Page 33 of Cerulean Truth (Sapere #1)

After closing the gate behind me, a covered walkway guided my steps towards the front door of the school. Despite the impressive setting, I encountered neither sight nor sound of another soul during the rather lengthy walk to the clearly ancient wooden doors, towering at least forty feet high.

Arriving at the enormous doors of this gigantic palace, I attempted to push my way inside, only to be met with yet another futile attempt. It seemed a recurring theme at this point. Frustration bubbling up, I grumbled a string of words under my breath and retrieved the black package once more.

Within its confines, I found a black key card with a white dot at its center.

Noticing a small black device with a corresponding white dot on the left side of the doors, I held the card's white dot against it. The doors responded instantly, granting me entry. Key cards… For people having magic for over centuries, they didn’t keep it very original.

Stepping into the Universitas for the first time, I was utterly dumbfounded and completely awestruck. I hadn't harbored any specific expectations, but as I laid eyes on the entrance—later revealed to be the "atrium"—it simply took my breath away.

The massive door I had passed through sealed shut behind me, leaving me standing beneath a welcoming canopy garnished with lush green plants and vibrant flowers. Before me, a small staircase led into a stunning garden.

As I hesitatingly descended the stairs, my eyes widened with wonder.

The garden was encircled by Roman columns, appearing to safeguard this quiet little piece of heaven.

Large luxuriant fountains dotted the landscape, each remarkable in its own right.

Mythological creatures leapt from the stone, their laughter echoing through the air, filling me with an overwhelming sense of awe.

I felt a sudden urge to swim. I didn’t, obviously… how weird would that be?

The crashing of the water drowned out any other thoughts I had about my whereabouts and I somehow felt completely at peace.

After a few moments, I tore myself away and ventured further into the garden.

As I wandered through bowers beautified by fragrant blossoms, I found myself enveloped in a tapestry of colors and scents. Oranges and lemons hung like jewels from the trees, their sweet perfume filling the air.

The gardens weren’t just a place of beauty; they were a realm of enchantment. Almost as if the past and the present blended seamlessly together, offering a sanctuary where one could lose themselves in timeless tranquility. I simply knew I had unearthed a treasure which would stay with me forever.

Coming out of the shadows and into the sun, I felt it burning on my face and I cursed myself for not thinking to bring any sunscreen. Surely magi have pharmacists? Would be such a buzzkill to get magical powers and melanoma at the same time.

I walked around the garden for a bit, taking it all in. I had absolutely no idea where to go and it was only by the third time I had circled the fountains, I noticed a door at the side of the building.

I still hadn’t seen anyone else and figured someone had to be inside.

Entering the door, I had my billionth shock of the day as I nearly collided with a throng of people rushing through the corridor.

No wonder the streets outside were so deserted—everyone was here.

Watching the sheer number of people, navigating what seemed like an endless maze of corridors and columns, I started to feel a little dizzy.

Shaking my head, I instantly longed for the peacefulness of the garden I had just left behind. I should have lingered there a bit longer, or even taken that refreshing swim.

With a parched throat and anxiety shooting through the roof, I clutched the small black package tightly to my side and tried to make myself as small as possible. Realizing I couldn’t just stand there, my eyes darted to all the possible directions. No one seemed to notice my presence.

Just move.

I swallowed. My feet started moving.

Faster .

I upped my speed a little.

Faster!

I hurried through one of the hallways until I was relieved to catch sight of what appeared to be a grand, illuminated hall ahead.

The Grand Hall reminded me somewhat of Grand Central Station in New York. Overarched by a large skylight, the sun shone wonderfully through and warmed the entire area. If it hadn’t been surrounded by walls, I would’ve thought I was back outside.

It was evident the million-something hallways all led to this great hall, and not unlike Grand central Station, it was crowded with people. There was less passage than in the corridors, but the Grand Hall was far from empty.

Some of them were engaged in lively conversations, laughing and chatting with their friends, while others appeared to be studying.

My jaw dropped as I witnessed some individuals effortlessly conjuring or translating food and drinks out of thin air.

However, the majority seemed to be simply lounging around, casually enjoying each other's company.

My eyes darted to the heart of the Grand Hall, where a magnificent clock stood towering in its grandeur, crafted from solid wood and dressed in gilded accents.

I squinted and on closer examination I noticed something was off—the hands didn't point to specific hours but instead seemed to indicate directions.

From the shadows of the corridor, I watched speechlessly as people—magi—approached the clock and laid their hands on its side. It took but a second for the pointer to shift direction upon being touched, guiding them to their destination.

My mouth fell open again. I was going to have to get that physical reaction under control or my jaw muscles were going to get sore.

I lingered in the shadows for a few moments, torn between the desire to remain hidden and the impulse to retreat back to the quietness of the garden.

However, I remembered an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, where Meredith’s mother would say to her daughter “People who hover in doorways are coming from nowhere and are heading nowhere.” I figured then and there, thanks to the wise words of a hated woman in a medical TV drama, it was time to rip off the metaphorical bandage.

I took in a deep breath and stepped out of the shadows into the light of the Grand Hall, with no idea where to go.

Despite my presence, no one seemed to take notice of me, their attention still absorbed in their own activities.

I put on my big girl pants and reasoned I could as easily consult the wisdom of the clock, just as those before me had done.

With a hesitant touch, I gently placed a finger on the polished wood.

I thought I heard the wiring hum, and I stepped back to observe the movement of the clock's hands.

Without warning, as if a spotlight had been directed at me, I watched as every eye in the room gradually turned to me.

Like I was the new gorilla in the zoo, with everyone waiting to see what tricks I'd pull off.

They didn’t even try to hide their stares and I actually considered for a second breaking the ice by impersonating a monkey. Thank the gods, I didn’t.

Nobody spoke to me, nobody came near me. Everyone kept their distance, and simply continued staring.

I swallowed, not knowing what to do. Awkward. As. Hell. I tried to smile at no one in particular. Which probably looked even more awkward.

All of a sudden, as if they had walked through walls, three guys and two girls appeared, elegantly but mostly imposing, all five of them walking around like they owned the building.

In a matter of moments, the fifty-something curious eyes that had been fixed on me shifted to them.

And it was glaringly obvious why: Not only did each of them exude an undeniable aura of leadership, but they were also ridiculously good looking.

If we’d been back in high school, they would’ve been the obvious popular click, closed off to all outsiders.

Among them stood a tall, dark figure with severe green eyes that seemed capable of solving the entire ice caps melting problem with just a stare.

James.

He was dressed entirely in black, from his T-shirt—a fitted one—to his jeans and combat boots.

Holy hotness.

His striking features eclipsed even the two girls gorgeous girls beside him. The unexpected sight of him made my heart leap, causing me to hold my breath. A slight tremor ran through my knees, and I fervently hoped I wouldn't do anything (more) embarrassing.

He came to an abrupt stop, his cutting gaze locking onto me.

A flicker of surprise flashed across his face, quickly replaced by a subtle raise of his eyebrow.

Like he were silently demanding an explanation for my presence on his turf, his arms crossing in a gesture of expectation.

The others gathered around him mirrored his stance, their postures radiating anticipation, as if awaiting his cue before making any move. It was undeniably intimidating.

I found myself at a loss, not knowing what to say or do.

Out of sheer desperation, I attempted a wave, but my arm felt oddly numb, causing my elbow to lift first. It dawned on me how lame a wave could be, so I aborted it midway—making matters even worse.

Now, I was stuck with a half-wave, almost punching myself in the face.

Was this really to be my grand introduction to the world of magi? Seriously?

Hoping for some indication of his intentions, I remained rooted to the spot, but he made no effort to approach me.

Instead, his nostrils flared and he looked rather angry at me.

Why? I frowned in confusion. Surrounded by so many strangers, I must have appeared utterly lost and out of place.

Seemed like he could’ve helped me out a little, maybe strike up a conversation.

As I contemplated whether to go up to him and greet him myself, uncertainty gnawed at me. He just stood there, angrily, staring at me as if I had unforgivably trespassed into his domain. I couldn't help but feel like a timid ten-year-old back in middle school, hesitant to approach the popular kids.

I don’t know what happened during summer, I didn’t do anything different, I just went sunbathing and swimming with Mommy and Daddy for a few weeks in a fancy hotel.

It was really nice. But somehow it made my boobs grow.

And now I have to go to school with a bra and real boobs.

But no one else in my class has boobs yet.

I’m so nervous, how is everyone going to treat me?

Maybe no one will notice… I try to convince myself of it, entering the school on the first day back.

But staying invisible is clearly not in the cards for me.

Everyone starts whispering and pointing at me, I feel my face going red but can’t help it.

“Yo, how much were those boobs you bought?” a small kid yells at me, as he and his little friends start laughing.

I feel even smaller and want to go home and cry.

But before I can react, this huge beautiful African American boy, who is like almost twelve, steps forward and punches the guy who had called me out.

“No one will talk shit about her,” I hear him growl.

I’m stunned, why is he defending me? He’s almost twelve and I’m only nine years old! That was so sweet. I walk up to him smiling. “Hi, I’m Emma, you’re Martin, right?” He nods. “Thank you for doing that, you really didn’t have to…but thank you” I add.

He doesn’t quite know what to say, laughs a little sheepishly and holds out a basketball. “You wanna play?” he asks shyly. I nod enthusiastically. Then I play hoops with him every week at least once for years. I’m always protected and no one ever called me names again .

The memory faded. Where was my Martin now?

"Emma Thompson," a rather harsh voice called behind me. Turning around, I faced a petite blond-haired girl with a slender body, covered in numerous tattoos. Though she seemed to be around my age, James’s earlier warning about magi not aging physically after twenty-five, left me uncertain about her true age.

As she reached me, I noticed her commanding presence, which made the whispering crowd around me disperse. Even James nodded his friends away. While I had no clue who this girl was, one thing was clear: people respected her, and from their body language, some might even fear her.

Fantastic. Between the cold but hot looking guy, the intimidating girl, and myself—the new monkey in town—we made quite the interesting trio.

"I'm Enya, second cycler, Human Expert," she greeted me with a firm handshake.

"Emma," I replied with a smile, “no expert at all.”

"I'm your tour guide for the day," she announced with just the right amount of enthusiasm, ignoring my attempt to joke.

"Let's get started; I don't have much time to spare." I nodded hastily and promptly tripped over my own feet trying to keep up. She looked at me indifferently, shaking her head as I stumbled across the hall.

In the distance, I could have sworn I heard James's laughter. Asshole .