Chapter 10
Rising House
Sinta
A Dragon Shifter.
I was a Dragon Shifter.
I’d say it was ridiculous, but just thinking it set my beast fluttering around my stomach in delicate movements.
I imagined it was happy to finally be acknowledged for what it truly was. My Dragon form.
The guilt over calling it a snake for so long was like a pit in my stomach.
But I also understood it wasn’t my fault.
I kept glancing down at my Markings, seeing them in a new light as I walked toward my designated housing.
I don’t know how I ever mistook them for a snake’s scales. It seemed utterly ridiculous now.
Something else weighed on my mind.
Aletha.
Did I tell her? I’d of course then have to admit that I was here on the island with her, but did she deserve to know this about me?
Afterall, she hadn’t exactly been a support throughout my life. More like an acquaintance that offered me trinkets and half-assed sympathy when our foster parents couldn’t be bothered.
More than that. I didn’t think I could trust her with it. Even as children I never trusted her to guard my secrets, and her friends – as fake as they were – had quickly learnt not to share things with her as well.
Either through malicious intent or ignorance, if I were to text her now with the news, the entire school would know within an hour.
No, I didn’t think she needed to know. It didn’t feel right.
Glancing down at the map in my hand, I take a left turn through an archway, the decorative sign above it reading; ‘Student Village’.
Looking out over the mini mansions occupying this corner of the island, I immediately deduced this must have been the elite-funded area.
The Academy had dorms attached to its main building, thousands of rooms each divided between species, dominance, predator, and prey to allow for peaceful cohabitation.
But a few decades ago money was donated by several Elite families, people that had been benefactors of the Academy since its inception, to fund the building of newer modernised housing.
The pamphlet I’d read said it was to ease the housing strain and to enable the Academy to accept more students.
Now, looking at said housing, I understood that I was walking into the academic version of a rich neighbourhood.
“Some people just have too much money.” I mumble as I take in one of the two-story mansions with a golf cart out front.
Focusing on my map and vaguely noting how strange it was that I hadn’t come across a single person, I walked past half a dozen houses before finding Rising House.
It was at the very edge of the village, close enough to the ocean that I could hear the crashing of waves, and was just as impressive as the other houses.
Two stories, made out of white marble with large arching windows, this one was accented with dark greys and all the light fixtures were rimmed with gold.
The door was dark grey but had a gold ornate old-world knocker shaped like a roaring lion, below a small window, with a gold plaque that read ‘Rising House’.
Hauling my stuff to the door I place it all down so I can dig in my pockets for the key Mr Orichalcum gave me.
You’d think a house key in this century would be pretty simple, but no. This was an old-fashioned gold key with a long woven silk tassel.
It fit into the large key hole that sat on the base of the knocker, just below the lion’s roaring head.
Slotting it in place and turning it clockwise until I heard a click, I then gathered my bags and tried to push it open.
But the door didn’t move and I bashed my toe on its base.
“Ow.” I yelp, shaking my foot and wishing I’d worn steel caps.
I frown at the key, reaching up and twisting it anti-clockwise.
It clicked again, but when I pushed the door didn’t budge an inch.
I shoved the door, jiggled the key, turned it this way and that. I even gave serious thought to ramming it with my shoulder.
Obviously I decided against that.
“Did he give me the wrong key?” I wonder aloud, pulling it from the lock.
Examining the two teeth separated by a gap at its end, I thought they looked a little like fangs.
Digging the piece of paper he’d written the House’s name, my room number, and some other instructions on, I examined it thinking maybe I had missed something.
Fae could be tricky by nature, a fan of games and riddles. I’d heard stories about the crazy security and spells they used in the Dorms to keep students in line.
Maybe the Houses did the same?
Reading through the neat running scrawl of my Counsellors handwriting, I snort and resist the urge to smack my forehead.
Re-inserting the key, I lean toward the door and whisper ‘Open Sesame’ before twisting the key clockwise.
I hear the click again, and I watch as the roaring gold lion head moves like liquid, reforming to watch me with a calm stare.
“Ah….. Hi?” I drawl, flinching when it blinks like its actually alive. “I’m Sinta, I got assigned to this House….”
It does nothing but blink, its gold eyes intense.
“Um, can I go in?” I try instead, reaching for the doorknob.
It gives way when I push, swinging open to reveal a hallway with a bench and a shoe wrack just inside the door.
An odd purring sound comes from the door knocker, but when I look it has returned to the roaring form. Like it never moved at all.
“Okay, that’s kinda cool.” I admit and hustle inside.
The door closes behind me and re-locks all on its own.
The house is quiet and dark, lit only by the afternoon sun.
Slowly venturing down the dark-wood floored hallway, I come out into a nice lounge area on one side, a huge kitchen on the other, a staircase beyond it, and huge glass doors that lead out into a yard with a decent-sized pool.
There was something next to the pool, covered by a thick tarp. A spa, maybe?
“I doubt the dorms have a spa.” I muse, spinning slowly to take everything in. “Or a huge TV. Or three different gaming consoles. Freaking rich people.” I mutter.
There were personal touches around the space. A pair of headphones on the coffee table, sneakers near the back door, a jacket left on one of the stools at the kitchen bench, a checkered blanket on the back of the couch.
Eyeing the huge light grey L-shaped couch taking up the majority of the lounge area, the fireplace, with the TV mounted above it, I slip into the kitchen and take in the expensive stove, the three different ovens, and the big double door fridge that were all a nice matte black.
And the round cauldron mug that said ‘I’ll Hex You’.
Unable to resist, I snooped in the fridge.
Pizza boxes, sodas, take out containers, but a surprising amount of fruits and vegetables. Even a pack of yogurts.
Closing the fridge I eye the dispenser on the front of it, reaching out a finger to tap the toggle.
Coca-Cola came out instead of water, with mini ice cubes.
“I shouldn’t be surprised. He said it was an all-boys House.” I laugh.
Checking the instructions, I saw he’d written my room was upstairs and was simply labelled ‘6’.
Moving to the bottom of the stairs, I paused to look toward the front door, suddenly finding it strange no one was here.
They could be in their rooms, but wouldn’t they have heard me come in? Or my little struggle with the door?
“Hello? Anyone home?” I call.
There is no answer.
Making my way up the wide staircase I come up into the middle of the second floor.
The landing is framed by three wide doors each on the left and right, and a sitting area with a plush bay window across from me. It looks out over the front lawn.
Each door bore a number; 1 to 3 on my left side, and 4 to 6 on my right, with number 6 being the closest to the bay window.
Ignoring my insane urge to snoop or at least knock on the other doors, I head straight for number 6 and test the ornate gold handle.
It opens easily, revealing a room with a huge glass window framed by black wire artwork.
A big bed with a mattress protector sat to my right, a desk to the left side of the room in a stylish nook, and as I move further into the space, I notice a door.
Between the bed and the window, it’s not as wide as the bedroom door but has the same dark grey design with another gold handle.
There is also a built-in wardrobe next to the desk nook with mirrored doors.
All of the walls are an appealing shade of light grey, almost white, and instead of hardwood the flooring is a soft black carpet.
Very masculine in colour and design, the bed a simple black steel frame with a black wood headboard, the desk and it’s chair matching.
It was three times bigger than the room I’d had at Paulos Estate.
I could lay on my back starfish style between the end of the bed and the wardrobe and still not be able to touch either.
I loved it.
Setting my bags on the floor by the bed, I went to the window and took in the view.
It was stunning. Nothing but greenery and cliffs in the near distance, the sea clashing with the sky.
I could see the sun beginning its descent, clouds gathering over the horizon in puffy grey clusters.
This time of year usually brought storms with it.
Turning, I take in the large room again and allow myself a happy little grin, bouncing in place.
“Thanks to Lady Fate.” I murmur – something Fae commonly said, usually in response to a bout of good luck – and scoop up my duffel.
I pull out the three different packs of sheets I’d bought; a double set, a queen set, and a king set – all in black.
Eyeing the bed I was glad I had got different sizes, because that thing was definitely a king.
Throwing the other two on the floor, I set about ripping open the packaging and taking the first step towards settling into my room.
The excitement of the day must have caught up to me.
I remember unpacking my stuff – my clothes of which were embarrassingly measly compared to the crazy amount of space in the closet – and exploring the attached bathroom behind the mystery door.
I had to talk myself out of opening the other door I’d found in said bathroom.
I was pretty sure it led to one of my housemate’s rooms.
I remember sitting on the bed, considering making my way to the cafeteria or exploring some of the shops available on campus.
But I must have dozed off.
Because now I was swimming my way out of the sleepy fog and towards the male voices arguing nearby.
“She must have a key.” Someone is insisting, barely above a whisper.
“Obviously she has a key.” Someone else snaps, not trying to be quiet at all. “Question is, how’d she get it?”
“I knew we’d have to deal with some crazies – that chick Tomashi brought home last week was a lunatic – but I didn’t think they’d be smart enough to break into our House.” Someone else chuckles.
“This is no laughing matter, Rapid. If she can do it, so will others.” One of them sighs. “What if they were to do something other than sleep, hmm? Did you forget we all have many dangerous stalkers?” He points out, his accent thick and poignant.
French I think.
“Jeez, Fade, it was a joke.” The guy someone had called Rapid drawls. “Anyway, it’s not a huge deal. We’ll just kick her out, then ask Bladgood to change the locks.”
“After we find out how she got the key. Anyone missing theirs?” Fade questions.
Sitting up in the bed that only has my sheets and one pillow on it – since there weren’t any blankets in the wardrobe and I didn’t want to snoop for more – I rub the sleep from my eyes and take in the three males huddled in the doorway, oblivious to my movement as they argued.
And holy fucking shit. Every single one of them was gorgeous.
I’m talking walk-into-a-bar-and-have-panties-flying-at-them gorgeous.
“It is likely Rapid’s. Always misplacing his things.” The male with the French accent, almost feminine bone structure, dark shoulder-length hair, and piercing grey eyes mutters.
“Dude, way to throw me under the bus.” ‘Rapid’ huffs, shoving his hands in the deep pockets of his grey sweats.
He's sexy, in that universal surfer dude way. Messy ash blonde strands, deep sapphire blue eyes, a healthy tan, and broad shoulders that taper into a very defined swimmer’s waist. Eyeing his bare torso, I’m free to take in the dark blue Markings flowing from his shoulder down his biceps and chest, dripping into a point between his pecks.
I’d never seen Marks like that, but I’d bet all my money he was some sort of aquatic shifter.
“She doesn’t have Rapid’s key. I found his on the couch earlier and put it in his room.” The one who had been attempting to whisper denies, shaking a head of beautiful golden-blond hair.
Tanned a more golden shade than Rapid and rocking a sharp jawline with unbelievable green eyes – eyes that could easily rival mine – I could see a peak of something tribal on his chest, bared by the V-neck of his black T-shirt.
He wasn’t the tallest of the group, but he was more muscled than all of them with a barrel chest and strong shoulders made for hauling.
Just looking at him made me think of a lion.
“It can’t possibly be Bastien’s key. How could she have gotten that?!” Fade muses.
“Mr Orichalcum gave me the key.” I interrupt as their argument begins to rise in volume.
All three boys turn to stare at me.
I have to squint to read their expressions, my room barely illuminated by the hallway light.
Everything from suspicion to doubt to boredom crosses their features.
The boredom mostly comes from Rapid, whom I am assuming cannot take anything seriously at this point.
“Can someone turn on the light, please? I feel a little left out just sitting in the dark.” I joke.
It lands flat.
One of them reaches in and punches the light switch.
I blink against the sudden brightness, my eyes protesting.
“Why would our Counsellor give you a key to Rising House?” Fade intones, those unnerving earthly eyes boring into me.
“Because he’s my Counsellor too.” I point out, then add; “And because I’m your new roommate.”
“It is not like Mr Orichalcum to move someone in without informing us.” He denies with a frown. “Why would he do so with you?”
I offer a shrug, hoping it looks nonchalant and not awkward. “I guess I’m a special case?”
His frown deepens. “I am going to call him. You two watch her.” He orders and leaves the room.
“Now is the time to confess your sins and repent, pretty lady.” Surfer boy croons, lounging against the door frame. “Mr O won’t be gentle with you, and neither will Bladgood. You’ll be lucky to leave this island alive.”
“That would be scary if I had a reason to be worried.” I snort.
A door slams somewhere in the house. The walls rattle with the force of it.
“Where is she?!” Someone roars.
“Ah shit.” The quiet lion mutters and moves away from the doorway.
“Well, we gave you a chance.” Rapid sighs, following his friend.
That’s all the warning I get before a male charges into the room, his hair on fire.
He rushes me and grabs my arm, yanking me from the bed.
“I’m out of fucking warnings. Tell the men to prepare a grave.” The male growls and drags my struggling form towards the door.
“Get the fuck off of me!” I scream, trying to wrench my arm from his grip.
He snarls and slings me around like I’m a nuisance, my shoulder slamming into the doorway.
Crying out, I kick at his knee and go lax in his grip.
He curses and drops me.
Kicking up and out, I nail him in the stomach and scramble backwards.
His hair blazes brighter, the fire a furious writhing mass of reds and golds. “I’m going to make your death extremely painful for that.” He growls.
“The fuck you will. I haven’t done anything wrong!” I shout, scrambling backwards on my hands and ass.
He flicks out a hand, thick black claws punching out of his fingertips. “Fucking delusional bitches.” He seethes.
“Fuck, Tomashi, let’s just take her to Bladgood.” Rapid sighs. “I don’t want to kill a chick.”
“Then don’t.” Tomashi snaps, seizing my kicking legs. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Let me go!” I scream, thrashing. “Mr Orichalcum sent me here! Let me go!”
He grunts a snarl when I manage to land a punch to his jaw.
But then he’s using my legs to drag me out of the room.
I’m screaming and roaring threats, my fingers scrabbling at the floor, trying to grip the doorway.
“Better calm down, Devil Eyes. He’s got a mean streak you don’t wanna fuck with.” Rapid sighs, lounging against the wall.
“Well I’ve got a fucking stubborn streak the size of Texas.” I roar.
“Feisty. It’s a shame she broke in.” The golden lion male murmurs.
Snarling, I roll on my back and tuck in my legs, curling up so I can reach his legs.
Wrapping around his ankle, I bite into it like a savage.
“Fuck!” He roars, flinging me away from him.
“Oh shit.” Rapid drawls.
I’ve still got my teeth in his shaking leg, but my legs are free.
So I release his ankle and lunge up to head butt his family jewels.
Fae or not, that is every male’s weak spot.
Crumpling with a slew of foreign curses, his eyes watering, I hiss and spit at him while scrambling away.
But I run into someone else’s legs.
“Sorry, Devil Eyes.” Rapid says as he seizes my arms.
“Drag her to the fucking beach. I want to tear the bitch apart.” Tomashi gasps, cupping his bits.
“You’re not doing anything.” Fade intones, strolling back into the room. “Mr O confirmed her story. He’s assigned her to our house.”
Rapid releases me so abruptly I fall on my ass.
The golden lion blinks at me, then his friend.
“Fucking what?!” The hot-headed asshole growls.
“Like I said before.” I drawl, climbing to my feet and eyeing the males warily. “Hi, I’m Sinta Cora. I’m your new roomy, I’m sure we’re going to get along great. If one of you lays hands on me again I’ll cut off your fingers and display them like trophies.”
Lion and Tomashi stare at me like I have three heads, while Rapid cackles like a loon.
“Also, are there spare blankets? I’d like a comforter or something for my bed.” I add, trying to regain some dignity.
Grey eyes clears his throat and steps forward, his beautiful features carefully blank.
“Bonjour, Sinta. I am Fade. There are some spare blankets in the laundry room downstairs.” He gives a cool smile. “How do you feel about Chinese food?”