Two

KAELYN

“I’ll take you to the headmaster’s office where you’ll get all the necessary information.” He tilts his head, “Your driver can leave.”

I turn to look at the man in the black car, “Please drop all my stuff and leave. Thank you.”

“Follow me.” He says and I walk behind him.

The headmaster's office is located behind a large hall, mostly secluded, like he preferred to be in the shadows, rather than the light.

Evren stopped at the door, “Headmaster Thornhelm prefers students to be quiet when he speaks to them. He would give you the map, so I hope you are able to find your way around….. without getting lost and wandering into restricted places, of course.” His eyes narrowed at me like he suspected I would do exactly that.

“Thank you.” I muttered and grabbed the door knob, about to pull it open.

“Altair,”

His voice stopped me.

“What pack is your family from?”

My fingers tightened on the doorknob. Too tight.

Of course he’d ask.

I forced myself to breathe, slowly. My father’s warning echoed in my mind: Storm Academy will see through you.

“...Minor pack. Far east,” I lied softly. “Not one you’d know.”

Evren said nothing, but he nodded and walked away briskly.

I sucked in a deep breath as I turned the door knob and walked into the office.

The man behind the large wooden desk stared at me, eyes narrowed as he assessed me.

His hair was black with grey hair popping out of random places. He cleared his throat softly, “Ah, Kaelyn Alit–”

“Altair.” I corrected.

He didn't blink at the correction.

“I didn't ask.” He said plainly, like he wasn't about to say ‘Alibaba’ or something related.

“So, Altair.” He called calmly, “What made you choose Storm Academy?”

I grimaced. “Everyone wants to be in Storm Academy. Every. Male.”

“Are you aware that survival is not guaranteed?”

I'm aware.

Maybe that's why Kaiven never came back.

But I do know that the Academy would inform family members when one of their students dies.

“I'm aware.” I replied.

“Good. That is all you need to know. At least from me. The rest is in your handbook.” He pulled out a thin book from his drawer and dropped it on the desk like it was heavier than it looked.

I reached for it, “Thank you.”

“The map of the school is on the first page.” He said.

I nodded calmly and turned to leave, but his voice stopped me,

“Do you have a mate?”

I froze.

Then turned, carefully giving a blank expression, “No.”

“Good. Because mateship is forbidden during study years.” He said, “If you had one, you'd have to forget about her until you are done with Storm Academy.”

I swallowed.

“Then I'm glad I don't have one.”

His gaze lingered on me for too long, then he nodded towards the door.

“You are dismissed.”

My fingers held the book tightly as I walked out of Headmaster Thornhelm’s office, walking back the path Evren had taken me through.

My stuff is still where the driver left them.

I flipped through the pages of the book, trying to find my room number.

“Dorm 17.”

A voice said behind me and I turned, to see Evren resting on the wall. Why was he still there?

He walked towards me.

“Your room tag and student ID.” He passed two wooden tags to me. The wood was a light gold brown and really cold. I curled my fingers over them without thinking.

“Your session with Headmaster Thornhelm was….short.”

I hesitated. “He said what he needed to.”

Evren's eyes flicked down to my fingers, still clenched tightly around the tags.

“You have pretty nails.”

My stomach flipped. I immediately pulled my hand behind me.

He raised a brow, “It’s a compliment.”

It didn't sound like it.

“Thank you,” I forced my voice steady as I grabbed my two bags.

He didn't reply.

I stepped backwards.

“Thank you for your help, Evren.”

He didn't say a word as I walked off, but his eyes pierced my back long enough. I still felt it even when I turned the corner.

I'd make sure to stay away from him.

He looked like the kind to notice every single thing about someone.

And I didn't want that.

I followed the map till I got to the large hostel. I walked up the stairs, just to the second floor.

Dorm 17.

The doors were strong and thick, made of oak wood. Almost like they were protecting the students. They should.

I pushed the door open, walking in.

It was dark from the closed curtains.

Pushing the curtains apart, I stared at the room.

Arranged and neat.

Like no one had stepped into the room. Ever.

There were only two beds.

And mine was empty.

The other had books on it.

I wondered who my roommate would be.

Hopefully, someone who kept to himself and wouldn't ask us to bathe together one random morning. I hoped he wouldn't even notice if I spoke. Or breathed.

I sat on the empty bed as I pulled out my clothes from the bag. Male clothes. I had Esme buy them when I received the admission letter to Storm Academy.

I fished out a letter from the bag.

From Esme.

‘I added more pills to the bottle. Hopefully, they keep your scent away for a longer time. I really hope you find Kaiven. Try to stay safe.’

I smiled lightly as I stared at the bottle. It was filled to the brim with the pills. Esme would always find a way to get things for me, even when I don't ask for her help.

I folded the letter back and placed it somewhere safe. Somewhere deep in my bags.

I had barely gotten up from the bed when the door opened.

It was my roommate.

My blood iced.

No.

Not him.

Evren walked in.

He stared at me from the door and I stared right back.

“Wh-What are you doing here?”

“I'm your roommate.” He walked towards me, pulling off his hand gloves, “I hope you are a quiet sleeper.”

Of course.

Out of every boy in Storm Academy. I'm stuck with him. My brother's best friend.