7. Ivy
IVY
T he midmorning sunshine drapes over me with a warmth I absorb with a smile.
It eliminates the slight chill in the air, and I bask in it as I take in the academy grounds again.
Last night I couldn’t see much and was mostly caught up in my thoughts, but now that daylight is here and there’s food in my stomach, I’m a little more focused on my surroundings.
Ember flutters by my shoulder as I walk away from the gray building covered in red flags, trudging toward the pathway that leads to the main academy building.
I smile at the first glimpse of wildflowers framing the path before peering over my shoulder to where the other protector dorms are.
The blue, gray, and green colors stand more prominently in the daytime, the flags blowing ever so slightly with the breeze as the world continues around them.
Suspense curls in my stomach, battling with a gulp of excitement to cause chaos in my chest as I rewalk the path from last night.
There’s more to see than what simply stands before me, and I’m hoping to catch a glimpse of it later on if I have a break, but for now, all I can do is become familiar with the main route between my dorm and classes.
The walk is mostly quiet, but as I draw closer to the main academy building, I spy a few groups of students standing in matching uniforms. My steps slow as I take them in them from head to toe.
A group of girls stand shoulder to shoulder, whispering and giggling among themselves, all in the same black blazer and skirt set with a green tie finishing the look.
A soft white blouse is fastened under their blazers, and knee-high socks disappear into shiny shoes, but as my gaze cuts past them, I notice a couple walking, hand in hand, one with green stitching on the blazer pocket, the other with blue.
As my eyes dart around the space, I quickly notice that some have gray ties, while others have red ones.
My anticipation continues to grow as I wonder if I’ll get a red one.
I just hope we don’t have to wear them all the time.
I’ve spent my life wearing my mother’s uniform, and just when I’m on the brink of freely expressing myself, I’m thrown into wearing someone else’s choice again.
Pausing my thoughts, I force myself to stay focused and present instead of letting my mind wander, just as a low, thunderous screech rings through the air.
I freeze, tilting my face to the sky in search of the source of the sound.
I’d know it anywhere. I’ve only ever heard it once, but I could never forget.
It takes me two seconds, but my eyes quickly latch on to the deep-green scales of a dragon flying overhead. It’s not Lucky, my brother’s dragon, but whoever it is connected to is one special rider.
Dragons are sacred, scarce, and powerful; being connected to one is revered.
“We’re going to be late if you just stand here,” Ember grumbles, speaking for the first time since we left my room, and I sigh, returning my attention to the academy building doors.
The excitement and wonder remain as I approach the entryway, but my steps falter as someone darts toward me, a breeze ghosting over my skin as they narrowly miss knocking me to the ground. Startled, I blink in confusion as someone else chases after them.
“You’re going to pay for that, you asshole!” the girl hollers as the guy cackles, hurrying down the pathway as the girl breaks into a sob before me, running her fingers through what I assume is supposed to be her hair, but is now long layers of… grass.
Her friends quickly appear to console her as Ember whispers in my ear. “Tick-tock.”
Rolling my eyes at her, I spin away from the drama unfolding and head inside, thankful to see an immediate sign directing people into the same space we were in last night. Although it looks nothing like it did then.
Today, the stage is the only familiar part of the room, while the rest of the space is lined with benches, each scattered with pupils either in their own attire a black uniform with different colored ties.
There are at least two dozen people present, possibly three, and it fills me with relief. I arrived at the end of the night yesterday, disheveled and reeling, so I had no idea who else might be new.
Stepping farther into the room, I opt for an empty bench halfway between the exit and the stage, where Professor Viola stands talking softly to another woman.
Soft chatter and a sense of nerves cascade over the room as we wait to be addressed.
I chance a few glances at the other students; some are talking among themselves, while others sit nervously.
My gaze collides with a brunette across the room.
She offers me a shy smile, and I return it, the instinctive role of being The Angel of Heaven’s Ridge kicking in.
“Good morning, Protectors,” Professor Viola hollers, snapping my attention to the stage.
She smiles widely as she runs her hands over her silk blouse.
“I hope you slept well in your dorm rooms last night. It is always chaotic when pupils first arrive at Neverbound Academy, especially after finally meeting their fated mate or mates, in some cases,” she explains, casting her gaze over the room as a flutter of whispers shimmer around us.
A few of the mated pairs have already sat together and they nuzzle closer, excited to be seated with their fated mate, while others glance at their chosen from a distance, curiosity dancing in their eyes, but there’s a level of uncertainty that still clings to them.
A group of three guys sit up front, smug looks on their faces, and it makes my stomach drop.
It’s noticeable that there are more guys here than girls. I can’t help but wonder if that’s because they rejected their mates, leaving them in the dust as they got to continue their lives here. Or because their mate hasn’t taken to the stand yet.
Anger boils in my gut as I recall the pain I felt two years ago, and my heart bleeds at the thought of someone else having to experience that.
“I’ll keep our enrollment gathering short and sweet so you can spend the day exploring the grounds, learning all about your sodality, the history of The Academy, and everything in between before you dive into classes tomorrow,” Professor Viola adds, garnering everyone’s attention again as a small wave of heat touches my left shoulder.
Ember.
She sits quietly on my shoulder, her aura stretched into the outline of a tiny person again, seated with one leg crossed over the other as she stares intently at the professor.
Amused, I follow suit.
“Classes run from Monday to Friday, giving you the weekend to relax, but you should also spend some time attempting to harness your own abilities,” she explains, and I fight the pout that threatens to tilt my lips as I’m reminded of the fact that I have no idea what The Fates blessed me with.
All I know is it’s fueled by fire. The sigh that drapes over the room confirms I’m not the only one, though, reassuring me.
“There is nowhere technically off-limits on our grounds, but I would recommend avoiding the dragon’s den.
They’re unpredictable and fiercely protective of each other, along with their riders.
Death is a possibility I don’t wish upon you, especially if it can be avoided. ”
I nod eagerly, making a mental note to add it to my list of things to come back to. I need to discuss it with my brother when the time comes. I want to see Lucky again. It’s the least he can do for lying. I need to create a list for that too. I’m going to need a list of lists.
“Each of you has been assigned to one of our protector sodalities. Air. Water. Land. Fire,” she lists off on her fingers as her voice projects a touch louder.
“Each has a direct leader for you to speak with if necessary. They will be your first point of contact when you learn of the abilities bestowed upon you by The Fates, and the ones you may find you take commands from. It’s highly recommended that you do so without question.
They have your best interest in mind when decisions are made; you’ll do well to adhere to what they say. ”
A heaviness settles in my gut as I hum in acknowledgment. I don’t really like the sound of that, but it beats facing the back of my father’s hand again.
“The next few years are going to be transformative. You are going to grow, excel, and take pride in the people you become. It won’t be easy, but nothing worth having ever is.
” The smile slips from her lips as she clears her throat and the temperature in the room seems to drop.
“Sodalities are intertwined among the academy, but being loyal to your own is paramount. They are your family now. It’s also important to note that power outages are normal and somewhat regular.
It’s recommended in those times to connect with your magic and continue to grow your strengths.
Another recurring activity is restoring the academy’s magic. ”
My chest tightens as I hear a sharp inhale from behind me, confirming I’m not the only person new to this information.