Page 12 of Lost and Bound

“I won’t be able to answer all your questions tonight, but why don’t you look at your time with us at Thales as the very place where all those questions can be answered.”

“I’d rather skip all this and start working, as I don’t have the money to repay my time here.”

“Did the nurse not explain?”

“Maybe. I’ve had a lot to absorb though, so I’m not sure what exactly she should have explained?”

“You have a very generous benefactor who has elected to remain anonymous. Not even the faculty is privy to their identity. Regardless, everything pertaining to your time with us at Thales is included, along with a generous monthly stipend.” He passes over a Thales-branded backpack. “In here, you’ll find a new phone and the device we use for our lessons. I added a couple of books that may help you assimilate into life as a Thales student. You’ve also been granted, as all our students are, a travel pass, which allows you clear passage throughout Quin-state, although your travel is still to be logged.”

We make it outside, and I’m stunned by my first view of Thales Academy and its students.

Master Maddern doesn’t miss my reaction. “It’s best to remember that after the veil fell, we didn’t spring up from nowhere, we simply reclaimed parts of Earth that were always ours. So, yes, in your history books, you might have seen campuses which look very much like this because they are still in existence. We renamed the land, cities, and everything else to represent our birthright, and we use what we have on hand to protect ourselves.”

“And that means?”

“A powerful magik hides our location from the humans, and we also use that magik to move our location. You’re actually nowhere near the city where you fled.”

That makes me stop. “Pardon?”

“We’re in a different part of the world altogether. Look around you.” He waves his hand like a big unveiling.

I do what he says and slowly spin where I stand, taking everything in. Given the obvious castle-like appearance of a lot of the buildings, their evident age, and the different landscape from where I grew up, his comment about us being on a different continent makes sense.

Thales Academy is nestled in a valley with mountains surrounding it—enormous, snow-capped mountains. The lush trees and thick landscape are the type you’d see in colder climates. Then the buildings also suggest European influence. Architecturally, they’re similar to castles and gothic manors, and size-wise, each is as foreboding and impressive as its neighbor. The commonality of gray stone blocks, heavy timber dormer windows, and sky-high turrets ties all the buildings together.

Master Maddern stays quiet while I take in the view.

“I had no idea. I thought we were close to where I came from,” I admit after I finish a full turn.

“And we prefer to keep it that way. No one should mention it.”

I look at him, wondering if I heard that touch of suspicion. Either way, he’s already moving past his slightly barbed comment.

“Your device has a map on it, but if you get lost, remember to look for these directional signs.”

“Seems obvious.”

“It does, doesn’t it, but still, we deal with so many lost students, I truly wonder sometimes.” He starts walking again, pointing out the administration offices, the library, the gyms, and sports quadrants.

“There are coffee shops and stores dotted around campus. In the dining hall, meals are served, and they also offer take-out options. While attendance isn’t mandatory, it is encouraged. Again, all this information is included in the student handbook on your device.”

My head spins as I try to keep up.

We come to a split in the pathway, breaking into various forks.

“There are a few accommodation options for our students. Houses are broken into supernatural types, but on occasion, we also encourage units to live together. At Thales, we want to see shifters, vampires, witches, demons, and celestials mingling freely.” His finger is moving, indicating the different pathways as he speaks before he waves his hand. “You are down this way.”

“I’m down this way?”

“You are,” he agrees, as he takes the winding path in the opposite direction of the others.

“Why this way? Is it because of what I am?”

“In a sense.”

“What am I?”

“A Nom.”