Page 2 of Just One Bite
I adjust the skirt of my uniform and tug at the socks. I should have opted for the longer skirt option. Black is the only allowed color for orientation, and that includes sweaters and shirts too. Emma and Eva weren’t thrilled, considering everything they typically wear is in a lighter color palette.
Doxlothia Academy’s orientationbeginsat sundown. There are two moons in Vviveren. I used to love staring up at them back home, but I could never get a full view through the trees. Now I have a complete, unrestricted view of the periwinkle sky as a contrasting blue crescent hangs overhead next to a full pink moon. The campus is brimming with lofty brick and stone buildings and elegant iron streetlamps. All are draped in strings of fairy lights and lanterns in different house colors, which are directly linked to the dorm assignments. It’s easy to identify the new students by their lack of color. The established pass by sporting one of the four house colors—purple, pink, blue, or green—on either their ties, slacks, accessories, skirts, or blazers.
“Got it!” Emma appears with her phone, her shoulder-length bob curling at her neck. She pulls up a picture, and we dodge the other students who don’t mind moving us out of their way.
With eyes sparking in excitement, she zooms in on the list:
Emma Osborne – Luxxia House
Evangeline Osborne – Stelliea House
“I told you.” Eva’s fingernails dig into my forearm.
“Maybe Olivia is in your house,” Emma says, jutting out her chin toward me.
It’s not-so-subtle sister code for “be encouraging.” And I am, but I’m not going to lie to Eva to make her feel better.
Before attending Doxlothia, we had to take a test. They made us come to the campus and tour before locking us in a room for two hours. The test was filled withwhat would you doquestions. Students are sorted based on their compatibility and “ability to work together.” It’s not so much about like-mindedness as it is getting students to unify through differences. Doxlothia is Vviveren’s leading university in interspecies connection, so its classifying system was hardly a surprise.
I love my sisters, but it’s time for us to get a little distance. Twenty-one years of sharing a room is enough for me.
As soon as I think of the words, I spot my name a few lines down.
Olivia Osborne – Noxx House
My heart stutters.Mom’s House.
My house knowledge is limited, but I know the most about my mom’s old house. I remember her old violet skirts hanging in her closet that she’d worn for uniforms. Noxx House boasts some of the most prestigious alumni to make up the Vviveren cabinet—the ones who run the country. It’s best known for its strategic thinkers, perfectionists, and highly regarded leaders, varying from celebrity athletes to CEOs in the city.
“Eva. Breathe. It’s going to be okay,” Emma says, now supporting Eva from the other side.
“Okay, we’re going to get settled into our houses, then we can meet back in the courtyard. It’s not a big deal.”
“What if I can’t find it?” Eva says, and they both look at me.
“You have the map, remember?”
While they continue to exchange worried questions, I dig through my suitcase again, realizing I will be sacrificing my map.
We’re surrounded by cheers and howls as those around us celebrate their houses. Hordes of students in their respective house colors wave their flags and posters. They’re lining the circular courtyard in waiting, shuffling around usto scream directly in our faces with their house pride. Eva’s eyes stay wide like they’re yellingather for doing something wrong.
My father taught me houses at Doxlothia were a big deal. They each create legacy students, have their own traditions and history. But as I stare at the young adults around me screaming, running, and scaring my sisters, I can’t help but wonder if it’s more bullshit my dad peddled. Only time will tell.
I adjust the collar of my shirt and straighten my shoulders. We’re still being gawked at. Perhaps I’m not used to the attention. We grew up in a secluded area and were homeschooled all but two years in our teen years, and even then, the school was mostly human.
I never thought I’d get to attend university, let alone start the same year as my sisters. I’m not complaining, us starting together makes this change easier, but it’s not like we had any choice when Dad refused to let us out of his sight for more than a few hours.
Just like your mother, you and your sisters have special blood. I have to protect you. I don’t need you to like me. I just need to keep you safe.
My dad’s words ring in my head. Humans, werewolves, and vampires all live together peacefully, all the interspecies fighting ended centuries ago, and Doxlothia was founded shortly after. Seeing the campus for the first time proves it; there are booths for humans, donors, vampires, and werewolves alike. Most public schools are combined and with little issue from what I can tell. The Donor Program doesn’t allow anyone under the age of twenty to join, and university doesn’t start for the majority until twenty-one.
But Doxlothia is known as the safe haven for all, even humans who choose not to be donors like my sisters and me. Upon entrance to the courtyard, an iron gate holds a slate with the words “a bridge between worlds” carved deep into the stone.
“According to the map, our houses are on the left side of the river,” Emma says to Eva, then looks at me. “Yours is on the far east side of the campus.”
I look over my shoulder to the dimly lit path leading into the trees. “Right. So we’ll settle in, and orientation is in a few hours at the front of the castle.”
“Plenty of time,” Emma says.
