Page 6 of Oleander
“No shit,” I say, pretty fucking impressed with the security. Even though I almost toasted my own ass.
“Fae do not lie,” Birch says in that dry, literal way of his. “We are not built that way. Not likehumans.”
He says the wordhumanlike we’re lesser than. I narrow my eyes, certain I don’t believe the tricky bastard. I’m sure he’s lied.
Hasn’t he?
“Let’s continue on our journey,” Onyx interjects in his soft, authoritative tone. He waves his hand in front of a small black rectangle inserted directly into the metal gate.
“State your name and your business,” a bland tone commands.
“Interesting mix of magic and technology,” I muse aloud without realizing it could be perceived wrong.
“Who goes there?” the voice over the intercom demands, and I instantly freeze up.
Whoops.
“Captain Onyx Woods, First Battalion, 354th Infantry Regiment with the Aurorian Force, my Lieutenant, Birch Sanders, and a new student ready for admission to the academy, Skyler Fairfield.”
“One moment,” the voice informs us, bored once again. Not long after, the gate creaks loudly as it begins to openveryslowly.
The three of us start the long trek up the hill, and my legs are already spaghetti after the hike through the forest. I’m sweaty, exhausted, and in no condition to meet my new headmaster.
“Where are the fucking cars?” I grumble. “Horse and buggy?”
Anything.
Birch glares at me, and if he had fire power behind his eyes, I’d be burnt to a crisp for sure.
“Some form of transportation beyond walking would be nice. I mean, you all have magic, for fuck’s sake,” I complain, annoyed with having to travel by foot the entire day.
“Wehave magic, little Fae. You’re one of us. Don’t forget. But this is an emergency-sanctioned admission to the academy. Classes started last week, and everyone else has moved in and gotten settled by now. You are a last-minute exception,” Onyx reminds me.
“A charity case,” Birch adds.
“Lieutenant!” Onyx reprimands him, but I’m already used to Birch’s prickly behavior by now, and it doesn’t offend me. Iama charity case. A high-risk one, too, apparently.
“Let's all have some quiet time and reflect upon our personal journeys as we finish the last leg of the quest.” Onyx, always the voice of reason. So calm and reassuring. I can’t disagree, not to mention I’d do anything for a little peace and quiet at this point.
After ten more minutes of walking, we finally step through the main academy entrance that’s nearly camouflaged by twisting, climbing vines. There’s something unique about the fact that nature has almost overtaken it. The Elemental Academy sign looks as if it was forged with fire and written with the wind. Plants are woven through, creating new life and new blooms in every letter. It’s so charming andauthentic. So Fae.
When we enter the lobby, I stop abruptly and stare at the stone walls, colorful tapestries, elaborately carved wooden furniture, fresh flowers, and wide open windows.
My eyes dart back to the tapestries representing the different elements and powers: rich greens with golden leaves, vibrant blues swirling with ocean waves, lush purples slashed with lightning bolts, and a deep red with flames.
My gaze lands on a silver crest below the light blue tapestry with a cyclone on it. Something inside of me is drawn to it, and I wander over despite Birch and Onyx’s command tostop. I can’t explain the feeling, or more accurately, theneedto follow my instinct and touch this fucking crest.
I stand before it, examining the runes more closely before I reach out, intending to trace the etchings with my fingertips.
“Skyler, don’t!” Onyx shouts, but it’s too late.
I make contact with the metallic shield, and electricity shoots through me on contact. The magic feels good for a brief second before it’s halted by my iron shackles. The energy collects, unable to go any further, resulting in an epic shock that knocks me back ten feet, slamming me into a hard body.
Oof.
Birch catches me, setting me down roughly.
I wobble, unsteady, after getting fuckingelectrocuted.
