Once, I would have been thrilled to be nearly done with the academy and ready to start my life. Now, the thought of what comes next fills me with dread.
Because my life has already been decided for me.
I don’t have that freedom anymore. Nor any choice in where I will be forced to live once my time here ends.
A shiver runs down my spine, but I push the thought away.
I have never been the most optimistic person, but I try to look at the brighter side of things.
At least I still have a few months to prepare myself for the life waiting for me.
To go and be locked inside a gilded cage.
I make a quick breakfast—Greek yoghurt with muesli, fruit, chia seeds, and coffee—and when I glance at the clock on the wall, I realise I will be late if I don’t leave now.
After finishing my coffee, I drink a glass of water, take the smoothie I made for later, and tuck it into my Polène bag. I make sure my key card is with me and head out.
In the corridor, I look at each of the doors belonging to my friends.
It is completely silent.
A pang tightens in my chest.
There was a time we used to walk to class together, laughing and teasing.
Not anymore.
When Adelaide asked me to attend the Ferrum Syndicate party the other day, I suspected something was amiss.
I didn’t ask questions, though, I simply didn’t care enough to. For some reason, I accepted the invitation, especially after learning all my friends were going as well.
But something happened that night.
Something happened to all of them.
And now our friend group feels… broken.
Octavia and Adelaide are constantly at each other’s throats. Well, mostly Octavia. The hatred she directs towards Adelaide… I know something must have happened between them.
And the way Adelaide delights in antagonising her only makes it worse.
Ophelia, on the other hand… that situation is complicated. Whatever happened to her, it left its mark, judging by the stitches on her forehead.
And Eleanor…
My chest tightens.
She is not here.
We have no idea where Eleanor is. Adelaide says she has tried reaching her, but without any success. The last time we saw her was at the party, and after that she was simply gone.
I texted her and received no reply. Then I called several times.
On the fifth call, her father answered.
My concern intensified tenfold.
Why would he answer her phone?
