7. Thalia’s POV
Chapter 7
Thalia’s POV
B anging on my door jolted me from my studies, the sound echoing through the stifling silence of my room. Dusty textbooks and crumpled papers littered my desk—a testament to the days I'd spent holed up here. My door was my only shield against the whispers and stares that followed me everywhere. Even the teachers seemed to pity me, their voices hushed, their eyes averted as they handed me assignments to complete in the solitude of my dorm.
“GIRL, I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!” Her sharp voice boomed through the door. “I will burn this door down if you don’t open up in five… four… three?—”
I scrambled from my desk, throwing the door open. Relief flooded through me. El stood there, arms crossed, a triumphant smirk on her face.
“You really think I wouldn’t follow through?” she teased, pushing past me into the room, bringing with her a gust of fresh air and the faint scent of vanilla. She marched straight to my bed, scattering a pile of notebooks as she plopped down with an ease that suggested ownership.
I glared at her, my cheeks burning. "Couldn't you at least wait for an invitation?"
El just grinned, stretching out on the bed. A beat of silence hung in the air, thick with unspoken questions.
"Listen," she finally declared, "I know it seems bad, and it kind of is—but no need to worry. I'm here."
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. "Comforting," I muttered, leaning against the doorframe. Yet despite her lightheartedness, there was something about El’s presence that made the suffocating weight on my chest feel a little lighter.
"Hey, no sarcasm!" She shot back, pointing at me with a mock scowl that couldn't hide her playful intent. "I’m serious, Thalia. You’ve been hiding here long enough. It’s time to get back out there—I let you have a few days, but now it’s over."
“I needed time to heal; I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mumbled, my gaze falling to the cluttered desk. I couldn't meet her eyes, not when they saw right through me. I wasn’t ready to face it all. Every time I pictured myself stepping back into the hallway, I felt the sting of eyes on my back, and heard the snickers echoing in my ears. The memory of that day, of being shoved to the ground, of the laughter and the whispers, still burned like a fresh wound. I could almost taste the dirt in my mouth.
El propped herself up on her elbows, her expression softening as she studied me. “I get it. I really do. But hiding away isn’t going to make it disappear.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I winced, but kept my back to her, staring blankly at the stack of assignments as if they held the answers I needed. She wasn’t wrong, I knew that. But knowing didn’t make it any easier to confront the knot of fear twisting in my stomach. My hands clenched, nails digging into my palms. A wave of heat flushed through me, and I had to bite back the urge to scream, to tell El to leave, to let me wallow in my misery. But beneath the anger and the fear, a flicker of gratitude warmed me. I was glad she was here.
“And besides,” El continued, her tone turning playful again, “someone’s gotta knock Mira off her pedestal. She’s been acting like you ran off and left the academy.”
I stiffened at that. That bitch thinks I left? The thought of her parading around, that superior smirk plastered across her face, sent a surge of anger coursing through me. I could practically see her—nose held high, lips curled into that infuriatingly perfect smile that made her look like she owned the whole academy. El knew exactly what she was doing, and it was working. The urge to get back out there, to prove her—and everyone else—wrong, was building within me, a fire slowly melting the ice of my fear.
"Let’s get off campus and go to town," El suggested, her excitement bubbling over. "We could use a change of scenery, and I know just the place for a coffee date."
“Fineee,” I groaned, dragging the word out as I finally relented. “Let me shower, and then we can go.”
El grinned, hopping off the bed like she’d just won a prize. “That’s the spirit! I’ll be waiting out here, so don’t even think about backing out.”
I rolled my eyes as I headed toward the bathroom, the cool tile a welcome relief against my bare feet. I couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at my lips. More than El's persistence, more than the distraction she offered, I was grateful for her unwavering belief in me. Even when I doubted myself, she never did.
"Don't take too long!" El called after me.
* * *
We rode the bus to Havenbrook, a little town nestled in the forests. As we stepped off the bus onto the cobblestone streets, the morning light painted the scene in a golden hue. It felt like we had stumbled into a forgotten corner of the world, where time moved at a slower, gentler pace. The market square bustled with activity—a vibrant mix of sights, sounds, and smells. A magnificent fountain, carved with figures of mythical creatures, held court at its center. The water cascading down its tiers with a soothing melody. All around it, a maze of narrow alleyways and winding lanes branched off into town.
We wandered past timber-framed buildings with gabled roofs, their walls decorated with colorful murals showing scenes of local legends and folklore. Window boxes overflowed with flowers in every shade imaginable, spilling onto the streets below. Market stalls, draped with brightly striped awnings, lined the square, offering a tempting selection of goods. Merchants, their faces weathered by the sun and wind, displayed their wares with pride—handcrafted jewelry, intricately woven tapestries, baskets overflowing with ripe fruits and vegetables. The air, crisp and clean, carried the enticing scents of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and sweet pastries, mingling with the fragrant perfume of blooming flowers. Laughter and lively chatter echoed through the square, punctuated by the cheerful calls of vendors pushing their goods.
In the distance, a grand stone tower, its silhouette stark against the azure sky, stood watch over the town. A flock of birds circled its peak, their cries echoing through the crisp morning air. This was Havenbrook, a place where magic seemed to linger in every stone and whisper on every breeze. A world away from the pretentious walls and hushed corridors of the academy, it offered a sense of freedom and escape that I hadn't realized how desperately I craved.
We ducked into a winding alley, its path worn smooth by time, and emerged into a hidden courtyard bathed in dappled sunlight. Tucked away in the corner, we found a little café, the front draped with cascading ivy and vibrant geraniums. The rustic sign, swaying gently in the breeze, read "The Nook."
As we stepped inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped us. Soft jazz music played in the background, creating a soothing ambiance. We chose a table under a striped umbrella, nestled in a cozy corner of the courtyard. El's face lit up with a smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she took in the peaceful surroundings.
"You know, this place reminds me a bit of my home village," El began, her gaze drifting to the bustling street as a group of children raced by, their joyous shrieks echoing through the square. "It was just like this—full of life and laughter. The houses were painted in all sorts of bright colors, just like those ones over there," she said, gesturing towards a row of buildings with facades in shades of sapphire, emerald, and ruby. "And the people were always so friendly. Everyone knew each other, and there was always something going on—festivals, markets, music in the streets..."
A small smile played on her lips. "I can almost smell the baking bread from Mrs. Willowbrook's bakery," she murmured, closing her eyes for a moment as if savoring the memory. "And hear the blacksmith's hammer ringing out..."
But the smile faded, a shadow passing over her face. "It's funny," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "how even the happiest places can hold painful memories." She opened her eyes, a flicker of pain in their depths. "When I was younger, I went through something... incredibly humiliating. Right there in the heart of my village. It was during the annual Summer Solstice festival, with the whole clan gathered in the square. I was just a young girl then, barely old enough to control my magic..."
She paused, her gaze distant, as if reliving the scene. "There was this competition for young witches," she continued, her voice catching slightly. "Everyone expected me to fail. They thought I didn't have the fire in me—literally and figuratively."
She chuckled, but the sound held a sharp edge. "So, I spent weeks holed up, much like you, doubting myself because of what everyone else believed." Her eyes hardened, her voice taking on a steely quality. "Until one day, I just snapped. I was done hiding, done with feeling sorry for myself."
El straightened her back, her chin lifting with newfound confidence. The air around her seemed to crackle with energy, the remnants of that fiery determination. "I walked right into the middle of the village during the next gathering," she declared, her voice ringing with conviction. "Called out the strongest witch—my own cousin—and challenged her to a duel." A slow smile spread across her face. "Everyone thought I had lost my mind."
"And?" I urged, leaning forward, completely captivated by her tale.
El held my stare for a beat, the silence hanging heavy with anticipation. Then, a proud grin broke across her face. "And I won," she said, her voice filled with quiet satisfaction. "It wasn't because I was stronger—far from it. It was because I was angrier, more desperate to prove, not just to them, but to myself, that I wasn't what they labeled me to be."
The waitress arrived with our coffee, and El took a sip, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Sometimes," she said, her voice low and conspiratorial, "you need to step into the fire—feel the flames lick at your skin, see the embers glow—to see how you'll come out on the other side.”
El set down her cup, her playful demeanor fading again as she leaned back in her chair. Her brow furrowed slightly as she recalled the next chapter of her story. “After that duel," she began, her voice taking on a newfound gravity, "I knew I had to train harder than ever. I was determined to prove I wasn’t just a fluke, that I could hold my own against anyone."
"It wasn't easy," she admitted. "There were days when I wanted to give up, when the exhaustion and the self-doubt crept in. But then I would remember that feeling—that surge of power when I faced my cousin—and I would push myself harder."
"I threw myself into my training like a firestorm," she continued, her eyes gleaming with the memory, "practicing my spells until my body ached, honing my control until I could summon a spark with a mere flick of my wrist. I sought out the elders, pestering them with questions, absorbing their wisdom like a sponge."
“Eventually, all that effort paid off," El said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "I became the strongest witch in my clan. People started seeking my advice, even the elders. Young witches looked up to me, eager to learn my techniques. My name...well, it commanded a certain respect."
She paused, a soft smile gracing her lips. "And that's when the invitation to Nexara Academy came," she continued, her eyes sparkling with the memory. "They'd heard of my abilities, of how I'd defied expectations and risen to the top. It was an honor. A validation of all my hard work I’d poured into becoming more. They wanted me to join the most prestigious school for gifted individuals."
"You might not feel it yet, Thalia," she continued, "but there's a fire in you waiting to be unleashed. Remember those weeks I spent hiding, doubting myself? You're there now. But you won't stay there. I know it. You're going to rise from the ashes, stronger and more powerful than ever before. Just like I did."
Her words ignited a flicker of hope within me, but the fear still lingered. "But what if I'm not Gifted ?" I asked, my gaze falling to my hands clasped tightly in my lap.
El leaned forward, her expression fierce. “Strength isn’t just about power, Thalia; it’s about resilience and the willingness to face your fears. You’ve already taken the first step by being here today. You faced your humiliation, and now you’re ready to step back into the light. Just remember, I’ll be right by your side, cheering you on.”
A small smile touched my lips. "Thanks, El," I said, her unwavering support easing some of the tension knotting my stomach.
"I guess it was nice not having the psycho brothers around for a bit," I replied, chuckling as I recalled the moment I had flipped them off. Their stunned expressions—a mix of shock and disbelief—had been priceless. "But I guess I can't hide away forever."
El's laughter rang out, a melodic sound that filled the cozy café. "Honestly," she said, her voice softening as her laughter subsided, "I think they're more afraid of you than you realize."
A puzzled frown creased my forehead. "Scared of me ?" I echoed, "El, that's a good one!"
"Thalia, I'm serious!" she insisted, though a playful smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Yes, they're intimidating and dangerous, but they've never focused on someone as much as they have with you." She paused, her expression turning thoughtful. "There's something about you, Thalia—something that rattles them."
“What do you mean?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
El leaned forward, the aroma of her hazelnut coffee wafting across the table. "They don't usually care about anyone," she explained, her voice low and serious. "People steer clear of them, and they like it that way. But with you..." She paused, turning her head slightly, as if trying to solve a puzzle. "It's different. They're watching you, paying attention in a way I've never seen before."
“Well, those assholes can shove it," I retorted, throwing my hands up in exasperation. "I'm so sick of their glares. And what the hell was up with Nox? One minute he looks at me like I'm a bug he wants to squash, and the next, he wants to be my partner? What kind of game is he playing?"
"That is weird, I'll admit," El replied, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "I felt the shift, too—which is why I pulled James away when I did. It's strange; the brothers usually partner up with each other. Professor Lorian never fights them on it."
I scrunched up my nose, a mix of bewilderment and irritation swirling within me. It was infuriating to be treated like a pawn in their twisted game, especially when I had no clue what the rules were. "Exactly!" I exclaimed, my voice laced with frustration. "It's like they're toying with me, and I have no idea why."
El nodded slowly, "Nox and his brothers can be unpredictable, and their intentions might not be clear yet. But with how Nox—out of all of them—has been acting... there's definitely something about you that's caught his attention."
"Great," I muttered, burying my face in my hands. "Just what I need—another layer of crazy on top of everything else." I let out a long sigh. "Why can't anything be simple?"
As we walked along, browsing the charming boutiques that lined Havenbrook's streets, a familiar tingling sensation prickled the back of my neck. It was a feeling I'd grown accustomed to while living in Luminaria—and hell, even at the academy—a subtle warning, like a whisper in the shadows, that something wasn't right. I paused, scanning the bustling street, my gaze flitting from the vendors pushing their goods to the groups of people absorbed in their conversations. Nothing seemed out of place… yet the unsettling feeling persisted, coiling in my stomach like a know. I tried to shake it off, chalking it up to the lingering anxiety from my recent ordeal in the forest.
"Everything okay?" El asked, her brow furrowed with concern as she noticed my sudden hesitation.
"Yeah, fine," I replied, forcing a smile, hoping to reassure her—but mostly myself. "Just a little on edge, I guess."
We continued our walk, the vibrant atmosphere of Havenbrook momentarily distracting me from the nagging unease. We stopped to admire a display of handcrafted jewelry, the designs catching the light as they swayed gently in the breeze. El pointed out a pair of earrings, their delicate silver filigree shaped like tiny dragons, their eyes sparkling with miniature gemstones.
"Those would look amazing on you," she remarked, nudging me playfully.
I laughed, the tension easing slightly. "Maybe," I replied, my fingers tracing the intricate patterns of the earrings. "But I'm not sure I can pull off the whole dragon look."
As I turned away from the display, the tingling sensation returned—stronger this time. A wave of dread washed over me, cold and suffocating, like a dark cloud descending upon my soul. I scanned the street again, my heart pounding in my chest, a sense of foreboding gripping me. The laughter and chatter of the townsfolk seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a low, ominous hum that vibrated in my bones. The bright colors of the market stalls dulled, as if a veil had been drawn over the world, casting everything in a muted, sinister light. I felt a growing sense of dread, as if something unseen was watching us, its malevolent gaze fixed upon me.
I squeezed my eyes shut, taking a deep breath as I started counting down from five, focusing on the thump of my own heart, trying to drown out the ominous hum. When I opened them, the vibrant colors of Havenbrook had returned, the laughter and noise no longer muted but ringing in the air. But the feeling—that cold, suffocating dread—was still there, clinging to me. El, thankfully, didn't notice my momentary lapse. She was engrossed in conversation with the older woman who owned the jewelry display.
"Just your imagination," I whispered to myself, the words barely audible over the bustling market sounds. But deep down, a part of me knew better than that. Something was wrong.
* * *
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and purple, we made our way back to campus. The towering trees lining the road cast long, eerie shadows that danced and swayed in the twilight breeze. I couldn't shake the unsettling thoughts that swirled in my mind, my mind constantly replaying the encounter with the beast from the night of the party.
Those emerald eyes, sharp and piercing, haunted me. Their glint cutting through the darkness. They held an intensity I'd never encountered before, both terrifying and captivating. What was it about their eyes that drew me in, despite my fear?
The memory clung to me like a vivid dream, the chill down my spine as real now as it was then. Those eyes had seemed to pierce my soul, stripping away my carefully constructed facade. Even now, a wave of unease washes over me as I recall the sheer power radiating from that creature.
“Thalia?” El’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. “You okay?”
I managed a shaky nod, forcing a smile despite the anxiety churning within me. The gothic spires of the academy loomed into view as the bus shuddered to a halt, signaling our arrival. A wave of relief washed over me, the familiar sight of the academy offering a sense of security, a temporary haven from the darkness that lurked beyond its walls.
As we reached the edge of the bustling courtyard, El turned to me, her eyes sparkling with an infectious enthusiasm. "I've got plans tonight," she declared, a playful sternness in her voice, "but promise me you'll be in class tomorrow."
"Yeah, yeah, I promise," I replied, rolling my eyes playfully.
With a cheerful wave, she disappeared into the crowd of students, leaving me to navigate the path towards the dorms alone. The solitude was a welcome break, allowing me to dig into the whirlwind of thoughts that plagued me. The encounter with the beast, the unsettling whispers of the shadows, the lingering unease that had taken root since as long as I could remember – all swirled within me,
Lost in the maze of my anxieties, I collided with something solid, the impact jarring me back to the present with a jolt that sent a tremor through my very core. A startled gasp escaped my lips as I stumbled, my hands grasping at empty air before finding my balance on a sturdy arm. Warmth radiated through my fingertips, I looked up, ready to offer a flustered apology, but the words evaporated before they could reach my lips.
Zarek.
But it wasn't just his presence that stole my breath. An intoxicating scent enveloped me—an unexpected blend of ocean and cedar, a fragrance that spoke of untamed wilderness and hidden depths. It filled my senses: warm and inviting, grounding yet exhilarating, a captivating blend of strength and serenity. The earthy aroma wrapped around me like a comforting embrace. It was a scent that stirred something deep within me—a primal recognition, a kindred spirit, a connection that transcended words.
"Sorry about that," a deep voice rumbled, amusement lacing his tone. "Forgot my 'Caution: May Cause Unintentional Collisions' sign." His golden-amber eyes, alight with mischief, met mine, and a faint smirk played on his lips. Zarek stood before me, his presence radiating a blend of power and playful charm. The unexpected encounter sent a jolt of surprise through me, a flutter of something unfamiliar stirring within my chest.
"Right," I retorted, folding my arms across my chest—a defensive posture that belied the flutter of something parallel to excitement in my stomach.
He chuckled, a low, harmonic sound that danced in the air between us, sending a shiver down my spine. "You know," he said, his voice a silken purr, "I'm flattered you were so lost in thought that you didn't even notice the wall of charm blocking your path."
"Charm?" I countered, arching an eyebrow, letting my sass flow freely. "I think you mean the wall of arrogance. And trust me, it's not as impressive as you think."
Zarek leaned down slightly, his expression a mixture of playful amusement and enigmatic allure. The subtle shift in his demeanor sent a ripple of awareness through me, a tingling sensation that danced across my skin. "Oh, but you're intrigued, aren't you, Firefly?" he murmured, his voice a low thrum that resonated deep within me. "There's something about me that keeps you coming back."
"More like annoyed," I shot back, my voice sharper than intended, betraying the flicker of truth in his words. I couldn't deny the undeniable pull I felt towards him, the way his presence ignited a spark within me that I couldn't quite extinguish. "What do you want, Zarek?"
"Just checking in on my favorite distraction," he replied, his smirk widening, revealing a flash of those perfectly straight, white teeth. "I haven't seen you in a while." His eyes flickered, a fleeting shadow of something unreadable crossing his features before settling back into their familiar glimmer of mischief.
"Fantastic," I retorted, my patience wearing thin. "But I really don't have time for games. So, if you'll excuse me..." I attempted to sidestep him, but he moved closer, his scent enveloping me once again. It took every ounce of willpower to resist the inexplicable pull I felt towards him—the urge to lean into his warmth, to lose myself in the depths of his eyes. He had to be using magic, some fae trick to lure me in, to weaken my defenses.
"Games?" he repeated, his voice dipping low, each word rolling off his tongue with a teasing lilt that sent shivers down my spine. His golden eyes filled with an unreadable intensity, a mixture of curiosity and challenge that made my breath catch in my throat. "Oh, I'm just getting started, Firefly," he murmured, his voice a seductive whisper. "But I promise, it's more fun when you play along."
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to meet his gaze without flinching. "You really have nothing better to do, do you?" I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm, hoping to mask the tremor of anticipation that ran through me.
His smirk grew, a dangerous glint sparking in his eyes. "Nope," he admitted, his voice a low rumble that resonated deep within me. "You're just too interesting to ignore."
I huffed, frustration bubbling to the surface, mingling with a strange sense of excitement that I couldn't quite suppress. "Well, get used to it, Zarek," I declared, my voice firm despite the erratic beating of my heart. "I'm not playing your little game."
He stepped aside with a mocking bow, his gaze never leaving mine, a silent challenge lingering in the air. "I'll see you later, Thalia. " The way my name rolled off his tongue, a sensual caress that sent a shiver down my spine, made my stomach do flips. I cursed under my breath, my cheeks flushing with a warmth that had nothing to do with the setting sun.
I shot him one last glare, a poor attempt to mask the undeniable attraction I felt, before brushing past him, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum. There was something infuriatingly charming about Zarek, a mesmerizing mix of arrogance and vulnerability that drew me in. But I refused to let myself fall under his spell, to become another pawn in his games.