Chapter 3: Gone

Chapter 3

"Aurora!"

Mom's voice suddenly called out, snapping my attention to the window of the train car. She was rushing toward it, looking flustered.

"Take care of yourself," she said urgently, her voice soft enough that only I could hear. "If anything happens, any changes, or anything at all, come back immediately. Tell me everything!"

Her anxious tone made me frown. She'd already said this at least ten times today, but I still nodded.

"Okay, Mom," I whispered, trying to sound reassuring.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my seatmate had gone quiet. He was watching, his gaze fixed on Mom as she slowly stepped back from the train.

"Is that your mom?" he asked, his tone curious but distant.

"Yup," I replied, studying him as he continued to watch her. Something about his expression had shifted, though I couldn't place it.

"Is something wrong?" I asked after a moment.

"No," he said quickly, shaking his head as if brushing off the thought. "It's just. I think I've seen her somewhere before."

I tilted my head, puzzled. "I doubt it. We've lived in Clearwater all our lives," I said, settling back into my seat.

He nodded, though his thoughtful expression lingered for a few moments longer.

"So," I began, genuinely curious, "you're here for the tryouts too?"

He glanced at me, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Me?"

"Yes," I said, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, something like that," he replied cryptically, leaning back in his seat with calm ease.

Before I could ask what he meant, the train lurched into motion, picking up speed almost dizzyingly.

"This has to be a bullet train," I muttered, amazed at how fast we were moving.

"It's okay, Bellissima," he murmured.

"What does that mean?" I asked, shifting uncomfortably under his steady gaze. He had called me that several times today.

"It means beautiful," he explained, a small teasing grin playing on his lips.

"Oh," I said, cheeks heating slightly.

"In a couple of hours, we'll be at Twilight," he added casually, gesturing toward the window. "Might as well get comfortable."

"What's your name?" I asked curiously.

"I'm... " He seemed to hesitate. "James," he said finally with a smile.

"And I'm..." I started 

"Aurora," he finished for me, meeting my eyes with his piercing blue ones.

I blinked in surprise. "How did you know that?" I whispered.

He chuckled lightly, the sound warm and unhurried. "Your mom called you just now," he said, leaning back. "Aurora. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

A smile tugged at my lips despite myself. "Thanks," I said softly.

James's presence was unexpectedly pleasant, and I couldn't help but hope the other students at Twilight would be as kind as he was.

"What do you think Twilight will be like?" I asked after a moment.

He shrugged, still calm and self-assured. "Ease up," he said with a reassuring smile. "You'll be just fine."

I leaned back against the seat, his words repeating in my mind. I hoped he was right.

---

The train gradually slowed, the rhythmic hum fading to a soft halt. As the doors slid open, we stepped onto the platform, and my breath caught at the sight before me.

This was Twilight?

My lips parted in awe at the towering buildings, their sleek designs shimmering under the golden glow of strategically placed lights. The air was crisp, filled with the faint scent of pine and something else. 

A massive wrought iron gate stood at the entrance, adorned with the Twilight emblem. A silver crescent moon intertwined with a wolf's silhouette. Beyond it, an expansive courtyard stretched out, leading to the academy's main structure, which looked more like a grand castle than a school. A few students moved in an orderly fashion across the grounds.

I barely noticed walking in line with the other new arrivals until James's voice pulled me from my daze.

"Well, this is where we part," he said, glancing at me.

I turned, suddenly realizing our time together had ended.

"Well, see you around," he muttered, handing me my Twilight customized bag. It had been sent to me weeks earlier, and I realized now all students apparently had one.

"The female lodges are over that way," he added, pointing to a path lined with towering trees leading to a cluster of buildings. "You'll need to check in first with your documents."

Before I could respond, he disappeared effortlessly into the small crowd.

For a brief moment, I considered calling out. Maybe asking for his number. But the moment passed. He was probably the first friend I had made, and now he was gone.

"This way, ladies!" a sharp voice called, snapping me back to reality.

I wheeled my luggage forward, following the line of female students heading toward reception.

"Are we tryouts going to be staying together?" I asked the girl next to me.

"Oh no," she said, shaking her head. "We'll be in regular dorm rooms with other students. I just hope we get nice roommates and not snobbish bullies."

A valid fear, especially for those of us from smaller, lesser known packs. Fitting in at a prestigious place like Twilight would not be easy. My new friend introduced herself as Sara, also from a small unknown pack.

"Aurora Roy," a porter called my name, and I stepped forward.

"Lily Lodge, room 300," she said, handing me a sleek silver access card.

I muttered a quick thank you before heading to the towering building ahead.

---

Lily Lodge

Inside, Twilight Academy impressed even more. The ceiling stretched high above, massive chandeliers casting warm light over polished marble floors. Wooden paneling and enormous windows highlighted the grandeur. A massive Twilight Academy crest hung at the center, giving the place a regal feel.

Female students bustled about, some in the academy uniform, others in travel clothes. Pack insignias embroidered on their sleeves marked origins, some recognizable, others not.

I dragged my suitcase to the far elevators, pressing the button for the third floor. The doors slid open to a long hallway lined with numbered doors. Room 300. Swiping my access card, the lock clicked open.

I pushed the door open and froze.

"Hi!"

Two girls with bright eyes and beaming smiles stood in the stylish four person dorm room.

"Mirabelle!" one hissed, nudging the other before turning to me.

The second girl perked up, leaning slightly.

"Hi!" they chorused together, waving in perfect unison.

Twins.

I smiled, stepping fully into the room.

"Sooo, tryouts?" the twin in pink asked.

I nodded. "Yeah."

"What pack are you from?" she asked.

"Clearwater," I replied, noticing a slight frown.

"Never heard of it," she admitted.

I nodded. Of course. Clearwater was small, insignificant compared to elite packs.

"What about you?" I asked.

"We're from Knox Valley!" they chimed in unison, practically glowing with pride.

I recognized the name. Knox Valley was powerful, one of the strongest among mid tier regions.

"We're twins," the first added. "I'm Mirabelle, and she's Annabelle."

I smiled. "Nice to meet you both."

I liked them already. Warm, friendly, and easygoing.

The room was incredible, fully equipped with everything one could need. My eyes landed on a sleek futuristic heater.

"Is that a Heater 3000?" I asked, barely hiding excitement.

"Yup," they replied in sync.

"This place gets really cold during certain periods," Annabelle explained. "Necessary."

I nodded, still in awe. Twilight Academy exceeded expectations.

One twin darted toward me. I couldn't tell which.

"This is your bed space," she announced, patting the neatly made bed by the window. "This is your closet."

"Welcome!" the other threw her arms around me. I froze, stunned.

She pulled away quickly, beaming.

"Well then, get unpacking!" she chirped, twirling before hopping onto her bed.

"Sorry about my twin," the other said, smiling apologetically. "She gets excitable."

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "She's really bubbly."

Annabelle grinned. "That's one way to put it. Anyway, we'll let you settle in."

I knelt beside my suitcase, unzipping it to start unpacking. The warm glow of the overhead lights made the corner cozy. For the first time in a long while, I felt peace. Classes started tomorrow, and I was excited.

I slid open the closet door and froze.

Wait.

I had to secure Mom's essentials. They were packed in a separate bag. Frowning, I reached into the Twilight duffel bag, but my fingers brushed something solid and unfamiliar.

Wait. What?

My heart sank.

I yanked the bag open.

This wasn't mine.

Inside was a crisp masculine uniform, the academy crest stitched neatly. A razor, a black leather wallet, and a silver wristwatch rested beneath.

I groaned, falling back against the bed. James must have handed me his bag by mistake, meaning he had mine.

I chewed my lips nervously. Soon, I'd be known as the weird one here too.

"Something wrong?" Mirabelle asked, appearing beside me.

"I must have switched belongings with another tryout student. This bag isn't mine," I said, defeated.

"Whose bag is that?" Annabelle exclaimed, leaning closer.

I glanced at her, startled.

"Don't tell me," she muttered, trailing off.

Then she shook her head, smiling faintly. "No, it couldn't be."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

She shrugged. "You said it's a tryout candidate's, right?"

I nodded.

"Then it's probably nothing," she said, though a flicker in her eyes suggested doubt. "Still, should I come with you?"

I hesitated, surprised. Was this friendship?

"Nah, I'll be fine," I replied. I wasn't used to offers like that. I wasn't used to people offering to walk with me. Plus if he had seen what was in my bag and was searching for me, I'd rather the exchange be done without other people being there. So as to keep the contents  under wraps.

"Alright," she said, waving it off.

"Thanks," I murmured.

"Ask the porters to help find the owner," Annabelle suggested.

But when I reached the desk, it was empty. I hovered, shifting from foot to foot.

What now?