Page 9 of Oleander
“Why do I get a room at the very top of the best housing on campus?” I muse aloud, not really expecting anyone to answer.
“I’m asking myself that same question,” Birch replies dryly, and I narrow my eyes on him.
“Well, I didn’t askyou.”
“It seems to me that you did.”
Ugh!
“Enough.” Onyx interrupts us before we take it any farther. “We’ll escort Skyler to his dormitory and then head out.”
Birch pushes past me rudely. “Let’s go. We’ve wasted enough time on this little babysitting mission.”
Asshole.
I follow behind him, glaring at his back the whole way and wishing I had access to my power so I could make him fucking trip.
Stone pathways cut through lush green grass and rolling hills, reminding me of the English countryside I’ve only seen on TV. There’s no denying the beauty in this place. The uniqueness. But I still don’t belong.
Regardless, though, I’m feeling impatient to get settled. It’s been a long fucking journey, and to say I’m tired would be an understatement. I’ve decided to stay for now until I canfigure something else out. So, I hope my closet and bathroom come stocked because everything I owned was destroyed in the tornado. Well, besides the clothes on my back and the lucky pendant around my neck. I didn’t bring the ugly-ass gas station clothes Birch bought me. I refused.
No one speaks until we get to my new dorm. The nameEdgemoor Hallis engraved into a bronze placard and set into a massive stone sign. The building itself appears to be six stories tall, with massive windows set into the old gray stone. Ivy and moss climb the rough exterior, adding to its charm.
Before I can ask where my room is, Onyx explains the unique design of the building as if he’s leading freshman orientation. “The main structure is six floors, but this tower here,” he points to the protruding two floors, “goes up to an eighth level. There is no seventh floor, only stairs and a private elevator from the bottom.”
“I have the top of the tower to myself?”There’s no fucking way.I’m no one. Just a lowly human in their eyes.
Why would I be awarded such luxury?
“It’s a penthouse suite; two bedrooms, two bathrooms, with a shared kitchen and common area. You most likely have a roommate.”
“Who?” They must be someone important to live in the penthouse, which makes me wonder why they were stuck withme.
“I do not know, little Fae. But we must go now and leave you to get settled on your own.” Onyx smiles kindly, and an annoying lump forms in my throat.
I give him another quick hug, and he’s happy to return the embrace. I offer Birch a firm, respectable handshake, and he accepts, grunting out aKeep safein return. We’ve all built a certain familiarity and camaraderie over the past week,spending every waking moment together, and I have a grudging respect for Birch. I think I’m going to miss both of them.
Long after my captors leave, I continue to stand here in filthy clothes, staring at my new home with all sorts of confusing thoughts racing through my mind.
How am I important enough to be here?
I’m no one, not even a full-blooded Fae.
What makes me so special?
I continue to linger in the middle of the walkway, avoiding the inevitable. But I’m tired, dirty, and exhausted. Ineedto go inside.
When I finally get my feet to move, taking the first step toward rest and relaxation, a blacked-out car pulls up. It’s the first vehicle I’ve seen since arriving in Faerie, and it looksverysimilar to a classic limousine from my world.
Little green flags with gold filigree trees decorate either side of the hood, marking the vehicle as royalty or having some sort of political importance.
Holy shit.No way. Isthismy new roomie?
I slip into the gathering crowd as students begin to pour out of Edgemoor Hall. I weave my way through until I get a closer look but remain hidden. I receive a few odd stares and wrinkled noses, but most ignore me, seeming to be more interested in the new, important arrival.
The driver exits the limousine and strolls around to the back, opening the door for whoever waits inside. The crowd begins murmuring in anticipation of who the academy’s newest arrival is. I hear whispers of the wordprince, and my interest is instantly piqued.
A long leg wrapped in tan linen pants steps from the limo, and a beautiful blond man emerges. He stands there in some sort of matching tunic, looking unsure—an expression that doesn’t match his ethereal presence at all.
