Page 16 of Of Bone and Ash

“Your first class is with Professor Sarafin, and it looks like you got the new English professor, so I haven't had him yet. He’s taking over for a professor who is on maternity leave. The Trig professor is actually one of my favorites, so that class should be fun for you. But we unfortunately got Professor Ambros for our Magical Creatures class.”

“And that professor is bad?” I ask as Adam continues to lead me down a long hall, then out a set of double doors at the back of the building. He moves down the stairs without looking up from his tablet, weaving through the crowds of students slowly making their way to their classes.

“No. I wouldn't say bad. Maybe intense? His classes are the hardest to pass, and he’s known for being a hard-ass. Don't miss any assignments; pay attention, and you should be fine. He doesn't tolerate talking in class and doesn't offer make-up work,” Adam says bitterly, like he’s upset over that fact.

“Great,” I mutter, frustrated at Atlas for sticking me in that particular class. I honestly don’t care that he altered my schedule as long as he doesn't demand that I leave the school. I’ve always had decent grades, but was never at the top of my class. I also never really cared for school and had simply selected a few interesting and easy classes.

“We only have it on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” Adam adds, and I nod.

“Okay. So where is the first one?” I ask, and Adam points to the enormous castle presiding at the center of the school.

“All of your classes but one are in there. These three are even in the same wing. So they should be easy for you to find. I’ll lead you to the first class and point out the others on our way.”

I adjust the strap of my black bag as I follow him toward the castle, then frown when I hear something strange above. The area around us suddenly shifts, and a roar that actually makes me flinch echoes over the campus moments before four monstrous-looking dragons fly in a diamond formation overhead.

The first genuine grin lights up my face as I stare up at the sight, seeing two gray Dragons, one blue, and a larger black one at the front. One of my brother's family members, my Uncle Zane, is a Dragon shifter. I’ve always loved seeing his Dragon and watching him fly.

“The Balaur Patrol,” Adam remarks, wincing when another roar sounds.

“Should we be concerned about them out like this? I thought they only ever showed up if there was any danger,” I remark, curious if the rumors about the Dragon’s were true. Silverwood takes great pride in their elusive Balaur Patrol, but it's almost impossible to see them outside of an emergency.

“No, but if you hear those go off.” Adam nods to the giant pair of silver bells residing in the tall tower of the castle on the east side. “Then you know there are Demons nearby and to seek shelter. They are probably doing a rare fly over drill or something,” he says with a shudder.

“You don't like Dragons?” I ask, and Adam shrugs.

“I don't know any. A few students are Dragon shifters, but they’re taking classes to become part of the Patrol. I don't cross paths with them. They are rather large and… scary looking,” he adds, and I scoff. This boy has zero fear of me or my deadly magic, but a giant lizard has him scared?

“You’re scared of large shifters?” I ask, and Adam frowns.

“I don't like fire.” He watches the four Dragons circle the school before landing to the south, near the smaller black castle that houses the Balaur Patrol. Then he shakes his head, glazed-over blue eyes snapping back into focus as he continues toward the castle and practically runs up the stairs. I follow behind a little slower. Though I like to say I’m excellent in heels, my feet are already a little sore from running earlier.

My sister-in-law's best friend, who was always around the house as I grew up, had a thing for dressing up, and I got my heel obsession from her. Kayla taught me how to walk in the shoes, which brands were the best, and all the small tips I would need to wear sky-high heels all day without getting blisters. Running is a no-go for any size of heel, so my feet are already protesting.

I follow Adam through the castle doors, weaving between the students as I try to stay by his side. He’s moving so fast that I barely have time to take in my surroundings. The castle seems to be made of the same gray limestone as everything else. There are lit candelabras and flickering sconces at every turn despite it being morning. The small windows of the castle let in very little light, leaving the area feeling cold, drafty, and somewhat spooky. I smile, loving how different everything is here.

Black Veil, the Fae University back home, has some older buildings, but for the most part, it's all modern, with beautiful and expensive furnishings. All the small houses and apartments are bright and full of natural light. Basically the complete opposite of this place. My magic sparks inside me, doing a happy dance in my chest at the darker surroundings. It's always loved to stay in the dark. It's the happiest where no one can sense or see the black abyss of its deadly power.

When Adam turns and heads up an enormous staircase, I groan, trying to count the steps but losing track halfway up. Fuck my life. Why did I wear heels on the first day? I roll my eyes, hating that people are around, and I can't just stomp up the stairs the way I want to.

“Fucking stairs everywhere. I’m going to mention to the headmaster that elevators are cool and necessary.” I grumble under my breath as I attempt to catch up with Adam, who is on a mission and hasn't realized I fell behind.

“Over there is our Magical Creatures class that we’ll go to tomorrow.” Adam motions to a small wooden door that arches at the top. I study the students who are strolling into the classroom. Most of the guys look pissed about being there, but there are a few girls giggling as they walk hand in hand into the room. Maybe that's what I need. A friend to make it through the class. “Right here is Professor Sarafin’s classroom, which is your first class, and if you walk up the hall and turn right, there is a single door that leads to the tower where your English class is.” Adam points up the hall, and I nod.

“Cool. I can do that,” I agree and nod, looking into the room I need to go to first.

“The Trig class, which is also on Tuesdays and Thursdays, is in the math wing downstairs. It's in the first hall on the right. Super simple to find,” Adam mutters, scowling down at his tablet before his eyes snap to mine, and he nods. “See you at lunch,” he says abruptly, reaching into his pocket and holding something out for me. I hesitantly reach out, being mindful not to touch his skin as I grab the small item from him. Then, I watch in amusement as Adam turns on his heel and strides away without another word.

“And I thought I was bad with people,” I mutter as I glance down at the small, white, square packet in my hand. It's a sanitizer wipe. The urge to smile hits again, and I roll my eyes in annoyance. Adam will be a dangerous friend to have around. He’s far too comfortable around me and my magic, and somehow, in under twenty-four hours, I already feel protective of him. I also haven't felt the need to kill him yet, which is weird but refreshing.

Hopefully, that will last.

SEVEN

Teos

“Fuck!” I snarl, running my hands through my messy hair as I spin on my heel and stomp toward the dining hall. She must have headed that way, which makes no goddamn sense. My Bella hates people and despises crowds even more. I figured I had her when I headed toward the atrium rather than the dining hall.

Holy shit! She’s actually here!

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