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Chapter One
Athelia
Freshman year
Empty and bright. Those are the first thoughts that pop into my head as I step into my dorm at Pemberton University for the very first time.
Whoever my roommate is, they aren’t here yet, and the room itself… yeah, way too bright.
Overall, the place is much nicer than I expected. I suppose that’s what I get for scrolling through dorm decor ideas on Pinterest for hours on end. Most of the rooms were tiny, which is probably normal for the average college.
Pemberton University, however, is far from normal. The student population may be small, but that’s because they only accept the best of the best—and the richest of the richest.
So of course it makes sense that the dorms are nicer than average. Honestly, I should’ve expected it. My parents probably could’ve clued me in considering they both graduated from here, but I didn’t ask them many questions.
I could tell they wanted to prepare me as much as possible, but I didn’t let them. They’ve been doing everything short of keepingme rolled up in bubble wrap for my entire life. I love them for it, but I need to do some things myself.
You know, like make the four-hour drive to Pemberton on my own and move into my third-floor dorm without any help. Maybe not my best plan.
During the early parts of my drive, the homesickness settled in fast. I distracted myself with my pop punk playlist, but now, that lonely, hollow feeling is coming back.
I whirl around and make my way downstairs. Distraction—that’s what I need. And to prove to myself that I can do this.
The halls are crowded with students and parents helping their kids move in. I seem to be one of the only people here without family.
That’s okay. Everyone takes their own path.
At my car, I grab a box with the word “dresses” written on top. My mom insisted I label everything. The packing process was the last thing I let her and Dad be involved in, and she definitely fussed more than she needed to. It was endearing, but it only proved how right I am.
Space—lots and lots of space. That’s what I need. I can do this by myself.
Those are the last words that go through my head before I slam straight into someone, box and all. I stumble backward, right into someone else—a very tall, warm, and hard someone else.
“Sorry,” I blurt as my box crashes to the ground. I don’t, half because of my excellent balancing skills and half because of the large hands grasping my hips.
“You looked a little lost in your thoughts, there.” The first guy I ran into shoots me an amused grin as he scoops my box into his arms. “You good?”
“I…” My throat instantly goes dry as I meet his dark brown eyes. There’s something hidden behind their charming sparkle that I can’t quite put a finger on.
He raises an eyebrow. His dark hair is messy, like he runs his fingers through it a lot or something. Paired with the rest of his look, I’m sure every girl walking past is staring.
He’s tall and lean, and the sleeves of his black T-shirt are cut off to showcase his muscular arms. A couple tattoos spread across his pale skin, and it makes me want to reach out and touch him.
“I’m great,” I manage after a second, tucking some of my dark green hair behind my ear. I squirm out of the hold of the guy behind me and turn to look at him.
He grins, his hands falling from my waist. “That’s good. Can’t have you sad on the first day of the rest of your life.”
I try to hide my grimace. It’s exactly what I’ve been telling myself all day, but god. It’s such a cheesy thing to say.
“Yeah.” He runs a hand through his dirty blond hair, and his light cheeks turn pink with a bashful smile. “I really went for the most cliche thing I possibly could’ve said, huh?”
“Not the worst I’ve heard today,” I lie.
The blond one sticks out his hand, and we shake. “I’m Calidore, although just about everyone calls me Cal.” He nods to the dark-haired one. “That’s Wesley. And Kellan…” He looks around before frowning. “Who knows where he fucked off to?”
“I’m Athelia. Are you guys moving into this building, too?”
“Nah, we’re commuting,” Cal says. “We all grew up in the area. Take it you’re not from around here?”
