Page 14 of Zeus' Spark
Students don’t usually go in the admin building, so it’s always like this, but maybe the missing students and the monster attack have me on edge.
“Why are the halls so empty?” I shiver. “Where is the faculty? Shouldn’t they be here at this time?”
“Classes were canceled, so maybe everyone’s at the dorms?” Raven rubs her hands over her arms like she feels the eerie chill in the air as well.
The sconces throw off haunting dancing shadows. I must just be on edge. It’s just a creepy hallway, right? Nothing is going to jump out from behind the closed doors and try to kill us.
Who am I kidding? In this academy, anything is possible.
After a short walk, the headmistress’s door looms before us, and I suck in a big breath as I knock on the door.
“Come in,” she calls through the door.
The thick, intricately carved door is hard to push open. It depicts the shield of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war.
Is that Rebecca’s godly parent, or was that here before she became headmistress?
I shove the door open and gulp in a huge, cleansing breath. It can’t be good that she wants to see us.
Anxiety creeps over me. Is this where we get in trouble for being reckless? But what the hell is going on around here that a monster was able to pass our wards?
The door creaks as I push it open and step into the almost sterile office.
“You wanted to see us, Rebecca?” I ask.
She sits behind the mahogany desk that doesn’t have a scrap of paper or anything out of place.
Rebecca sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“The healers got you all patched up, then?” Her brow furrows in concern.
I roll my shoulder, feeling much better, and nod my head. “Yes, ma’am. Good as new.”
Jayden shuffles on his feet next to me.
Ishestill in pain? Scratch that. I don’t care if he’s in pain. He’s a jackass.
“Please, have a seat.” She motions to the couch in the corner and two armchairs on either side.
“Thank you,” Jayden says, moving slowly to the couch.
The couch is an overstuffed olive-green love seat that I have no intention of sitting on next to Jayden. I decide the high-backed armchair in the same color is my best bet.
I move quickly over to one of the chairs and take a seat.
Raven rolls her eyes as she takes a seat in the other chair.
Hurt shines in Jayden’s eyes briefly before it disappears.
Why the hell is he surprised I took the chair instead of the couch? I know the way he thinks, and the couch would give him an opportunity to be close to me.
An opportunity I refuse to give him.
When we are fully seated, Rebecca speaks.
“I spoke to the Oracle. There are some things happening here at the academy, and they largely have to do with you, I think, Beth.” She peers at me with concern.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Raven whispers.
