by K N Thompson
“What humans?” Lydia asks.
“They breed humans to take care of the castle and feed on,” I growl under my breath.
“Do you two have something to say?” Mrs. Bradbury stares at us.
I stand up. “Yes. As a matter of fact I do. I think it’s deplorable that you all think it’s acceptable to treat people like this. Especially anyone from this house! We were raised with humans. Hell, if any of you were like me, you thought you were human until recently,” I rant.
“Is that all, Whisper?” Mrs. Bradbury shoots me a stern look.
“I guess,” I mumble and sit back down, wilting under her intense gaze.
“I understand where you are coming from, and see the shock value of it, but they are treated really well. They know no other life, and it’s the safest option for you students. If we had to send you into the outside world to feed while you’re still untrained…” she trails off, a faraway look in her eyes. “No matter. I’m sure you will all adapt soon to our way of life.”
Lydia squeezes my hand, but we stay quiet, not wanting to draw more attention to ourselves. I already regret my outburst, not what I said, but the attention I received for doing it.
“Now onto the nicer topics. Your dorm advisors this year are Mason Graves and Catherine Harrison,” Mrs. Bradbury says.
A tall lanky young man with jet black hair walks forward with a petite blonde on his heels. She’s wearing a shirt with a cat dressed as a ninja on the front and ‘ninjacat’ in bold letters on the back.
“These two are available for any questions you might have, or disputes you need settled if a teacher isn’t present,” she explains. They each give a quick wave before taking their seats.
“The last topic we need to cover are clubs. The academy offers a variety of extracurricular activities for enrichment. Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board at the back of the commons. That’s all we need to cover today. You’re dismissed,” she smiles, and the room erupts into loud talking and movement as students rush to sign up.
“Whisper, can we talk in private?” Mrs. Bradbury asks.
“Oh, sure,” I reply then turn to Ryland and Lydia. “Wait for me?”
“We’ll be here when you get back,” Ryland assures me.
I follow Mrs. Bradbury out into the hallways where she grabs my hand and teleports us outside of an unmarked door,
“This is my office. I don’t want anyone overhearing us,” she explains, as she unlocks the door.
We walk inside and sit on the couch that is sitting against the wall.
“Whisper, I’m aware of your unique situation and right now you need to fly under the radar. Standing up for what you believe in is a great thing. And someday you will have the power to make real changes. I truly believe this, but right now you need not draw unwanted attention. There will be those that want to use you because of what you represent. Your jewelry already tells us just how powerful you will be, add in what you will be capable of… It’s not worth risking your safety,” she explains.
“It’s not right,” I say through clenched teeth. “Nothing changes when no one wants to disturb the status quo.”
“You’re correct, but just wait until you are trained, and can defend yourself. You are just starting your journey. Play the long game,” she says.
“I can do that for now, but I don’t like it,” I reply, feeling defeated. She has a good point. I can’t really do anything to change things yet, but I will, someday.
“Let’s return you to your friends,” she smiles, standing up.
I get up and follow her into the hallway, wait for her to lock the office door, then take her hand and we’re back outside the common room.
As soon as I drop her hand, I take off into the common room and find Ryland and Lydia chatting on the couch. A brief flash of jealousy washes over me, but I push it away. Lydia has been nothing but nice to me, and I barely know Ryland.
“Hey guys,” I say when I reach them.
“Did you get in trouble?” Lydia asks, her brow bunched in concern.
“Not really. She just said I need to watch what I say and fly under the radar for now. Because of… you know,” I reply.
“She has a point. It’s not like you can change anything yet, so plan in secret until you can,” Lydia says.
“Why don’t we finish this discussion over dinner? It’s pizza night,” Ryland grins as he stands up.
“Pizza? Let’s go,” Lydia jumps up and starts walking then stops and turns around. “Well? Are you coming?”
Ryland and I laugh and follow her out into the hallway.
“Ryland, are you going to teleport us there?” she asks, her hands on her hips.
“Your wish is my command,” he chuckles and holds his hands out for us.
We take his hands and appear at the back of a really long line. Of all the days to be late for dinner! Max is towards the front of the line and when his eyes land on me he grins like a predator. I move to stand behind Ryland, but I’m too slow.
“Hey Whisper! Come join me up here,” he waves like an idiot.
“Who’s that?” Lydia asks.
“One of my mentors,” I roll my eyes.
“Let’s take him up on his offer. I want pizza,” Ryland suggests.
“Fine,” I sigh and lead them towards the front of the line.
When we reach Max, he sneers at Ryland and totally ignores Lydia. He turns his attention back to me.
“How are you liking the academy so far?” he asks.
“It’s been interesting,” I say, clipping my words.
“You know, having the right friends makes all the difference. I’d love to be one of those friends,” he plasters on a smile.
“Why?” I ask. Everyone keeps telling me the houses don’t mix. This guy is an Empyrean. Why is he talking to me?
“Because I can be a good ally and you will need those,” he raises an eyebrow as the guy standing next to him guffaws. “Besides, you’re a pretty girl, I’m a handsome guy… It makes sense for us to be seen together.”
“Hard pass, but thanks for getting us closer to the food,” I smile sweetly, causing Lydia to burst out laughing.
“What the fuck are you laughing at cattle?” he growls as her.
“And that’s why it’s a hard pass,” I roll my eyes.
“I didn’t mean…” the muscle in his jaw twitches.
“Yes, you did. You know something that you think you can take advantage of and that’s all this is. I’m no one's puppet, Maxwell,” I stand up straighter.
“Don’t call me that,” his eyes go dark then he turns around and ignores us.
We make it through the line, loading our trays with pizza then sit in the back of the Dissident section. We chat while we eat, keeping to topics about classes until Max walks up and sits across from us. The room goes silent, everyone watching us.
“I’m sorry, Whisper’s friend. I was out of line. I know better and will endeavor to do better in the future. Please give me a chance to make it up to you all?” he flashes a killer smile. Damn it. When he smiles like that I want to forget he’s a dick.
“Actions speak louder than words,” Lydia crosses her arms across her chest. “My name is Lydia. Let’s see if you can remember that.”
“Nice to meet you, Lydia. And I promise I will do better,” Max says, staring at me with wide puppy dog eyes.
“Fine, but one step out of line and I’m kicking you in the balls,” I smirk.
He opens and closes his mouth, the muscle in his jaw ticking again. “Fair enough,” he finally says.
Finn walks up behind him. “Can I join you?”
“Be my guest,” I smile at him.
He sits next to Max, looking at me as if I’m a puzzle he’s trying to solve. I squirm under all of this attention but try to be polite.
“How are you doing, Finn?” I ask.
“I’m quite well but I have so many questions for you. Pardon my abruptness but do you feel different knowing you have s
o many abilities? I’ve been reading in the library and there’s no record of anyone ever having abilities from every house,” he says, tilting his head.
“Hush,” Lydia hisses, but it’s too late.
The dining room explodes into sound. Everyone is glancing at me, pointing, and talking with their heads together. Crap, can anything else go wrong?
“That was supposed to be a secret you moron,” Max slaps him on the back of the head.
I can’t take all of this attention. My chest is tightening and I can feel the panic rising. I stand up to run out of the dining room but tendrils rise out of my chest. I look at Lydia, her jaw is dropped and eyes wide. The tendrils envelop me and the next thing I know I’m standing in the library. Damn it Finn! Why did he have to open his mouth?
The display case containing the box is next to me, humming just as loudly as earlier. I feel connected to it somehow. I just wish I could open the case and touch it.
Glancing around, I see that I’m alone. I examine the case, trying to find an opening. I walk around the entire case, then crawl underneath and can’t seem to see a place to enter. What am I doing? I shouldn’t be trying to touch ancient relics!
“What are you doing down there?” Korbin asks.
“Oh! I just dropped a contact,” I say, the excuse sounding lame to my own ears.
“You are a strange one,” he shakes his head and walks off.
Great, I’m making good impressions everywhere, I think to myself. I get up off the floor and dust off my dress. I stare at the box longingly one more time before forcing myself to leave it.
I exit the library and realize I have no idea how to get back to my room from here. I wish Ryland would have shown us around on foot now. I try to pull the tendrils out of my chest again, but I have no idea how I triggered it the first time. Slumping my shoulders in defeat, I wander the hallways aimlessly, hoping to find a familiar landmark.
“Miss Lawrence, I’ve been looking for you,” Headmaster Gandore calls out from behind me.
“Oh, sorry. I’m just trying to find my room,” I reply as I turn around.
“I assumed you were lost. When accidental teleporting occurs you can end up… well, anywhere. One student landed in the fountain upfront last year,” he chuckles.
“So you heard about what happened…” I say.
“There is very little that happens at this academy I’m not aware of Miss Lawrence,” he smiles.
“What am I going to do? I thought my powers were supposed to be a secret,” I ask, twirling my hair nervously.
“I would have preferred to keep them quiet for longer, but Mr. Wessex has a habit of speaking before thinking. For such a bright student, he can be a bit thick,” he replies. “You will just have to deal with the whispers and stares, but I’m confident you will be fine.”
“That makes sense,” I reply.
“On another topic, I’ve been doing some research on your situation. All I’ve found is an ancient prophecy about the old powers coming back. Quite interesting really,” he says.
“What are the old powers and do you think I have them?” I ask, my eyes opening wide.
“I don’t know for sure what the old powers are at this time. Perhaps you do, Miss Lawrence. We can discuss it more later. Now, let’s get you back to your dorm shall we?” he explains, holding his hand out to me.
18
We appear in the hallway in front of my dorm room. The headmaster lets go of my hand then smiles at me.
“Have a goodnight, Miss. Lawrence,” he says, turning on his heel and disappearing in a cloud of tendrils.
I open the door and walk in, only to be attacked by Lydia.
“Oh my gosh Whisper, are you ok?” she asks, grabbing me by the shoulders and looking me over for any signs of injury. “I can’t believe you teleported, It won’t be long and you won’t need Ryland to show you around.”
“I’m fine,” I feel the warmth creep into my cheeks at the mention of Ryland’s name. “I had a panic attack, and it made me teleport. Remember that box that I thought I heard humming but you guys couldn’t hear? I ended up right in front of it. It’s almost like it’s calling me."
“In the library?” she asks with a curious look. “Why would you be drawn back to that old wooden box?” she asks, flopping down on her bed.
“I don’t know. It’s weird. Something about it makes me want to pick it up and feel it in my hands. I know it sounds crazy,” I say, walking over to my dresser to put on my favorite pair of sleep shorts and a baggy t-shirt. I flop down on my bed and tuck my pillow under my chin. “Do you think the headmaster would know anything about it?” I ask.
“If anyone would know, it would be him,” Lydia shrugs her shoulders and gives me a mischievous smile.
“Why are you smiling at me like that?” I ask feeling a bit out of the loop.
“Because someone has a fan club,” she says in a sing-song voice.
“I do not have a fan club!” I exclaim, tossing a small pillow at her head. “They’re my mentors in my tutored class.”
“They’re so cute, which one are you going out with first?” She questions, falling back on her bed laughing.
“I will just date all of them at one time,” I joke, but the look on Lydia face is priceless.
“Do you think that could work?” she asks.
“Lydia, I am only joking,” I say, laughing so hard my sides are hurting.
“Girl, seriously, spill the tea, how are you feeling about these guys?” she says becoming annoyed with me.
“Well obviously Ryland is awesome. He’s been so sweet to show us around. Max is hot, but he’s so into himself, but I can’t say he’s bad to look at. Finn is nice, but I can’t believe he blurted my secret out like that, and then there’s Korbin! Oh my God, I thought I was going to die!” I squeal, “you know when I was in the library, I decided to examine the glass case to see if there was a way to open it. I climbed underneath and just as luck would have it Korbin walks by,” I tell her, my face blazing.
“OMG! Did he say anything?” she questions, scooting closer to the edge of her bed. “He’s such a hottie. If you’ve already embarrassed yourself… You could push him in my direction.”
“You can totally have him. It was so embarrassing. He asked me what I was doing down there? And I just told him I dropped a contact, and I don’t even wear contacts. He just looks at me and says ‘You are a strange one,’ and walks off. I don’t know what I will say to him when I see him again.” I say, taking a deep breath.
“Oh my gosh, I don’t know if I could show my face after that. But seriously, who do you think will ask you out first?” Lydia asks, becoming giddy.
“I think Ryland. He gives me butterflies and my skin tingles when he holds my hand and don’t get me started on his smile,” I stop talking when I realize that Lydia is sitting there staring at me with a goofy grin on her face.
“Would you stop looking at me like that, it's making me blush,” I cover my face with both hands and laugh.
Wait, were you serious about Korbin? Cause I could totally see me going there,” Lydia says.
“I hope it works out for you. I can’t quite figure him out,” I smile at her.
“ I will leave you alone about it, but if anything else happens, you have to spill,” she says, pointing her finger at me.
“I promise to tell you. Goodnight Lydia,” I say, climbing under the cover and clicking off the light.
Just as I drift off to sleep, something soft and fluffy hits me in the head as Lydia throws my pillow back to me, it makes me smile.
The next morning I wake up to Lydia shaking me harder than usual. I sit up suddenly and wiping the sleep from my eyes.
“Lydia, what’s going on?” I ask as she dashes back across the room to tug on her boots.
“Get up! We overslept, we have thirty minutes before class starts and Ryland will be here in a few to teleport us to Calculus and English.
“Thirty minutes!” I say excitedly,
&
nbsp; I throw back the blankets and jump out of bed stripping off my pj’s. I quickly dress in my uniform and then try to do something with my overly frizzy hair!
A knock on the door lets us know that Ryland has arrived.
“Just a minute,” I say, rushing over to Lydia’s side of the room so she could zip my dress. On the way back to my side of the room I open the door to let Ryland in.
“Good morning, we’re running a bit behind. Would you like to come in while I put my boots on?” I ask as I turn away from the door leaving it open behind me.
“Sure, we still have some time before class starts but it will be a quick breakfast,” Ryland laughs as he pushes away from the wall he was leaning against.
“Nothing like starting your day off with Calculus and English. I think I’m going to need extra coffee to get me going this morning,” I say as I finish tying my boots.
I look over at Lydia. “Are we ready?” I ask picking up my books and taking a last look in the mirror.
“Yep, ready as I’ll ever be,” she says still sounding half asleep.
We grab our books and shut the door behind us. We take Ryland’s hands and teleport to the dining hall.
Other than the whispers and passing stares, it’s just another normal day in highschool. That is until we get to our lunch table. Max and Finn are beaming at us with killer smiles.
“Hey Whisper, sit with us,” Max says, sliding out of the way so I can sit down.
“Thanks, but shouldn’t you guys be sitting at your own house tables? You don’t want anyone to see you sitting with us Dissidents, now do you? Besides isn’t there a rule that we’re supposed to stick to our own sections?” I ask, causing their smiles to falter.
“We can sit where we like, most students just stick to their section to keep from running into conflict,” Finn says, then turns his attention back to his food.
I look over to Lydia, hoping for some back-up, but she shrugs her shoulders and takes a bite out of her burger.
“Whisper,” Finn calls my name. “You shouldn’t teleport inside rooms, it's rude, that’s why we always wait until we are in the hallways.”