Page 4 of Traveler (Soulbound #1)

Aly

The Smell Of foo d pulls me from my sleep. Rolling over, I sit up, and looking around, I see Vivianne sitting on her bed, holding her plate, watching me.

“Ah, she wakes! Do You want to talk while we eat or eat and then talk?” She asks, pointing to containers sitting on my desk. I climb off the bed and grab a plate with spaghetti and meatballs. When I'm satisfied, I walk over and plop down on the bed, motioning for her to continue.

“So, Completing the bond happens when you sleep with each other, so hold off on sleeping with your potential mates until, you are sure. I know there may be some internal reservations about being with multiple people. Here in this realm, that isn't a concern You should have; most people have multiple mates, and the idea of fated mates is very common. When your complete bonds, you will be moved from these dorms to the family dorms, with enough space for You and whoever You accept. Your main goal during this time is to find your mates, choose what kind of relationship You want with each of them, and learn to control your magic. I am here to guide you, counsel you, keep you safe, and answer questions as You have them. Ultimately, we want this transition to be as seamless as possible. Now, what questions do You have.”

Swallowing the last of my dinner. I think through what she just said. “What does completing the bond mean?”

“When You mate, you both will gain markings, like tattoos. Mate bonds are like soul mates. They can’t be manipulated or altered. Once you accept a mate, you’re like... what do they call it where you are from? Oh! Married. except the whole divorce thing isn’t real. You like can’t break up. So, like I said choose wisely.”

“So, at the end of this, I could potentially be married to 11 people?” I squeak.

“Yep, oh! When You get a chance, look in Your closet; You have to wear a uniform here. But don't worry, they are super cute, and You can wear pants or a skit, whatever makes You more comfortable.” She smiles, swinging her legs and jumping off her bed.

I need a shower and some quiet time. Turning on the water, I strip out of my clothes and climb in. Clearing my mind, I focus on the reality of my new situation: I’m safe, I think I could genuinely be happy here, I'm honest with myself. I'm relieved. Living in that house with all of the memories but without my parents was draining me. And as much as I'll miss the familiarity, there is a part of me that’s glad that I didn't have to be the one to give myself a fresh start. Is that fucked up?

Groaning, I go through my shower routine, and when I get out, I start searching, praying to the Gods- or is it just one? Anyway, I need a blow dryer, so whoever I need to pray to will do—sticking my head out of the bathroom, “Hey, Vivianne? Is there a Blow dryer anywhere? “As soon as the words are out of my mouth, Vivianne falls off the bed laughing.

“Girl, you are at a supernatural academy for elemental magic, and You are asking if there is basically a wind device to dry Your hair?” She continues to laugh as she gets up and walks to the bathroom. Pushing open the door she grabs my shoulders and points me at the mirror.

“Okay, remember when I taught You how to find Your magic? You're going to look for the white wisps and slowly push it to Your hands. Try not to push too hard. Wind likes to be guided, not forced.”

Closing my eyes, I locate my magic again and try to nudge my air magic towards my hands. At first, nothing happens, but then I feel small gusts of wind pouring from my hands.

“Great. Now, try to push a little more and move Your hands so You blow the air down. You don't want to walk around campus looking like You've been electrocuted.”

Doing as she says, I try to style my hair. It isn’t as easy as people make it sound, but after around 10 minutes, I get the hang of it. When my hair is done, I take a deep breath. “Thanks. I feel a little out of my depth here,” I say quietly.

“It’s okay not to know everything; that's why I'm here. As long as You actually take classes and Your job seriously, you’ll do just fine. I promise.” Giving me something I think resembles a hug but is more like a head lock, she returns to her bed.

Throwing on some clothes, I climb into bed. Pulling the covers up, I turn to Face Vivianne's side of the room. “What’s the plan for tomorrow?” I ask

“Well, when we wake up, we will get ready and head out to do Your tour of the campus and grab some coffee. We need to stop by the library to pick up Your books and get You some needed supplies. After that, we have a meeting to go to, but other than that, it’s a pretty relaxed day, so You can rest and study a little before classes start the next day.“ Nodding, I turn and let myself fall asleep.

***

When I wake up the next morning, I notice Vivianne is gone, so I get up and head to the bathroom to get ready. When I walk in, there is makeup on the counter that all looks brand new with a note.

Thought You might want to not look like a drooling mess in case we meet any of Your men. This is for You. Your uniform is in Your wardrobe. Be back soon - V

Don't mind if I do. Throwing on a bit of makeup, I finish in the bathroom by brushing my teeth and head to the wardrobe to try on the uniform. They gave me both the option of pants and a skirt. I appreciate the gesture, but unless I haven't shaved my legs, which I did. Thank God . I will be rocking the full effect of the schoolgirl look. I got mates to impress.

Smiling to myself, I button up my shirt and slip the tie over my head. At the bottom of the wardrobe, I see three types of shoes. One is a pair of black flats, which are cute, but not my style. The second is a pair of black platform heels with a thick heel that will ensure I don’t topple. The Third is a pair of stilettos that would be super adorable with the pants. Grabbing the platforms, I slip them on and smooth down my hair.

When I finish, I walk over to the full-length mirror and not to toot my own horn or anything, but I look hot in this thing. The skirt falls a few inches above my knee, and the heels make my legs look longer than they are, which is always a win. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a jacket hanging near the door. Grabbing it, I slip it on, and now I look like I belong on an episode of Gossip Girl. When I finish my once-over, I empty my backpack and throw my tablet in it, so I don’t have to carry everything later.

Seconds later, Vivianne opens the door. “Oh good, You're ready. Let’s go.” she says, holding the door open. When we left the dorm, she shows me the main buildings, like the library and classrooms. The grounds are beautiful. It's 10/10 better than anything I've seen back home. The colors seem…. More? Everything is clean, almost sparkling. People are scattered around the lawn, talking with friends and laughing. Everyone looks so happy. There is part of my mind that I can't believe my mom is from here.

How could someone come from a world that looks like this to Earth? Is this still considered earth? Add that to my list of things to ask about. Taking a deep breath, I move to catch up with Vivianne, who seems to have decided I was walking too slow.

“Okay, so over here is the fountain. This is where most people hang out and probably the easiest place to get Your barring, in case You get lost.” She quips.

“Got it, but aren't You going to be with me the whole time?” I say, looking into the fountain.

“Well, yeah, but You're going to want some time alone with Your mates, and when You meet up with them between classes, this might be the best spot to meet.” Rolling her eyes, she turns and starts heading to the office buildings for the teachers.

When we walk in, I take in the marble floors and high ceilings. God, this place is beautiful. “Oh, I meant to ask. Are there Gods.... Plural, or is it just the one? “Vivianne stops in her tracks, making me bump into her back before she starts giggling.

“Girl, you need to get Your priorities straight. You've been thrust into a new world where You have to mate at least seven people, and Your concern is whether there are gods or just a god?” she continues laughing before giving in “gods.”

“Hey, it's not my fault. I know nothing about this place, and You told me to ask questions.” I huff.

“Over here is where all of Your professor's offices are, so if You need additional help or have questions, you can find them here during office hours. They are posted on the doors and on Your tablet. “

About halfway down the hall, Vivianne turns into a room. When I follow, I stop dead in my tracks. My mouth opens and closes a few times, all words dying in my throat. A woman sits behind a desk talking with Vivianne glasses hanging low on her nose as she looks above them…

“Mom?” I croak. Tears sting behind my eyes. The woman looks up at me, and her face softens.

“Alyssa, please. Come sit.” she says softly, her eyebrows wrinkled. She points at the seat next to Vivianne.

On shaky legs, I make my way over to the seat and slowly lower myself to the chair. Obviously, this isn't my mom. Moms dead. My mind finally catches up, realizing this is her twin sister. “Holy shit.” I breathe.

“Holy shit indeed. I’m Your Aunt Genevieve.” She says Laughing. “How are You settling in?” She asks

“I- I’m doing alright. Honestly, I’m a little overwhelmed. I didn't know You would be teaching here. Are You one of my Professors? “Chewing on my lip, I try to process this. I mean, this could be great. Having family here might make this all easier, but… every time I look at her, all I see is mom. Looking down at the Plack on her desk, I see ‘Professor Genevieve James ‘Fuck my life. I can't catch a break to save my life.

“I am one of Your Professors. I will be teaching all of Your Fire element classes. I’m sorry about Sarah. Vivianne told me what happened, and I’m sorry I couldn't be there for You. I asked that I be omitted from your schedule until we could meet. I wanted you to meet me before realizing you have a whole lot of family here.” Her eyes drop to her hands. The thought that she missed her sister's funeral, that she hasn't seen her in years except for in the mirror, forces the tears I've been holding back to fall. This is the first time I've ever had to think about the fact that there are people out there who loved my parents and who miss them too. Getting up from my seat, I move around her desk and drop to my knees, wrapping my arms around her.

“I'm sorry, too. “My words muffled by her shoulder. She holds onto me while we both take a moment. When I pull back, I see a soft smile on her face.

“You look so much like her.” She whispers.

Giggling to myself, I give her a look. “So do You.” I snark back

Returning to my seat, I take a deep breath and look at Vivianne, who gives me a small smile and nods. “So, obviously, I’m here if You need anything, as well as Your grandparents, who will be coming for family day. They are excited to meet You. With Vivianne also back, we are excited to be a family again. “She says softly. At her words, I choke for a second before whirling around to look at a cringing Vivianne.

“Shit. “ She mumbles, looking at me out of the corner of her eye.

“I'm sorry, Family?! As in, we are related?” I squeak, looking at my aunt, who is trying and failing to hide her laugh.

“Yes, Family, as in Vivianne is Your cousin. My Daughter.” She says after composing herself

“I didn't want to overwhelm You. With the whole ‘ Hey, cuz, you don't know me, but my mom is a clone of Your mom, and we are sister cousins. Oh, and also, you have at least seven mates that You also have to process how to deal with .’ Kind of thought that would be a bit much.” She rambles, throwing her hands in the air.

Okay, so mental checklist One: You have a whole family, including an aunt, grandparents, and a sister cousin. Who calls it that? Seriously? Who is also Your guardian supposed to help You locate the seven men who are supposed to be Your husbands in a world full of magic that You have to learn to use and control? Okay, wait, is that all One? Oh, I am so fucked. Like, send an ambulance I think I’m having a heart attack and aneurysm at the same time. #sendhelp

Cruel Joke-5, Aly -0