Page 14

THIRTEEN

FREYA

The two-hour train ride to Blackthorn was the longest of my life. Every minute seemed like an eternity, but the train finally arrived. A rustling echoed through the cabin as everyone rose and reached for our bags. As expected, Oscar grabbed mine before I could even protest, and Ava’s expression darkened, her anger unmistakable.

Blue leaned forward, suppressing a laugh at Ava’s reaction, while Stella was glued to her game, the light from the screen shining into her eyes, focused.

We disembarked one by one. A woman was standing at the entrance to the train, waiting; a golden-haired beauty with her hair neatly tied in a bun. Her black skirt, simple but elegant, fell just above her knees. And the only hint of color she wore was bright red lipstick that matched her porcelain skin perfectly. Ocean blue eyes flashed over us, inscrutable but commanding.

I had expected maybe five more students, but there were only about half a dozen of us.

The woman’s voice was clear as she spoke to us. “Students, welcome to Blackthorn Academy of Verity and Vision . My name is Luna Aracelis, and I will be your guide for today. Please, follow me.”

She turned sharply, lifting her chin with an air of quiet authority, and we followed, dragging our bags over the cobblestone path that led toward the towering castle ahead.

Blue and Stella walked beside me. I caught the gleam in her eyes, the same spark of excitement I imagined mirrored my own.

“Here, in front of us, is Blackthorn Academy . It was originally built in 1826, but in 1907, it was made into an academy.”

As we walked across the bridge, a large square stretched out before us, dominated by a massive ash tree whose spreading branches reminded me of the maple tree in my grandmother’s yard. In the shadow of a tree stood a man of about 60 years old, with two young men beside him, waiting as if they were expecting us.

She pointed towards him, “This is Hector, he is our groundskeeper, and behind him, there is Victor and Will, leave your suitcase with them, they’ll tag it with your name, and once you have your dorm signed, your suitcase shall be waiting in your dorm.” She continued, “After you’ve finished here, you can check the board of classes on the academy map. Each class location is tagged to help you find your way. You will need to select five classes for your first year and sign your name on the attendee list. At precisely 5 p.m., you must be in the Great Hall for dinner, where you will be assigned a house and a dorm.”

A line had already formed in front of the groundskeeper. Panic tightened in my chest, creeping up like vines.

I wasn’t sure what to decide; I wasn’t sure which way to go. I’ve never chosen anything for myself, and now the choice is mine. I closed my eyes and focused on breathing, trying to calm myself down.

A gentle hand wrapped around mine, jerking me out of my thoughts. I opened my eyes to find Stella standing in front of me, worry etched in her eyes.

“Are you okay?” she asked quietly.

I was just about to answer when Blue came closer, blinking rapidly in front of me as if trying to wake me up.

“Look, we’ll stick together,” she said, pressing her lips into a line. “I’m afraid just as much as you.”

Relief washed over me. “Thank you,” I panted.

With that, we rolled our bags over to the man in charge.

When we reached him, he provided each of us with a tag, and we were asked to sign our names prior to leaving our bags behind. The only thing that I held onto was my phone, safely in the pocket of my blazer.

We strolled back to the beginning point of the square, where a large map was spread out with the academy layout. Beside her stood a massive white board with lots of slips of paper with class names and times scribbled all over it.

I stared at it, my brain unable to process the series of letters placed before me.

“How the fuck should I know what to do?” Blue suddenly snapped, speaking aloud what was going through my head.

Stella let out a laugh. “Well, what were you good at in school?”

“Nothing,” Blue deadpanned. “But I might just take whatever you guys take.”

We turned back to the list, scanning the options. The classes available included:

Political Science & Diplomacy

Psychology & Behavioral Analysis

Criminal Law & Forensic Science

Economics & Market Manipulation

The History of Alchemy & Chemical Discoveries

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Psychological Resilience & Stress Management

Forensic Psychology & Criminal Investigation

Toxicology & Poisons: Chemical Effects on the Human Body

Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity

Architecture & Urban Design

Strategic Business & Operations Management

Art & Design

Sociology & Social Engineering

The History of Innovation & Invention

Philosophy & Ethics

History

Literary Studies

Astronomy & Cosmology

Rhetoric & Public Speaking

Dark Psychology & Manipulation Tactics

Cults, Fanaticism, & Mass Influence

Quantum Mysticism & Metaphysics

The Science of Dreams & Hallucinations

I ran my finger down the list, scanning the options.

“Blue, I think you’d be great in Sociology,” I said, pausing on the subject.

She glanced at the list, then at us, her expression shifting from skepticism to realization. “Oh,” she muttered, “they actually have stuff I’m good at.”

I smiled, turning back to the board. “I know I need to take The History of Alchemy & Chemical Discoveries .”

“ Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity for me,“ Stella chimed in. “I’m a tech girl.”

“We need five classes,” Blue reminded us, tapping her foot impatiently.

Okay, I can do this. Think, Freya, think.

I let my eyes skim over the list again, picking out subjects that stood out.

Quantum Mysticism & Metaphysics

The Science of Dreams & Hallucinations

The History of Alchemy & Chemical Discoveries

Forensic Psychology & Criminal Investigation

Toxicology & Poisons: Chemical Effects on the Human Body

Even though I had chosen my five, there was still time to switch them later if I changed my mind.

“Shall we go to our first class together?” Blue asked. “I need to break the ice with someone I actually know.”

Stella turned to me. “I’m cool with Toxicology & Poisons .”

Blue grinned. “I mean, I could stay in that class… if they teach me how to poison Ava.”

Stella burst out laughing and playfully slapped her on the shoulder. “That’s my sister you’re talking about.”

“Then take one for the team,” Blue teased her with a wicked grin.

I raised a brow. “I’m in.”

Blue nodded at both of us, her grin widening. “Let’s go.”

We entered the lecture room early before the bell struck. Almost dark like a cave, with a vaulted ceiling hidden in the soft glow of the golden lamps. Straight rows of strong oak desks, their surfaces worn by the tide of passing students, extended forward in order, one after another. In front of them, like an altar, stood a huge mahogany table, waiting for the arrival of the professor. Beyond it stood a large dark board, with a surface worn by the marks of previous lessons.

There were two heavy books at the professor’s table, their cracked leather covers worn with time, alongside a glass terrarium that contained some small beast, whose shape shifted in the dark. Parchment and ink scented the atmosphere. The room smelled of decay, with time itself pressing against the stones at either end. The chairs, their backs low and simple, were dark-stained and bound in leather, making their presence more gothic and unnatural.

Minutes passed, and more students came in until nearly every seat was occupied. In front of us were blank notebooks, a pen, and a sheet of paper where we were required to sign our names and indicate whether we had chosen this class or not.

Blue raised an eyebrow as she scanned the room. “This class is full of girls. Guess everyone’s got someone they want to poison.”

We laughed, but the hum of conversation in the room died away abruptly as the professor entered.

“Damn,” Blue muttered under her breath. “That ass.”

“Shh.” I nudged her, trying not to laugh as I focused my attention forward.

The professor, with his back to us, began to write his name on the board. His hair was dark brown, nearly black, and slicked back. He wore black pants and a matching black shirt, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the ink curling along his forearms. And the lines of the scorpion tattoo between his thumb and forefinger became more visible with every movement of his hand as he wrote, Professor Lucius Lockwood.

He paused, staring at his own handwriting for a moment before turning around. My eyes lingered, curiosity sparking in my chest. If he looked that good from behind, was the front just as impressive?

Judging by the collective, dreamy sighs from the room, I wasn’t the only one with that thought.

Then, as he faced the class, his eyes—dark brown behind the faint glint of his glasses—landed directly on mine.

And the first thing out of his mouth was:

“FUCK.”

A piece of chalk slipped from his fingers, clattering against the floor.

Blue and Stella both snapped their heads toward me.

“Do you know this guy?” Stella whispered, her voice edged with curiosity.

I swallowed hard, my pulse stuttering.

Did I?

No.

At least… I didn’t think so.

Professor Lockwood cleared his throat. “I, uh… I forgot how many of you are here today.” He scratched the back of his head, his eyes widening slightly. “It’s not good for my social anxiety.”

A wave of laughter broke through the room, including mine.

“Okay,” he continued, crossing his arms. “If you’re in this class, you either want to poison someone… or you’re interested in the unfortunate souls who’ve already been poisoned.”

Blue raised her hand without hesitation. “Yes and yes. And I want to know everything.”

Stella and I immediately ducked down, pretending not to be with her.

Lockwood’s gaze settled on her as he took a step closer. “And what’s your name?”

“Blue,” she said, unfazed.

He cocked his head. “And who exactly do you want to poison?”

Leaning back against the desk, he crossed his arms, and I swear I could see the muscles in his forearms flex.

“My friend’s sister, Ava. She’s a real bitch.”

Laughter broke out throughout the classroom.

But then, to everyone’s surprise, Ava—who was sitting in the front row—suddenly stood up.

“I’m here, you twat! And you’re the only person getting poisoned.”

The room was tense, everyone’s eyes darting between them.

“Okay,” Lockwood interjected, his voice cutting through the chaos. His expression was unreadable, but there was something dangerously amused in his tone.

Without another word, he turned to the glass terrarium on his desk, lifted its top, and walked over to Ava, holding something in his hand.

“Give me your hand.”

Ava hesitated for a split second before extending her hand.

The entire room collectively held their breath as Lockwood, without warning, placed the scorpion squarely on her outstretched arm.

My stomach clenched into knots. The blood drained from my face so fast I felt dizzy.

Beside me, Stella noticed. “Are you okay?” she whispered.

I couldn’t even nod. My eyes were fixed on the scorpion that was now sliding across Ava’s palm, its sharp, poised tail moving up and down.

Lockwood, completely unfazed, returned to the table, placing the lid on the empty terrarium as if he hadn’t just accidentally handed the venomous beast to a student.

And then, as if in a fog, Ava clapped her hands together, trapping the scorpion inside. A muffled scream left her lips as she raced straight to the back row, straight toward us.

Cold sweat covered my forehead, but my whole body felt like it was on fire. I was breathing shallowly and unevenly as I watched Ava slowly pull her hands apart.

And then—she threw the scorpion.

Not at Blue.

Not on Stella.

At me.

On my face.

Right between my eyes.

A piercing scream tore from my throat and the entire room seemed to freeze, time slowing to a cruel, suffocating crawl.

At the same moment, the professor turned, his gaze snapping to mine. But I barely registered it—for all I could see were black dots dancing in my vision, multiplying, swirling, consuming everything.

And then—

Darkness.

Complete. Absolute. Nothingness.

Light slaps patted my cheek, bringing me back to reality. My breath hitched as I blinked, my vision still blurry, and his blurred face came into focus. His deep, husky voice cut through the fog.

“Are you okay?”

I gasped, my chest heaving as reality crept back in.

Stella and Blue hovered nearby, but he pushed them aside, his attention focused only on me. Those dark eyes never wavered, never left mine.

“The beast?” I managed to whisper. “Gone?”

His brows furrowed for a moment before his jaw clenched, his expression unreadable. “The beast?” he echoed, then, in a flat but final voice, he said, “Gone forever.”

His hand hovered in the air between us, waiting. Steadfast. Without hesitation, I placed my hand in his, and he pulled me to my feet effortlessly.

The room was empty now, except for Blue and Stella, who were leaning against the table, watching me.

I swallowed hard, my cheeks burning as I looked around. “Is class over?”

He cleared his throat. “I dismissed the students after you…” He hesitated, his gaze sweeping over me. “Fell.”

I nodded slowly. “Oh.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you going to be okay?”

Before I could answer, Blue stepped forward, slipping her hand through mine. “She will be, Professor.”

He exhaled through his nose, nodding once before turning away. “I have one more class to teach. Thank you for attending, ladies.”

Without another glance, he walked across the room, gathering his briefcase and, to my luck, the glass terrarium that had held that awful scorpion.

As soon as he was gone, I let out a groan and pressed my palm to my forehead. “I’m so embarrassed. I fainted.” I threw my hands up. “I fucking fainted.”

Blue doubled over, laughing. “You should’ve seen your face—it was priceless.”

“Oh, stop it,” Stella scolded, rolling her eyes. “She was spooked, that’s all.”

I let out a nervous chuckle. “No, Stella. I wasn’t spooked. I was terrified. I hate scorpions.”

Stella smirked. “Maybe this isn’t the class for you, then?” She picked up a notebook from the table, her eyes glinting. “Because if you do choose to attend, it sure as hell won’t be for chemistry and poisons.”

She lifted a brow knowingly.

Blue pressed her lips together, clearly trying not to burst out laughing again. Then, with an exaggerated sway of her hips in those ridiculously tight pink jeans, she grabbed the pen and scrawled her name across the sign-in sheet.

“Oh, I know I want to attend.” She said.

I rolled my eyes. “Purely for chemistry purposes, of course.”

“Sure,” she said, crossing her arms, unconvinced.

“Are you in?” Stella asked, twirling a pen between her fingers.

I nodded, closing the space between the table and me. Taking the pen, I signed the paper with a smirk. “The hell with it.”

As soon as she saw me do it, she signed as well. “One down, four to go.”

“Do we take this with us or...?” I lifted the paper in the air toward her.

Blue pressed her palm to her lips, her eyes smiling to me. “Honey, you have to hand it to that hot piece of ass.”

“Ahh,” I groaned, shooting her a look. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to look him in the face again. Like, ever.”

“Your cheeks were so red,” Blue teased, grinning. “I felt your pain.”

“Shut up,” I muttered, heat rushing to my face again. “No, they weren’t.”

“Aha,” she mumbled, grabbing the paper and heading toward the door. “My next class is sociology. Meet me by the tree at 4 p.m.?”

“Perfect,” I said, the corners of my lips curving into an awkward smile as she disappeared through the door.

“What’s your next class?” Stella asked as she walked down the hall, me trailing behind her.

“The Science of Dreams & Hallucinations,” I said, my eyes dropping to the tips of my heavy shoes. My thoughts drifted.

Lately, I’d been having these strange, unsettling dreams, more nightmares than dreams. A voice, calling me. A presence, watching me. For the past three days, I had been questioning what was real and what was just a dream. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong with me. It was all becoming too real. The flashes of memories tangled in those dreams made my skin crawl with fear.

I just didn’t know how that was even possible. And I was losing my mind trying to make sense of it. This new version of me felt like it was cracking, splintering apart, and breaking all over again.

I didn’t want to turn into my dad, disappearing from the lives of people who mattered to me. Or my mom, walking away and never looking back when I needed her the most. In this whole battle of finding myself, I was afraid I was losing everyone around me. But was it because they didn’t care enough to stay? Or was I simply too much for them to love, so they had to leave?

“Earth to Freya.” Stella snapped her fingers in front of my face. “We have to go.”

We hurried through the classroom and into the hallway. She pointed to the door on the right. “This one’s yours. Mine is two minutes away, so I gotta run.”

I stared at the door. My chest felt tight, my limbs frozen. Sensing my hesitation, she gave me a look.

“Go. I’ll be fine,” I lied.

I was never fine.

The truth was, I needed someone to take my hand and pull me forward. Otherwise, I’d let things slip, leave them unfinished until they faded from my mind completely. But I knew, here, of all places, there was no one to hold my hand. I had to do it myself.

Freya, you’re eighteen. A grown-ass adult. You can open the damn door and apologize for being late. Again.

I tightened my grip around the doorknob, took a breath, and knocked lightly.

Three times. Silence.

I exhaled, already turning away, ready to give up—

But the door swung open behind me. And his voice filled the space.

“Yes?”

I turned on my heel, the heat spreading to my cheeks when I met his gaze. “Am I too late?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“Maybe.” He crossed his arms, unimpressed. “But get in.”

As I brushed past him, his cologne hit me, intoxicating, like something that could slip into my bloodstream and stay there. I hurried to an empty seat, feeling his presence as he turned back to the class, shutting the door behind him.

“One thing I won’t tolerate,” his voice cut through the silence, “is being late.”

His stare locked onto me, sharp as a blade. The entire class turned to watch.

Oh, God. Earth. Whatever. Open up and swallow me whole.

But this wasn’t Wonderland. Or hell. This was Blackthorn. My choice. And I had to own it.

I cleared my throat, straightened my posture, and met his gaze. “Won’t happen again.”

His jaw tightened. “Good.”

His anger simmered beneath the surface like a storm waiting to break. I could see it in his eyes. And just like that, I knew I was going to fail this class.

He turned his back to us and picked up a piece of white chalk, scrawling across the board. The class shifted back into focus, but no one spoke. No one even breathed too loudly. It was as if they all felt his anger.

Who was this guy?

Why was everyone terrified of him yet desperate to be in his class? Every seat had been taken. I had barely managed to find a spot.

And God, would it kill the man to smile?

Back in New York, teachers smiled. I guess that was one more thing I’d have to forget now.