Page 92 of The Powers of Nyx

“Before you go to orientation, we’ll have a chat,” she continued, “then you’ll be added to the rest of the populace. I just want to go over some paperwork.”

Something about the mention of paperwork almost had me giggling. It seemed so...mundane, considering I was in a literal academy for supernatural creatures.

Creatures I’d one day rule over.

The entrance of the academy reminded me of older colleges, like the one Thea and I had attended, only more...opulent. This one, unlike my old college, had a large chandelier dangling from the ceiling. It gave off a golden light, and on either side of us were statues of Nyx and current paintings of Queen Greer, which were kind of unsettling.

We stepped into what looked like a sitting room, which had a secretarial office to one side, a few gold and green loveseats scattered around low tables. It opened up to two massive hallways that lead around the campus, as well as ornate, dark-wood stairs that went up to the next floor.

“I’m sure your mates can give you a proper tour later,” Headmistress Sylvia said. “But this is where we request families to wait in order to see me or their children. The hallway to your left leads off to the south side of campus with your dorms, and the hallway to the right, you’ll find my office, as well as the offices of some professors and other faculty members. We boast one of the best faculties our world has to offer.”

She sounded extremely proud of that. Which made me hope it wouldn’t be as bad as everyone had made it out to be.

The hallway was dark, but in a cozy way. The lights floated at intervals between doors with cards detailing which office belonged to who. The headmistress slowed and pointed to a set of double doors. “Infirmary. You may find yourself there more than once, but we have the best healers on staff—not like you need it with your power.”

This time, I wasn’t sure I liked the pride in her voice. It sent a shiver down my spine, drawing on all the worries I’d tried to bury.

I’ll make sure you don’t ever have to be there,Elias promised.

I spared him a look over my shoulder and hoped it didn’t reveal just how nervous I was.

Headmistress Sylvia stopped in front of another set of double doors, which had her name along the front. The dark wood had been carved into, with an interesting forest-like design. Dark and whimsical, with towering, almost bendy trees, which hid the faces of creatures.Freaky.

She opened the doors without a word. It was exactly how I imagined it would be: heavy dark-wood furniture, built in bookshelves overflowing with tomes, even a large bay window that overlooked the campus, specifically a murky looking lake with a building submerged in the centre.

Circling the desk, Headmistress Sylvia motioned to the chairs in front of her. “Please, sit, and we’ll get started.”

Paperwork, it so happened, was more to do with magical signatures and such. Things I wasn’t really confident about but was starting to understand. She made keys that understood not only my magic, but also Elias’s and Rowan’s—though Ro’s would need to be altered once the bond was complete. Maeve and Adrian would get their own when they came to take over from Elias and Rowan.

There were also rules to my admission, which she explained, ones I hadn’t considered. Like my magic.

“The ring you wear needs to stay on and be re-charmed once a week,” she stated. “This isn’t just about your safety—but the safety of all students here. You may only be attending for this semester, but your presence, despite being wanted, is also a worry.”

I swallow hard and nod. “I understand.”And yet I still can’t get out of it.

“You will also have to...tone down your mate bonds.”

At that, I stiffened. “What?”

“As I’m sure you’re aware, the more mate bonds, the more powerful. That doesn’t just apply to you and my mother, I’m afraid. Here, mate circles are a reminder of power. Take Adrian for example: when he came of age, you can imagine how many vied to be his mate or at least, part of his circle. When he didn’t show signs of a mate, he was considered less powerful. He was the Queen’s son—he should have found his mate amongst the most powerful of Avalon. But he hadn’t.” She glanced at Rowan, who ducked his head. “This one faced similar scrutiny but survived it—fortunately for you. But usually, three to four per circle is normal in the more powerful families. Several groups like this have popped up over the last couple of years, and you’ll notice as such when you start attending the final year classes.”

“So, I can’t be with all of my mates?” I asked carefully. My magic didn’t like what she was saying, but since being anchored, I found myself more capable of bottling it up.

The headmistress sighed. “I know, from my mother, that it will be difficult for you. Especially if you find additional mates while you’re here. But that’s why we’ve given your mates roles at the academy. They will be with you, but not as mates. Unfortunately, because you can’t go long without being with them, it makes it harder, but you’ll be in a private room with them so your needs are met.” My cheeks flushed red, and it was my turn to duck my head. “It’s normal. But here, the rest of us don’t require being with our mates all the time. Mates can be parted for long periods of time without harm.”

“Lucky,” I muttered, which earned a growl from Elias. “What? It’s true! This whole pull thing is kind of annoying.”

“Are you saying you don’t like being with us?” Rowan asked teasingly, though there was a hint of insecurity in his tone.

I turned to him and shook my head. “Of course not. But it unfortunately makes everyone’s lives a little harder.”

“I wouldn’t change it for anything,” Elias grunted.

“I know.” Rolling my eyes, I turned back to a very amused headmistress. “So, basically no PDA with anyone and keeping it to the room. Easy. Rowan already warned me of common-room orgies and to expect a hell of a lot worse, so I think keeping to myself won’t be too hard.”

Headmistress Sylvia grinned. “I like you,” she said. “Other than that, you will also have a student guide. Think of her as a friend. I made sure to pick the least awful student, and she will be in most—if not all—of your priority classes. You’ll get your final schedule during orientation as well as your study material, and your guide will meet you there.” She stood from behind her desk and passed me what looked like a map. “Just in case Rowandoesn’t remember where the hall is, since he rarely attended any of the assemblies or orientations himself.”

Again, Rowan ducked his head, and I grinned as I took the thick paper from her hand. “Thanks.”

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