Chapter 3

The plane lands smoothly and my stomach start to turn. The nerves and reality of what is happening is starting to sink in. I don’t have my mother with me anymore to protect me, I will have to find my own way using the lessons she taught me.

Elder Michael and I go through security again and wait for our bags. I take the moment to try and calm myself, I’m surrounded by a lot of people and my head begins to hurt buzzing from the thoughts of others. I put my mental wall up which I had been practising with my mother throughout the years.

“I’ll be right back” I run of towards to the bathrooms and yep.. I vomitted. Typical. I go somewhere new and the first thing I do is vomit. This is not how I planned for this to go. I walk out of the bathroom stall and wash my face with cold water.

I walk back out and see Elder Michael has our bags on a trolley and we are able to leave.

“All good?” He asks, showing some genuine concern for how I’m feeling.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just a bit overwhelmed I think” I brush it off like nothing was bothering me.

We walk out of the terminal and 2 cars were waiting for us, our bags get loaded by wolves from the Sapphire Pack and Elder Michael takes the keys so we have a car to ourselves. The wolves seemed friendly enough.

“So the Academy is about 30 minutes drive away, take the time to rest before you step into our world”

“Okay thanks” I respond my closing my eyes to his words.

Before I know it we had arrived. I feel his hand on my shoulder giving a gentle shake.

“Hey Nova.. we are here” I open my eyes to look at him cautiously. I look outside the window and there it is the Winter Garden’s Academy. The exterior is beautiful and very modern. I take a step out of the car and take in our surroundings. There is a large clearing and woods on the outskirts surrounding us, that must be where people go to shift and let off steam.

“Okay Nova, just remember it may be difficult at first but I believe you’ll settle in fine, please take my card and see me as a parent from home whilst you’re here. I’ll support you no matter what, I’ve given your mother assurances I would look out for you too” he hands me his card and chuckles lightly. We take my bags out of the car and he leads the way into the building. Luckily I’m starting the year at the same time as everyone else so I haven’t missed out on anything. We walk towards the reception area as Elder Michael gives my details to the lady standing behind the desk. She gives me my timetable, room key and a map of the school.

“You need to meet the headmaster before going to your room” she softly says. Myself and Elder Michael nod and he leads me towards the headmaster’s office. He knocks on the door and a gentlemen from the inside opens it.

“Welcomeeee” he greets us warmly giving Elder Michael an embrace and holding his hand out to me.

“Long time since I’ve seen you Michael, I hear you went to Black Diamond for negotiations”

“Ahh yes, it’s good to see you also Rupert. Yes, yes all went well in our talks and this is where I found young Nova under the close guard of Alpha Mark might I add” he gestures his hand towards me.

“Ahh yes Miss. Venture, I’m pleased to meet you. I have heard all about you from our dear friend Michael here. I hear you’re quite the telepath” he gestures for us to take a seat on the sofas in his room.

“Yes sir” I go over to take a seat on the opposite side of Elder Michael and Headmaster Rupert.

“Please my dear, I give you permission to enter my mind I want to see how strong this power is”

“Are you sure sir?” I ask confused.

“Yes please, I need to test the ability you have to ensure you have the correct mentors”

I nod at him, bring down my mental wall and focus on him and his thoughts.

“Sir you’re worried about me, you think I’ll get bullied by the students for not being a noble. You’re also worried about your wife who has gone away on a trip. You are also thinking about the Sapphire Pack, concerned that Prince Leonard hasn’t found a mate yet.. oh and something about the Shadow Pack, let me focus mor..”

“Ahhh that’s quite enough my dear please stop now”

I immediately stop and raise my mental wall again.

“Sorry sir did I overstep?” I ask warily.

“No of course not, I asked you to do it, it seems you are able to read both the conscious and sub-conscious state. A very powerful telepathic indeed” He looks towards Elder Michael and their eye’s flash slightly I know they are speaking through mind link to each other.

“It’s best not to try that out on anyone in the academy unless they grant you permission if that’s okay. I see you have done well training your mental wall as well, there are a lot of people here so that will be put to the test” he offers me a glass of water which I take and drink.

“Well that’s all for now, Nova please head to your dorm to meet your roommate. And I will see you in a few days time” he stands and shakes my hand again.

“Okay thank you Headmaster” I look towards Elder Michael.

“Oh Nova, I’m going to just stay behind for a moment to speak with the headmaster, so I’ll call you tomorrow if that’s okay? Oh and don’t forget to call your mother or at least message to say you have arrived safely” he smiles at me and gives a small embrace. I nod at him and grab my bags.

I look down at the map given to me at reception and start to head over to my dorm.