Page 8 of Beastkin
He nodded curtly. “Thomas McNally. Our parents have been corresponding about our rooming arrangement.” His tone was formal, distant, like he was reciting from a script. “I trust you’ll find the accommodations adequate.”
I glanced around the room again, noting how sterile his side looked. No photographs, no personal touches, just textbooks and what appeared to be a collection of ceremonial daggers displayed on his desk. Wonderful.
“It’s fine,” I said, though the pendant’s burning sensation was finally starting to recede, and I felt like I could breathe a little better at last. “Thanks for not taking the bed by the window.”
“I prefer the interior wall. Less... exposure.” The way he said it made me think he meant more than just sunlight. Like he was expecting to be murdered in his sleep by something.
I began unpacking my magically expanded bag, trying to make my side of the room look lived-in without appearing too rebellious. The photograph of my mysterious childhood friend stayed hidden in my jacket pocket. That secret wasn’t ready to see daylight yet, especially not in front of someone who probably shared my parents’ views.
“I’ve taken the liberty of reviewing our class schedules,” Thomas continued, producing two identical pieces of parchment. “We share Advanced Runic Configurations and Ancestral Witch History. I’ve also mapped the most efficient routes between buildings.”
Of course he had. I accepted the schedule, noting that it was exactly what my mother had shown me earlier. No surprises, no electives that might expose me to undesirable influences. At least, not officially.
“Great,” I managed, though the word came out strained as another wave of heat pulsed from the pendant.
Thomas’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Are you quite alright? You look... flushed.”
“Just tired from traveling,” I lied, loosening my collar slightly in hopes of getting some air circulation around the still hot pendant. “It’s been a long day.”
He studied me for another moment before returning to his unpacking. “Well, I’m sure you’ll adjust quickly. Our families have certain expectations, after all. We can’t let them down.”
The way he said it sent a chill down my spine despite the heat at my throat. I had the distinct feeling that Thomas McNally was going to be more than just an inconvenient roommate, he was going to be another set of eyes watching my every move.
I managed a noncommittal nod and turned away from Thomas to continue unpacking. The pendant finally cooled against my skin, but the sensation of being watched remained, both from my new roommate and my distant parents. I arranged my books on the shelf above my desk, deliberately mixing magical theory texts with a few novels I’d smuggled in. Small rebellions.
“Our first classes begin tomorrow at eight,” Thomas said, his voice clipped and formal. “I typically rise at six to prepare properly. I trust that won’t disturb you?”
“No, that’s fine,” I replied, though the thought of sharing space with someone so regimented made my stomach knot. He reminded me of my father’s associates, all starch and propriety with cold judgment lurking beneath.
As I continued unpacking, I caught Thomas watching me from the corner of his eye, assessing each item I placed on my side of the room. When I pulled out a small potted plant, a fire lily that bloomed with actual flames when properly tended, his eyebrows rose slightly.
“Interesting choice of flora,” he commented. “Those are quite temperamental.”
“I have a way with fire,” I said simply, placing the plant onmy windowsill. I didn’t mention that the flames often responded to my emotions, growing higher when I was angry or excited. That was exactly the kind of information my parents had warned me to keep hidden.
Thomas nodded, but I noticed how his eyes lingered on the plant. “The Emberwoods are known for their affinity with fire magic. Your father is quite renowned for his work in sun-related rituals.”
The casual mention of my family made me tense. “You’ve studied my family history?”
“Of course,” he replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “As you’ve likely studied mine. Our families have been allied for generations. My great-grandfather served with yours on the Eastern Conclave.”
The Eastern Conclave, a polite name for what had essentially been a witch tribunal that had subjected dozens of magical beings to torture or worse in the name of discovery. They’d been shut down and outlawed in the fifties. But not until permanent damage had been done between the races.
“Right,” I managed. “I’m going to get some air before dinner. Explore a bit more.”
Thomas checked his pocket watch. “Dinner service begins at the cafeteria forty-five minutes. I’d recommend being punctual, as seating arrangements tend to solidify during the first week.”
Of course they did. And no doubt Thomas expected us to sit together, presenting a united pure-blood front to the rest of the school.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, already heading for the door. I needed to escape his watchful gaze, even if just for a few minutes.
The hallway was still bustling with students settling in. I slipped past groups of chattering witches, a trio of what looked like selkies carrying water purification crystals, and a tall student with bark-like skin who had to duck to avoid hitting the ceiling lights. Nobody paid me any attention. I was just another freshman finding his way.
When I finally got outside, I headed for the first grove of trees Icould find, away from everyone else. Thomas McNally, it turned out, was rigid enough to give me a headache within five minutes. That combined with the warm pendant against my chest and the hustle and bustle of move-in day, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.
I found a large tree, sank down to sit in its roots, and took a deep breath.
Widdershins Academy was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. However, I’d grossly underestimated my parents zeal when it came to keeping me in check. Going to college seemed like such a wonderful step in the right direction. But just five minutes with Lila made the silver pendant almost unbearable and five minutes with Thomas made me want to scream.