parents do something about it?” I question him.
“Have a seat,” he motions to the chair. “There are some Empyreans that have always thought they were better than everyone else, just because they could astral project. I believe that’s the root of all of this. Unless everyone unites under a common cause, I fear the future looks bleak.”
“Do you think we can change things?” I ask.
“We? Heavens no. You on the other hand… I believe you could do anything you put your mind to,” he winks at me before walking out of the room.
That was a strange conversation. What could I do? I’m just a student who barely knows anything. I eat my breakfast as I turn this question over, trying to find a reasonable answer.
When I finish eating, I head to Mrs. King’s class. As soon as I sit across from her, I decide to ask her more about the government.
“How could citizens make a change? Let’s say our fictional leader is a megalomaniac who is systematically denying the rights of their citizens. The rest of the government is allowing their power to go unchecked. How could we, as average citizens, change that?” I ask.
“That’s a very interesting question, Whisper,” she smiles. “First you would need to organize. Find a way to get everyone united under your cause but in a way that wouldn’t attract attention. Once you have built enough of a following, then you would want to try the legal route first. Petition the government. With enough signatures, they can’t ignore you, but if you are dealing with a megalomaniac they will.”
“So what happens next, if that fails?” I ask.
“Civil war? You would need to rebel, resist. Uprisings have happened all throughout human history because of this very reason. If there are more of you than them, then it can be done,” she smiles and passes me a note.
If you form an army, I will join.
My eyes open wide as I look at this teacher across from me.
“Now, let’s move on to the rest of our lesson,” she clears her throat.
When class is over, I head back to my room for lunch and find a large, black rectangular box sitting on my bed. There’s an envelope laying on top of it. I quickly open it, thinking Aunt Nellie must have sent me a present.
Whisper Lawrence,
Your presence has been formally requested for a dinner hosted by Alistar Coventry. Please wear the provided dress and a representative will collect you at five o’clock.
Sincerely,
The office of Praesidium Coventry
What the hell? I don’t want to attend a dinner with that crazy man. I don’t care what his position is. Alfred arrives with my lunch and informs me I’ve been dismissed from the rest of my classes for the day to prepare for my mandatory dinner.
I don’t want to go, and I can’t even call someone to complain about it. This isolation has gotten ridiculous. I eat my lunch then pout around my room, trying to find a way out of this dreaded event. I can’t come up with anything so I relent and begin to get ready.
Once my hair and makeup are done, I pull the dress from the box. It’s a beautiful eggplant purple, mermaid gown, but my skin crawls as I put it on. Just knowing who purchased this gown for me makes it feel dirty, like my skin is crawling with invisible bugs.
At ten minutes to five, a knock at the door makes my stomach sink. It’s time to head into the wolf den. I open the door to find, Alexis, Max, and Headmaster Kenworthy.
“Very good, you’re ready. We must not be late,” he says, glancing at his watch.
I step out of my room and close the door behind me. Kenworthy grabs my hand and Alexis’s then Max grabs my other and we teleport to the entry point. We step through and Kenworthy keeps a painfully tight grip on my hand. I wish he would let go. It’s sweaty and makes me want to yank it out of his grip.
We teleport to the entry point to Crowfall, step through, and immediately teleport to a giant, silver mansion on the outskirts of town.
“You can let go now,” Alexis snaps at the headmaster. “I know the way around my own house.”
Kenworthy looks embarrassed and drops our hands. Max lingers for a moment but lets go of my other hand.
“Sorry, we shouldn’t act like we know each other very well yet,” I say under my breath.
“But…” he starts, but quickly shuts his mouth when I shake my head.
He looks hurt before he masks his expression and walks off, without glancing back. Looks like I really will be alone here. We walk up the stairs to the entrance and the door is opened by the staff. We are directed to a large dining room with nametags on each plate. I walk along the table until I find my name to the right of the head seat. Glancing over, I see that Coventry placed me right next to him. Could this night get any worse? I pull out the chair and sit down in the nearly empty dining room, to wait and see how everything plays out.
Gradually people start arriving. Every person here is Empyrean save for me. I sit quietly as conversations start popping up around me.
“I still think he should build an army out of the cattle. They aren’t good for anything else,” one older man sneers.
“The horses can be the army and kick the cattle out. Horses can be trained, cows are just food,” another man argues. “They can go live with the cattle they came from, and the baku can feed off of them and leave us alone.”
“Both excellent ideas gentlemen,” Coventry says from behind them. “But let's talk shop another time. Tonight is a night to celebrate.”
He walks forward and takes his seat at the head of the table and the rest of the guests follow suit. Once everyone is seated Coventry stands up again.
“Thank you all for joining me tonight in celebration of the passing of bill 7934. The Dissidents are now being removed from Crowfall as we speak, unless they are working in a labor position,” he grins as the table erupts in applause.
My stomach sinks. This is how it looks to the other side when they oppress a group of people? How can they cheer at stripping rights from so many people? I just don’t understand how people can be so cruel.
Coventry sits down and the staff brings out the first course.
“Miss Lawrence, I’m so glad you could join us,” he smiles, as his eyes stare holes through me.
“Thank you for the invitation,” I smile back, remembering Ezra’s words. I should let this man collect me. If I want to change things, I need to know the enemy.
I sit and listen quietly while chatter continues around
the table. Coventry tells another man about his rare collection of unique Nightmare items and his eyes light up as his speech gets faster and faster. By the time he finishes, he is nearly manic. He takes his collecting seriously. I can see why Ezra warned me now.
As the night winds down and people begin to leave, I wonder when Kenworthy is going to come for me. Coventry rises and looks at me pointedly.
“Miss Lawrence, can I show you something?” he asks.
“I guess so, sir,” I reply as I stand up to follow him.
He leads me to a large library with a podium covered in a glass case sitting in the center. Inside is a very old looking book.
“This book has been passed down through generations of Wenworth’s and is now part of my collection,” he says. “Do you know what it contains?
“No, sir,” I shake my head.
“In contains instructions on how to create, move, and close off pocket universes. Fascinating information, wouldn’t you say?” he asks.
“It sounds very interesting. I thought that the information was lost,” I answer.
“That’s what we want the general public to think. Sadly the abilities have been lost. Nightmare’s used to all have the powers of all three houses. Interesting to think about, but it hasn’t been seen in millennia. That is until you. I wonder what else you have up your sleeves,” he says, looking at me like I’m his favorite dessert.
“I don’t have anything up my sleeves. I’m just learning what it means to be a Nightmare,” I reply.
“I expect great things from you Whisper Lawrence. With my help, we could become unstoppable. You won’t have to worry about those pesky Dissident laws. You’re above all of that,” he says.
“I would love to help you, but I need to learn more before I can,” I look at the floor, trying to look sad.
“You will learn Miss Lawrence. I will see to it myself,” he says ominously.
“I would learn better if I wasn’t so isolated, don’t you think? It’s hard to focus with no real friends,” I let a tear slide down my cheek.
“We will think about that. I’m sure we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement,” he grins. “But it’s time for you to head back to school. I’ll be in touch Miss Lawrence.”
He walks me to the main foyer where Kenworthy, Alexis, and Max are waiting. After goodbyes are exchanged, we go back to the school. As soon as I get back to my room, I strip out of the dress, and jump in the shower, trying to scrub the gross dirty feeling that's creeping across my skin from attending that dinner. As I do, I come up with a plan. I have to build a resistance. We can’t let the Dissidents be turned into an army, or worse become Baku food.
About the Authors
K.N. Thompson
K.N. Thompson is a paranormal and fantasy YA RH romance author who lives in the great state of Mississippi with her husband and kids. As a serial entrepreneur, K.N. also works in graphic design. She loves coffee, cooking, taking care of her farm, reading, and watching college football!
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Other Books by K.N.
Academy of Broken Dreams
Welcome To My Nightmare
Trial By Nightmare
Obstruction By Nightmare - coming soon
Rose Alexander
Rose lives in the Midwest with her husband, kids and three cats. She enjoys crafting in her free time and watching movies with her family.
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Academy of Broken Dreams Reader's Group (Co-writes)
More by Rose Alexander
The Huntsman Clan
Nightfall
Royal
Survive
Prophecy
Academy of Broken Dreams
Welcome To My Nightmare
Trial By Nightmare
Obstruction By Nightmare - coming soon
Trial By Nightmare (Academy of Broken Dreams Book 2) Page 11