Page 19 of Savage Hope

On top of all that, the reality is clear. This man is aware of what has been happening to us. He stands before us unashamed in the fact that nothing was done to help us. It’s not even a thought to him, I can sense it.

Orphaned, ripped to nothing, drained of our memories, and he wants me to jump for joy at the news he's providing. Apparently, I should be ecstatic, but in all actuality, I'm in absolute disbelief. This isn't exciting.

This is a new path that is sure to be riddled with new hurdles. A new school and new rules inside a new set of walls whose sole purpose is to contain me. I’m going from one prison to the next.

S squeezes my arm, bouncing on the balls of her feet, her eyes shining bright as they meet mine. This is one time in our lives that she is one hundred percent not going to receive any positivity from me. I’m too stuck wondering what this all means.

I may have hated it, but at least I was familiar with how Florentine worked. From the lessons to the hierarchy, it all made sense. Not only is all of this unknown, but what do they want from us? Our lives? Haven’t they already taken enough?

“At Trinity Falls Academy your eyes will be opened to a much broader spectrum. For my witches, you will learn how to becomeone with your magic, hopefully finding a coven for yourselves along the way. Our wolves fall into packs, running free in the night when the full moon shines, finding a true part of yourself that you hadn't found before. Vampires, the friendships, abilities, and new skills that will be available to you are nothing that you will have experienced before. For those that are actually humans here, do not stress that you are one of the fatal few humans that are unfortunately a descendant of the blood kin curse along with my supernaturals. The rest of the human world lives without knowledge of our existence, and as such, it will be a blessing for you to gain such knowledge. It is with tremendous pride that I assure you it is my responsibility, as the law states, to ensure that an equal platform is provided for everybody. It is our utmost intention to give you a level playing field. There are many things that await you on the other side of those doors. So please, take a moment, take a deep breath, and be prepared to say goodbye to the old version of yourselves, because once we enter, there is no turning back. There is no yesterday. There is only hope that over the next twelve months you can grasp the opportunities we put in front of you and give yourself a chance to survive the blood curse.”

“What's the point in any of this? If people paid for us to be hidden away and protected, they can surely just pay to ensure we fail here,” V shouts from the back of the group, gaining everyone’s attention as I too turn to her with wide eyes, silently applauding her.

Professor Whitmore chuckles, the sound grating at my brain. “Of course, I understand your concerns, but the law dictates equal rights, and the law is bound into the very being of our existence.” He tilts his head at V before glancing around the entire group. “It is believed that any family who interferes over the course of the next two years of your life may find the blood curse runs deeper than they know, for their fate may take adark turn come their child’s twenty-second birthday if they don't follow the rules.”

I bite back a scoff. He seems confident in what he's saying, but it sounds like a lot of what ifs and assumptions to me, when what we really need right now is plain black and white. We’re being ripped from one home and stuffed into another. Again. Only this time, we might be privileged enough to remember the transition and what we’re leaving behind.

Silence greets us when no one else raises any cause for concern, but I’m internally thankful that V seems to be on the same wavelength as me.

Professor Whitmore throws his arms out wide as his smile grows further, although it doesn't seem to quite meet his eyes. “Please, Florentine students, follow me, and explore the adventures your future now holds.”

It feels like a well practiced line, but it seems to do the trick as everyone starts to move, including V, who does stutter for a moment, but eventually falls into line. I watch as they all move. S is now curled under B’s arm, and I don’t even remember when she let go of me. I’m left with my feet rooted to the ground. My heart racing wildly in my chest.

“I’m assuming you're going to follow, Miss?” Whitmore’s words are polite, but the tone is clear. Meeting his gaze, I realize he’s already by the door.

I rub my lips together, summoning the courage to open my mouth. “What is all of this for?” I ask. So few words for such a big question, but I can't seem to move without a little more understanding. A simple question, yet endless possible responses. My fear of the unknown holds me in place as something deep inside me screams for an answer.

When the professor smiles this time, it meets his eyes, the gleam genuine as he nods in my direction. “This is your chance to survive. The question is, are you going to take it?”

8

P

Stepping through the arched doorway and into the academy, I find it impossible to inhale a full breath of air. His words fuel my ability to put one foot in front of the other. It’s the only way I can explain it. It definitely doesn’t help that what greets me, steals what remains of my breath as my eyes dart around the grandeur that surrounds me.

I don't know where to look first.

Intricately detailed gray marble floors are framed with sparkling black tiles leading off in every direction. The pattern proceeds up both sets of stairs that run parallel to one another until they meet at the balcony that overlooks the entire foyer. Dark wooden beams and huge panes of glass decorate the upper floor, trailing down the staircases, but as I tilt my head back, it’s the black and gold chandelier that hangs from the ceiling that captures my attention.

I can hear the lilt in Professor Whitmore’s voice as he addresses our group, pointing out every little detail of the space, but I’m struggling to take it in. He’s talking, but his words aren't registering in my mind as I soak in the sights before me.

Curling my hands in front of me, I look down at my feet, panicking over the dirt that lines the bottom of my shoes. It’s noteven dirt, barely dust, but I’m acutely aware of it and the mess I could leave in my wake.

I’m out of place here, I’m certain.

It takes all of my strength to push down the nausea that churns in my stomach as I focus on trying to keep up with the group, but my wandering eyes make it far more difficult than it should.

“This way will lead to the dining facilities, and the right will lead to the Grand Hall, where we will be visiting once we have finished our tour,” Whitmore explains, the sounds coming from his mouth finally registering in my brain as I follow his direction. “There are lots of exciting things to come in there, but telling you would spoil the surprise,” he foretells with a teasing smile before pointing toward the staircase as if he hadn’t said anything at all. “The staircases lead to a multitude of classrooms, which I’m sure you will have the privilege of attending come tomorrow. For now, though, let us follow the pathway leading out to the lawn, shall we?” he offers, turning without a backward glance, and everyone follows after him.

Myself included.

A set of double doors sit invitingly at the other end of the open space, a replica of the ones we first entered. Only, when they open, with no one present to turn the door handle, a shiver runs down my spine. It’s quickly eradicated by the brightness that filters into the room, offering a warm glow to bask in.

Stone steps lead down to the lawn Whitmore mentioned, and once again my gaze flicks around the space, trying to take it all in at once.

“Our sprawling lawn is where most gather to enjoy recreational activities in their spare time. The buildings off in the distance house the dormitories, to which you will be assigned later today.”

Everyone seems to be hanging off his every word, but I opt to tune him out, focusing on the people that fill the space around us.

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