Chapter Four: Better That Way

Nyx’s POV

“Nyx! Nyx! Nyx!” They chanted, lifting me high until I was suspended in the air with their palms holding me up. The widest grin spread across my face as they sang my praises. I never thought a day would come when they would finally accept me. 

I turned to see Aunt Gacia jumping excitedly and pointing at me. The cheers were so loud, but I could read the words on her lips.

“That’s my cousin! My sweet-”

A high-pitched chirp filled my ears, jolting me awake.

With wide, horrified eyes, I whipped my head around in search of the source of the noise, only to see a white bird perched beside my window.

Did someone hurt him? 

I squinted, trying to make out its features in semi-darkness when its beak parted and another high-pitched chirp rang out again.  

“Arrrghhhh!” An annoyed groan came from the other side of the room where Narin was lying down and I watched her pull her night blue comforter over her head.

The bird only intensified its torturous cries until Narin suddenly stretched her hands from under her comforter towards the window and the bird just…disappeared.

Cold air washed over me and I stared at her in pure terror.

“Keep looking at me like that and you're going to be next.” Her grave voice tumbled from where she laid and I swallowed. 

How in the world did she know I was looking at her? Her head was still buried under the comforter!

I immediately averted my gaze, turning my attention toward the window. It was still dark outside, with a few orange rays peeking from the dark clouds. Silence filled the air, and with the soft snore coming from the other end of the room, I assumed Narin had fallen back to sleep.

I decided to take advantage of the silence of the morning and have a long shower, so I made a beeline to the bathroom. I shuddered slightly as the cold water settled down my skin, and I could feel uneasiness wash away from me. A little part of me wished that I could learn to perform magic like Narin and have the water turn warm immediately.

Maybe today would be a great day after all.

Loud banging breaks my thoughts as Narin’s familiar voice rang out.

“What the hell is taking you so long?” Narin’s angry voice cut through my reverie.

“Um…I’m sorry!” I reply nervously, stepping out of the shower.

“Good morning Narin.” I greeted her as soon as I stepped out of the bathroom, but all I got in return was an angry scowl followed by her shoulder roughly shoving me out of the way.

“Hey!” I called out, as I felt my patience thinning out but she had already stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door after her.

I roll my eyes in annoyance, going on to prepare for school. My uniform was my perfect size, and although the skirt was a little short, I loved it.

Narin had spent less time in the bathroom and was out and getting ready. Despite being two girls of the same age, the room was filled with awkward silence. 

I watched her style her glossy ash-brown hair and before I could stop myself, I'd already spewed it.

“Your hair is so pretty, Narin.”

I had no idea what I expected, but the coldness that followed was worse than I imagined. Without sparing me as much as a glance, Narin walked past me to pick up her backpack and slung it over her shoulder. 

My heart sank, and any hope that I had held onto about Narin and me becoming friends suddenly evaporated under the coldness of her silence. I bit down on my lower lip, watching her walk towards the door. 

I wanted to say something, but she beat me to it, turning her gelid sapphire eyes at me. “Keep your grimy ass out of my business and we’ll be cool…got that?”

I was taken aback by the unnecessary harshness of her words, blinking rapidly as I tried to comprehend them. What exactly did I do wrong to make Narin and everyone in this miserable place come at me with so much venom?

Before I could belt out a comeback, she was already out the door, slamming it shut with a loud thud. I bit down hard on my tongue, trying to calm the turmoil inside of me. 

Breathe, Nyx. Breathe.

I picked up my own backpack, glancing at my wristwatch. The students here already hated my ass. I couldn’t give the teachers a reason to dislike me too, which is why I liked to resume class thirty minutes before the lecture begins so I can properly settle in and prepare for class.

It’s been almost a week since I resumed Salvador Academy, but I’m still in awe of the magnificent structures and buildings which stood as tall as Mount Salvador, the tallest mountain in Imperial City. Our dorm has about five blocks, five stories each, and the details put into every structure were impeccable. 

As I trudge down the stony path, I couldn't help but pause to take in the stunning view. Beautiful flowers with an array of colours lined both sides of the pathway and tall trees swayed to the rhythm of the wind. 

The breathtaking view of Salvador Academy had to be one of the reasons why I hadn't lost my mind in the past few torturous days.

I walked faster as I got closer to the lecture building. It was a big building made of stone with tall towers that looked very impressive. To get in, I went through a gate that was like a big metal door. After that, I walked under an arch made of stone and into the school grounds.

When I got to the courtyard, I could see all the different buildings that were part of the school. They were all connected by small hallways and stairs that twisted and turned. I took one of them which led to my first class.

Stopping by my locker to pick up the schedule Aunt Gracia had given me the other day, a familiar voice caught my attention.

“Nyx Uren.”

I whipped my head and a smile bloomed on my face at the sight of Aunt Gacia. Speak of the angel and she shows up.

“Oh, good morning Aunt-” 

She raised her brows and my eyes widened as I suddenly remembered how she warned me not to call her Aunt Gacia on the school premises, but Miss Pendleton.

I cleared my throat as the large smile on my face shrank.

“Good morning Miss Pendleton.”

“Good morning Nyx. Come with me.” She said, right before turning around to walk away in the opposite direction. I knew that was a sign to follow her, so I did. The last time I was in her office, we used the Magic elevator, but this time she seemed to lead us through a narrow path with led away from the main lecture building.

We walked on in silence, save for the sound of our shoes clicking on the cobblestone floors until we arrived at a stone tower that was separate from the main castle-like school. We had to climb a winding stone staircase that spiraled up to the top of the tower.

Aunt Gacia, or rather, Miss Pendleton, stopped in front of a glossy wooden door, slipping a golden key into its lock and after a few turns, the door cracked open.

I was right behind her as she walked in, taking in the small, cozy room with stone walls and a single, narrow window that looks out over the castle grounds. 

“Take a seat, Nyx.” Aunt Gacia said, pointing to a chair at the other side of her giant mahogany table. I take my seat across from the woman who was peering into the desktop in front of her.

“So…how have the first few days been for you?” She asked even as she typed vigorously on her computer. 

“It’s been an absolute nightmare,” I confessed, unable to hide my displeasure. “From my cold roommate who acts like I don’t exist to the unexplainable hate I get from other students, I’m not sure which is worse.” 

Aunt Gacia stopped, looking up from her computer to give me her full attention. I took that as a signal to continue, so I went ahead to pour out my heart to her.

“Since the first day, I stepped into the Academy, it just feels like everyone is out to get me for some reason or the other. like I have somehow offended them without even knowing.” My voice quivered as I remember when Otis and his friends humiliated me at the dining hall.

“Everything that is happening is all for good, Nyx.” Aunt Gacia said and my face scrunched up in confusion. Was Aunt Gacia the brain behind these rumors? I felt like I was missing something.

“I don't understand…” I muttered, waiting for her to explain further.

“All of this going on is just to…keep people away from you for the meantime…until we find a solution for your…condition.” Aunt Gacia explained in hushed tones. 

“Oh.” Was the only word I could muster as I hung my head in shame. My inability to transform into a wolf at nineteen was a matter of great concern for my family and of course, Aunt Gacia. Was that why she didn't want anyone to know we were related? Is she ashamed of me?

I had thought all of this stigma was the reason I stayed away from the academy for a whole year. It appeared nothing was going to change anytime soon. 

“These rumors are causing more harm than good, Aunt Gacia. Can't my condition be hidden without making people hate me?” 

She drew her lips into a thin line, adjusting her glasses along the bridge of her nose.

“It's a small price to pay, Nyx. Do you have any idea how you'll be treated once they find out you can’t transform at nineteen?”

“Otis had his transformation at the age of fifteen!” 

I opened my mouth to speak but no words were formed.

“That’s what I thought…” she muttered before turning her attention back to her computer.

I couldn't explain how I felt. It wasn't my fault that the moon goddess withheld my gift of transformation, was it? So why did I have to suffer so much because of it?

“Here.” Aunt Gacia slips a card across the table to me.

I look down at the paper and back to her, waiting for some explanation.

“I have gotten you a personal tutor to help you unleash your wolf. We sense it must have been trapped for some reason, so your wolf awakening class begins this evening.”

I picked up the black card, taking in its gold instructions.

“That card contains all you need to know about him. Don't lose it.“ Aunt Gacia warned.

I sighed, picking up the card and slipping it into my breast pocket.

“Yes, Miss Pendleton,” I replied before leaving her office.