Page 238 of A University of Betrayal

There was no harm in trying out new genres. But since I had been plagued by curiosity about the newly discovered diary pages all day, I couldn’t wait to get to the accommodation and go through Alice’s letters with the others.

Holding Pattern

Angus MacRae

Beloved Mum,

Today I finally found my – and I quote her words – “totally involved” sister. Amara had looked so fed up with her life that I simply took her to a local coffee shop. Against her will, but just as you had always suggested I should. She’s in Moenia so often, and I’d like to change that, take the weight off her shoulders, but you know how she is: far too responsible.

I asked her about the species issue anyway, and she reacted with concern. She asked me how I could come up with such “delusions” and that I should come to the temple duty more often, and also that Margot was going off the rails. I left the species subject alone for the time being and promised her that I would be in Moenia this weekend. She was right. Family is more important than my – and I quote her again – “wild ideas”.

Oh, one more thing before I forget. Remember that young man who had given me his suit jacket? I had taken a closer look at it at home and noticed that it had a little golden embroidery on the collar with the words DeLoughrey.

I should have realized right away that he was one of them. Cold hands, light porcelain complexion and that aura they all have that we Quatura can sense. He’s a Ruisangor. And the biggest problem is, I can’t stop thinking about him.

Beloved Mum,

Margot has done her ceremony, and I’ll give you three guesses. She actually received the gift of Air. I think I remain alone with my fate. I realize more and more that I am needed in Moenia, that I am special with the power of Fire. Yes... Especially useful for Gloria.

I hardly use my powers anymore, simply because I want a normal life. I’m so glad I wouldn’t even be considered for your position. I don’t think either of us would want that.

Beloved Mum,

I hadn’t had another chance to talk to the Senseque from the literature lecture because the lecture gets canceled so often, at least until today...

It feels so wrong to be interested in the species and their political history, especially after we were so strictly forbidden to do so from an early age in Moenia. But – I have to admit – I was really looking forward to the moment when I could talk more about these things with Alarik Copeland.

He had been sitting there, and this time I had been the one who dared to sit right next to him. I had immediately started talking, telling him that there were some books in Moenia, but that they only contained something about supposed combat defenses against the Senseque or Ruisangors. He just laughed and told me that I would never find anything more profound in our families’ book collections, and that I would have to write it myself or look for clues in forgotten places.

I also found out that he studies history and English, loves literature and loves to sink into books as much as I do. Then I told him about my obsession with Jane Austen. He listened to me attentively. I think I’ve found someone I can talk to about books... for hours!

He had told me one of the courtyards in the East Wing was his second favorite place at Vanderwood and I had asked him which place he liked most. In response, he had put his finger to his lips and whispered, “Secret...”

It seemed rude to ask him any more questions, so I just enjoyed the rare fall sunshine here and continued reading my book, with him beside me immersed in a novel called The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I think I might borrow it soon.

When he had to attend a history lecture, I had surprisingly bumped into Amanda. I had thought that Alarik and I would have been alone in this enchanted little courtyard with the mermaid statue on the fountain, but apparently that wasn’t the case. I had been a little worried at first, because Amanda could have told anyone else in the Circle, or - God forbid – Gloria...

“What on earth are you doing with that guy? Do you have a death wish?”

I understand her fear, but I am not scared any longer.

“Let me explain...” I interrupted her calmly, and told her everything on the way to the next lecture.

I thought she was going to freak out, but she actually stayed calm, probably deep in thought, especially when I told her what her brother thought. I’ve noticed that she’s always very quiet when it comes to Alaister. As if there was something bothering her.

Beloved Mum,

Alarik has written me a letter. And even if you can’t read it, I want to entrust it to you.

Hey Alice,

That’s your name, isn’t it? I’m sorry if I spelled your name wrong. I’ve only heard it once so far, and that was a week ago when we met for the first time. My father told me that one of my fellow students had told him that I was spending time with a Quatura. And since I don’t want you to end up in the same situation with your family or Circle after this unfortunate coincidence, I’m writing you a letter.

There is still so much that keeps my mind occupied.

You said you were going to the library to continue your research. I don’t know what you want to find on our campus, but I would like to help you. I like the idea behind it, and especially your passion for books. I would like to bring you a book that I really enjoyed and that I read recently. You asked me about it. The Secret History by Donna Tartt. It’s about a group of elite students who get caught up in some pretty tumultuous events... just like we will, if we keep talking to each other in seminars. Don’t worry, as I said, I don’t want you to get into trouble. Let me know if it bothers you.

If you show up at the library at 6:06 pm on Thursday, I’ll know you don’t care what anyone else thinks any more than I do.