Page 12

All my love,

Dad

I should be concerned that they both managed to slip a letter into my possessions without me noticing, but I’m grateful for it no matter what. Folding it with precision, I tuck it away and get ready to leave again.

Once I’ve done one final sweep around my room, making sure everything is safe and secure, I finally head for the door. The hallway is quiet as I step out, and I bask in the silence as I head for the stairs. A few people are seated in the communal lounge, offering nervous smiles my way as I step into the room. I plaster a smile on my own face before heading outside.

“There you are.”

I startle as Flora waves at me enthusiastically with Arlo beside her.

“She was waiting for you. Insisted on it even though my insides are about to fall out with how hungry I am,” Arlo groans dramatically, clutching his stomach as Flora rolls her eyes at him, and I grin.

It’s impossible to deny that they’re quite funny and have an easy-going vibe that surrounds them.

I should decline and head to the dining hall alone, but that completely defies the point of us being here. How am I going to win this place and become the heir of Floodborn Kingdom if I’m too antisocial to deal with other people?

With my mind made up, I take a step toward them and they automatically fall into step with me. Comfortable silence drifts around us as we head down the path, passing the large fountain that connects all the different origin buildings along the way.

“So, Addi, where are you from?” Arlo cocks a brow at me, a look I’m getting familiar with already. It means he’s challenging me, just like yesterday, but in the calmest and politest way possible, if that’s even a thing.

“You don’t have to answer that,” Flora interjects, eyes widening at her friend, who shrugs in response.

“What? We’re fae from Summer Oak, just like everyone else we recognize. There are only a few fae I don’t know, and Addi is one of them. I’m curious,” Arlo insists, like it’s totally fine. So why does my heart quicken and my palms feel sweaty?

Luckily, they are fae and not another origin who would be able to pick up on those tells. I need to get myself together. I may have lived a quiet and isolated life, but that’s all changing now.

“I grew up here, on the outskirts of the City of Harrows. We tried Summer Oak for a while, but the warmer climate wasn’t to my family’s preference,” I rattle off, not exactly lying, but definitely omitting some casual truths. It seems to do the trick, though.

“What do you mean? It’s absolutely freezing here. I’m already missing the lush heat and summer days of home,” Flora admits, her eyes glazing over as she envisions it.

Shrugging, I take the three steps up to the academy entrance, ignoring the glares from the other origins that gather in small groups at the entryway. “I like wearing layers. I can’t do that in the sun.”

I don’t glance back to see her response, focused on my surroundings as I note every door along the hallway before reaching the dining hall. The murmur of voices becomes loud as I step through the double doors, and I instantly hate that there’s nowhere quieter to fuel up for the day.

“I didn’t see you for dinner last night. Did you eat?” Flora asks, and I nod.

“I just grabbed something small and took it back to my room.” I don’t know why I’m answering her; it’s not really any of her business, but I guess it doesn’t matter all that much.

It’s a lot busier in here this morning than yesterday afternoon, and it’s a complete sea of colors now as everyone wears their academy issued cloaks. Red and green are prominent, with a few flashes of creams and blues, but the purples and grays are significantly lacking.

“Losers,” someone grunts, shouldering past me with a sneer. I manage to remain on my feet, but as I glance over my shoulder, I can’t tell who it is I need to retaliate against.

“Are you okay?”

Taking a deep breath, I nod to Flora while keeping myself moving to the food counters.

“I’ve heard the rumors,” Arlo states when I grab a tray, eyes glancing over the offerings.

“What rumors?” Flora asks.

Admittedly, I'm just as eager to know what rumors he means too.

“That there’s a target on all of our backs.”

“All of our backs? What does that mean?” Flora questions, her eyes pinching in confusion.

“I’m assuming he means the fae. We’re going to be targeted by everyone here, but mostly the vampires and wolves who make up the largest numbers of those in attendance,” I state, and Arlo snaps his finger at me with a nod.