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B efore the women could dive into conversation, a large bell rang. Narticia opened the dorm door a moment later. “Right, that’s our cue to head to the hall. You need to quickly change into your uniforms.”

The ladies frantically threw off whatever they had on and hurriedly put on their uniforms. Lilith panicked as she put the pants on under her dress.

Eventually they would see her runes, but for the time being, she was thankful that she had planned ahead.

Underneath her dress, she wore a light, long sleeved, white blouse.

She looked around and saw the others hustling to put on the black top.

She quietly pulled off her dress and tossed on the black tunic.

Once they were done, the ladies filed out of their dorm, joining the others from the years above.

Lilith counted eleven other women as they descended the stone staircase.

Rich, dark wooden beams stretched across the high ceiling of the great hall.

Little carvings of sheep and decorative knotwork were carved into them.

Two enormous stone pillars braced the beams in the middle of the hall, one at the front and one further to the back of the hall, near the entrance.

Between the stone pillars were six long, sturdy tables and through the center was a wide aisle.

Narticia nudged them to find a spot at one of the middle tables.

Lilith looked around in amazement. Intricate tapestries draped along the walls, showcasing various battle scenes.

More of the glowing yellow orbs were mounted around the room and at the front centre a giant hearth was roaring, warming up the heart of the castle.

Above the hearth was a large silver polished shield showcasing the Skilheim emblem of two rams crashing into each other.

On either side of the shield were long swords that were mounted as an ‘X’ and above the shield the head of an enormous sheep was mounted, looking over the students.

When everyone was seated, Lord Helmer made his way to the front.

He was a tall warrior of a man with a large jagged scar cutting across the left side of his face, from eyebrow to chin.

His face was framed by long wavy hair that was mixed with greys and blacks.

It draped along his peppered beard that was braided down his broad chest. A fur cloak flowed behind his shoulders and was pinned with a brooch that was shaped like a golden dragon.

His tunic was made of a fine emerald green material that was embroidered with gold thread.

Thick, dark leather bracers tied neatly around his wrists.

He was the picture of a northern lord. His magical aura was fiery and intimidating.

“Welcome, students, to another year at Skilheim Stronghold. New students, you will do well to follow in the footsteps of those above you. We encourage strength and resilience. Our graduates go on to be leaders and figureheads of the kingdom. Great kings walked through these halls much like yourselves. Our students are paramount to the survival of this world. We will teach you how to reach your fullest potential.” His speech was short and obviously rehearsed.

Once he was done, the kitchen staff brought out large pots and wooden bowls. They laid out loaves of crusty bread on each table. Sides of steaming vegetables and summer fruit were handed out. Students were quick to fill each bowl and divy up the portions.

“What is this?” complained Tamara.

“Better get used to it. This school runs on self-sufficiency. The stew is made from whatever they could hunt and the vegetables and fruits are either grown on the property or sourced locally. Just wait for the winter months where things become scarce. This is a feast,” Narticia growled at Tamara, and was about to scold her when her blue-haired friend intervened and introduced herself as Iris.

Iris was the opposite of Narticia. She was bubbly and enthusiastic to Nariticia’s cold and introverted demeanor.

“Let me give you the whole low down on the school. Second years have nine men and three women. Third years have eight men and one woman, kind of. She’s a shapeshifter so she sometimes switches.

Fourth years have eight men and four women and our year has seven men and three women.

So with your lot included, we have eighteen women.

” Iris beamed. “It’s a good thing, too, because it can feel overwhelmingly masculine in here.

” Iris went on, but Lilith lost focus. Her eyes glanced around other tables, watching the other students mingling and settling in on their first day.

A striking man sat at one of the front tables, laughing with his friends.

His midnight blue hair was cut shaggy and short, with some strands falling in front of his eyes.

She could have sworn she knew him. He was about Arlen’s age.

Maybe they’re friends? she thought. As if pulled in by her stare, he looked over to her.

Icy blue eyes focused on her. His stare was gentle, but there was a side to his look that was almost predatory in nature.

Goosebumps broke out along her skin. Beyond his mesmerizing eyes, she noted his high cheekbones and chiseled jawline.

He held her eye contact for a few seconds before dismissing her.

Lilith snapped back to her surroundings - W ell that was intense.

Whoever he is, he has a commanding allure. His presence was otherworldly.

“Ah. I see your attention was pulled to Prince Demetrius.” Iris interrupted Lilith’s train of thought. No wonder she had recognized him. He was King Amadeus’ first born son. Heir to the Kingdom of Draydon.

“Prince Demetrius is a student here?” said a voice beside her.

“Yes, he’s a fifth year.” Iris lowered her voice. The women around leaned in to hear her. “It would be wise to not draw his attention. He can be quite cruel and will lose interest in you quite quickly.”

Noted, Lilith thought to herself. She quickly peeked up at him again. He was now fully glaring at the group of women as if he had heard what they were just talking about. Iris laughed as a few of the women turned red.

“Back to our original conversation,” Narticia steered the group, “Iris asked you, Lilith, why you came to Skilheim. We don’t recall meeting any older siblings.

” Lilith’s blush intensified. She was dreading this topic.

I could tell them the truth. How crazy would it sound?

Oh, because of some prophecy that I would become too powerful, I had my powers bound and I’m hiding out here to avoid Lord Elwin’s control… I’ll have to go with the lie then.

“My father is one of the councilmen for King Amadeus. With the threat of the Void, he thought it was safer to have me out here.” Lilith smiled to herself, quite satisfied with that answer.

“So the rumours that the barrier has fallen are true then. If your father’s on the council and he’s put you here?” asked Felicia.

I didn’t think of that. Lilith swore to herself and tried to backtrack. “My father can be quite cautious. He hasn’t mentioned to me that the barrier has been fully broken. Please, don’t read too much into my explanation.”

Meira laughed and elbowed Felicia. “Give her a break. It’s not like other parents haven’t done the same. Look at the size of our class. You even said it yourself earlier that your brother’s year was a mere six.” Thank. You. Meira, thought Lilith.

The rest of the time the women shared stories of various summer escapades.

Lilith told them some funny stories of her brothers.

Her thoughts wandered as the conversation changed.

I wonder what he’s doing? Amiriel. Would he be trying to find me in the sea of new faces at Ardaven?

Would he try to talk to Arlen. Does he know about me yet?

After her magic was bound, she tried to find a connection with Amiriel, to see if there was a link shared between them.

No matter how hard she tried, she felt nothing.

The chiming of the bell stopped her from entering another internal spiral of despair.

She felt eyes watching her. Prince Demetrius was glaring at her. She blushed and looked away.

The older students stood up and collected their dishes, then deposited them to the cleaning stations. Some students, second years, were in charge of the cleaning. She followed the others.

Mistress Rhodes waited for them at the entrance to the hall. This was the first time that Lilith really assessed the rest of her classmates. Some of the men looked as apprehensive as she felt.

“First years, follow me.” Mistress Rhodes grinned and walked out through the hall entrance to the courtyard.

“I hope you are ready to dive right in. You will begin by running around past the outer walls up to the top of the mountain behind us and back.

Follow the markers and stay on the trail.

Do not wander. The forest houses all sorts of creatures that won't hesitate to prey on you. You have until sunset and any latecomers will be the first on bathroom cleaning duties.”