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"You guys are wasting your time. You've got her working way too hard," Lilah said as she stepped into the courtyard we were using as our practice grounds.
"I agree," I said emphatically, dropping to the ground dramatically and wiping my forehead off.
"Oh, come on. You're stronger than this," Aeson teased, dropping down next to me.
"No, I'm not. I'm a weak, pampered, rich, only child who went to a preparatory school so her parents didn't have to bother with her. I didn't train, or run, or any of this," I whined dramatically.
Tristan snorted at my dramatics, dropping to the ground next to us. "Don't act like you were some pampered queen, you were clearly a runner. Not to mention, you had no qualms about running out to your spot on the bridge," he challenged, nudging me with his foot.
"How are you gonna call me out like that?" I pouted, sitting up and waiting for Calev to stop chatting with Lilah and tell us why we were still doing this. "What's the academy like?" I asked, switching the subject up. It was a question I'd meant to ask over and over, but never found the right time.
"It's a bit different than the prep school, even though the names aren’t that different. It's more modern looking, the teachers are laid back, and there's a lot of mentoring involved," Lachlan explained, joining our group. "It's less catty than that school of yours," his voice became bitter, apparently remembering all the bullying involved.
"If you’ve got any hidden artistic talents, we also have the best arts programs of the American territories," Evander added, sitting on the ground and scooting forward, forcing me to put my head in his lap.
"I can draw a bit," I said casually, my cheeks heating at our closeness. We’d known each other a while now, and they still got me giddy as a schoolgirl. "Are any of you in any of the arts programs... music, theater, art?"
"Aeson can paint, and Calev can sing," Tristan said in a rush, ducking out of the way of Aeson's shove.
"I can't wait to see some of it," I said, giving him a smile. I pictured Aeson as the type of painter who did intricate fantasy scenes. He had a sweet side, but he was way too imaginative for casual landscapes and still life. And the thought of Calev singing in his smokey, slightly raspy voice had me fangirling already.
"Anyway, little Miss Redirection, Lilah thinks you're thinking too hard about it all. You've used the others powers when you were in danger or upset, so it was instinctual," Calev said, sitting down and passing me a platter of snacks. I was glad we weren't staying here long, because Lilah would have me gaining ten pounds in less than a week. I grabbed a brownie and passed it back, thinking over their conclusion. He had a point, I’m a reactive person in general, so it made sense that my powers would come out if I tried them on pure instinct, without my head getting in the way.
"So what's the solution?" I asked hesitantly, hoping Calev and Lilah didn't cook up something ridiculous for me to do. From what little I already knew of them, I feel like they'd stage something intense just so I'd have to react.
"Nothing. She said you should be able to use indefinite powers if you just do it. No thoughts or distractions, just react. So, until you are relaxed and ready to let go, we can't do much,” he explained, before furrowing his brows in thought. “When should we set up a meeting with the Dean?" Calev finally asked with a sigh.
"Is it wrong that I'm almost hesitant to go there?" I asked, sitting up and bringing my knees to my chest before wrapping my arms around them.
Van scoffed at my words, scooting up behind me to wrap himself around me, his knees on either side of mine as he snuggled into my shoulder. "Of course not, your last experience was hardly a good one. I can't say that none of the other students will give you a hard time, but I can promise that the whole school won't turn on you like that."
Calev rolled his eyes at the short description, taking it upon himself to explain better. "There's more of a hierarchy among supernaturals, even in the school. So you've got your Vamps and Shifters vying for power at the top, both thinking they're the best of the best. Under that are the Mages. They try to keep at the top, but there's just too much variety involved. Then under that, you have your rare breeds and low power types."
"Why would the rare ones be lower on the hierarchy? I thought rare usually meant powerful?" My words were partially out of curiosity, but part of me wanted to know where I'd actually be on that list. It's better to be prepared.
"Not always. There are rare species of the lower ranks too, but it's more of a lack of backup. They're alone and hard to train for the most part. You'll be the exception because you have us, and your magic comes from ours. Don't worry, I think you'll really love it there," Tristan said excitedly. Their excitement
made me excited to go, but I also worried where I’d fit in when they settled into the school they’d been attending for a while.
"What about the dorms? Will I get a super weird roommate?" I asked, wincing at the reminder of what living with someone else was like. Though, I hoped my future supe roommate would be nothing like Cierra. But honestly, who could be weirder than a creature only known in urban legends?
"Some dorms have them, and some are single rooms. It depends on your powers, honestly. They pair mages with mages and so on. It gives them built in study and training partners. I'm sure they'll move you to the singles dorm, though," Calev explained with a shrug. "It's kind of all unknown. We were only second years, and you’re still a bit of a mystery, so it's going to be slightly different for you."
"Is it like a college, or does this side do things differently?" I asked, looking at Aeson who seemed to be the one best equipped to answer questions about society in general.
He looked proud at being the one I turned to, puffing his chest out before launching into his explanation. I smirked at how adorable he was, but listened to his words, needing to sort some of my questions out still. "I guess you could call it a college, it's for anyone over eighteen, but you’re not the one who chooses your path. We have our core classes to keep our minds sharp, but each student's schedule is tailored to their magic and needs. So, where a human college teaches a trade, ours teaches our specific magic. Trade skills are taught through apprenticing and mentoring at the job itself. A mage has to master his healing magic at the Academy before he can get “on the job” experience where lives are truly on the line, if that makes sense.”
The answer only sparked more questions, my mind going a million miles a minute with the questions popping up constantly. "So, what are you guys going to do after the academy?"
"I'm actually planning to stick around the academy. I wouldn't mind teaching history or something," Aeson said, not surprising me at all. He’s so calm and clear when he talks that I can perfectly imagine him in front of a class, leading the next generation in learning about their history and who they are. Tristan took his hand before answering, making me think that this might not be the easiest subject between them.
"I want to work for The Regency. I think it'd be the best use for my skills," Tristan answered, not looking away from Aeson who just gave him a sad smile in return.
Picking up on their mood change, Evander gave me a squeeze before answering. "I want to work as an investigator in The Regency, tracking down criminals and outlaws. Being in the field sounds more exciting than working an indoor job."
"I want to go back home, I miss the pack," Lachlan said without hesitating, his voice strong and sure. It warmed my heart to know that he wanted to be close to his family and his home. Though, the implications of it weren't lost on me. If he went home, and some of the guys went to where The Regency was located, while the others spread out, this would be over.
"Now you sound like Aeson," Tristan said sadly, reaching over and squeezing my hand. "We'll figure it out, we have time."
