Impressive.
Overwhelming.
Terrifying.
All were words I would use to describe the Academy, even now after nearly two decades in service to Lord d’Refan.
Though that could also be from the trauma I suffered here, beneath these very floors.
Could she feel it? The horrors that happened here—were probably still happening here? The secrets these walls kept?
I barely suppressed a shudder, not wanting to affect Faylinn any further. It was clear she was in her own head, inevitablythinking and cataloguing—trying to make sense of my words and her feelings.
Gently, I steered her through the hallways and corridors that were starting to teem with life—students and instructors waking for the day for some coveted free time before the light-timed bells began to chime.
“She isn’t going to remember the way to or from the General’s office,” Ilyas muttered to my right, still loosely clutching my hand as we made our way up the first grand staircase.
I hummed in agreement, knowing I’d have to tell Rohak to keep an eye on her and help her back to the manor when the time came. Maybe he could use his secret tunnel that connected the manor to the Academy. Not many, if any, knew about it, but it was probably the safest way to get Faylinn to and from the Academy. She wouldn’t have to see the outside, and I think that was half the battle.
Even with her memories missing, it was evident that some intrinsic, animalistic part of her remembered the trauma she experienced here. Knew that this place wasbad.
I was also confident that Sasori’s attitude and sudden change in demeanor toward her outside of the Academy did not help Faylinn’s perception of this place.
It was odd, holding her hand as we walked quickly through the halls, the only sounds our boots lightly tapping the stones and my own loud thoughts. I’d avoided her after returning from Isrun, my Bonded following my lead. I wanted to be around her, wanted to talk to her, but knew I’d end up saying something about our shared past that she wasn’t ready to hear yet.
So, ever since we returned from Isrun, I avoided her.
But by the way she clutched my hand, her palm sweating with exertion and anxiety, it felt like I may have made the wrong choice. Ilyas, sensing my distress, squeezed my palm tighter aswe wound up yet another staircase and down a final hallway before we came to the General’s door.
He dropped my hand, placing his own on the small of my back before pushing me lightly toward the General’s office.
“Faylinn, we’re here,” I called quietly, gently tugging on her hand, but received no response.
Shit.
Before I could attempt to rouse her again, the General’s door opened abruptly to reveal a slightly disheveled Rohak, still wearing the same uniform from last night. At least, it appeared to be the same uniform. I could never quite tell, considering he wore the exact same thing. Every day.
He needs a new wardrobe,I thought, but reined in the inappropriate joke when I saw the near-murderous look on his face. Ilyas must have caught the same thing I did because he backed up slowly with his palms raised.
“What. Did. You. Do. To. Her?” he growled with an intensity that I’d never heard before, and I didn’t even try to conceal my surprise.
“Slow down there, growly bear,” I placated, raising my hands in a similar gesture to Ilyas, which was not the right decision, considering I still clutched Faylinn’s hand in my own. Rohak’s eyes narrowed at our clasped palms, and I slowly lowered my arms before releasing her.
“Why is she like this?” he demanded, coming to stand directly in front of Faylinn, his hands resting first on her shoulders before coming up to cup her face. His soft actions were at complete odds with his harsh tone, and it was something I’d never seen from the nearly constantly reticent General.
I sighed, lowering my voice.
“We should discuss this inside,” I muttered, as a too-curious student wandered past Rohak’s office. His eyes lingered asecond too long on Faylinn’s still form, and I felt Rohak stiffen before Ilyas moved to obstruct the view of prying eyes.
“Fine,” he acquiesced, gently leading Faylinn into his office and shutting the door behind us. I’d always liked this office better than the one in the administration building. Despite the monochrome black walls and floors, it felt cozier—more lived-in—than the impersonal beige of the administration building. While he had no windows—as was common with many of the rooms in the Academy—there was a massive fireplace that currently housed a roaring fire and a large sitting area surrounding it. Plush rugs adorned the floors and countless maps and charts covered the walls. Rohak’s desk was smaller here, but still as ornately carved as the monstrosity in the administration building. I thought the same artist was commissioned for both of his desks, which wouldn’t surprise me. He was a creature of habit, and any inordinate changes to his routine or environment were not typically on his agenda.
I mean, the man wore the same tunic and pants every. Single. Day. It wasn’t a stretch to think he had the same carpenters make him two desks.
Shaking myself from my errant thoughts, I watched as Rohak gently guided Faylinn to a seat in front of the fire, taking inordinate care to make sure she was comfortable. He even went as far as to remove her boots, setting them next to the fireplace so the wet footbeds would dry. Rohak procured a blanket before wrapping it around her slightly shaking form.
Where had he gotten a blanket from?It looked new.
Rohak pulled his eyes from Faylinn and, seeing mine and Ilyas’ matching looks of surprise, his previous open expression pulled into his normal scowl. He crossed his arms and widened his stance before fixing us with an intense glare.
