Page 10 of Plug and Drain

He frowned as the title caught his attention. Embracing Equality: A Vision for Fair Treatment of Vampire and Wolf Shifter Students at Volmasque Academy.

He was halfway through reading it when he heard Susie approaching behind him. He held up the page and raised an eyebrow. “Breaking down barriers, are we?”

Susie made a dismayed sound and hurriedly snatched the page from him.

“That’s…not important,” she gasped, tucking it into a book. She tossed it on top of a teetering stack in the corner which bore a sign bearing ‘TBR’ in feminine handwriting. It rivalled his own To Be Read pile. “It’s just something silly I wrote…”

“It seemed important,” Arken said, eyeing her curiously. “Planning to change the world?”

She shook her head quickly, placing her hands behind her back. “No.” She added in a mutter, “Just the school.”

“Hmm.” He rapped his fingers on the desk. “Tell me. Are you dissatisfied with the current way of things?”

She froze, clearly debating how to answer for fear of reprimand.

Arken sighed. “You don’t have to be afraid. You’re not in trouble. I’m genuinely curious. What you wrote was…interesting.”

Susie looked wary. “I might have some ideas.”

He smiled. “Are you on the Student Council? It’s a good place to voice ideas.”

She averted her gaze and nodded.

“Excellent. You might also consider applying to become a prefect.”

Susie gave him a funny look.

“Headmaster Arken, we don’t have prefects at this school.”

“Don’t we? I thought we did.”

We ought to.

“We have residential advisors for the dorms. They help support the students, especially the first-years.”

“Ah.”

I should know that.

“And I’m only in second year,” Susie continued. “But I’ve applied to become a Residential Advisor next year.”

“Good. It seems you would be well suited for the role. It was nice of you to look out for that wolf across the hall.”

“Molly.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Her name is Molly.”

Susie seemed to think that was important, so he inclined his head. “Molly,” he repeated.

“I don’t mind looking out for her,” Susie said, hugging herself as she stared at him. She sounded timid, but her eyes burnt with cautious flames. It was fascinating to witness, like an inner strength she kept tempered and hidden. “I think we should all look after each other, regardless of what race we are. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness.”

“Indeed, I could not agree more,” Arken said, pleased to hear Susie talking more. He took a step towards her. “And are people treating you with kindness, Susie?”

She swallowed nervously and nodded.

“I will be gentle,” he promised, taking another step forward.