Two

“Mr. Leon, we are delighted to welcome you and your daughters to our academy,” said a tall black man in a sleek black suit, stretching out his hand for a handshake. Elsa lifted her gaze slightly, scanning the group of people at the front. They were all dressed in black, and she couldn’t help but wonder why the academy seemed to love black so much.

“Trust me, I am even happier to be here. Thank you for accepting my daughters,” her father replied, and both men laughed, the sound echoing warmly through the hall.

“This way please, we will have your daughters settled in no time,” the man said, gesturing toward the entrance. The staff accompanying the black man quickly made way.

They followed him into a spacious office where several others were seated. Elsa assumed they were school officials.

“This is our VC, Mr. Dondon, and this is one of the school’s sponsors, Mr. Leon,” the man introduced. Elsa watched her father step forward and shake the VC’s hand.

She had always known her father was wealthy, but she hadn’t realized he was wealthy enough to be a sponsor of the Elite Academy. Rumor had it the academy was worth trillions, and not even for sale. For him to contribute so much… Elsa’s chest tightened slightly, a mix of awe and unease filling her.

“Thank you for believing in us. If it weren’t for you and a few other sponsors, we couldn’t have come this far,” the VC said, letting go of her father’s hand with a respectful nod.

“You flatter me. All I wanted was to help students achieve their dreams,” he said. “I couldn’t pursue mine, so I always try to help others reach theirs.”

The VC’s gaze shifted to Elsa and Lily. “And we will do our best to help your daughters achieve their dreams too.”

Elsa’s stomach dropped. “Ermm… Lily is my biological daughter,” her father clarified, his voice calm, “Elsa is the daughter of my late sister. I see her as my own, and that is why I refer to her as my daughter.”

Elsa felt the familiar sting of being sidelined. He wanted her identity kept secret but hearing it confirmed in public made her heart ache.

“As long as the child comes from you, we will do our best to give them the best,” the VC said, smiling gently. Elsa’s father returned the smile, satisfied, but Elsa’s chest felt tight.

“Mr. Luke, have someone show the girls around while we discuss matters with Mr. Leon,” the VC ordered. Mr. Luke, who is also the black man nodded, stepping aside.

…

A short distance from the office, Mr. Luke, Elsa, and Lily stood with a young man.

“This is Ray. He will be your guide for the rest of your first year here,” Mr. Luke introduced. “Ray, this is Elsa and Lily. You are in charge of taking care of them from now on.”

Ray nodded and smiled faintly. “Hi, Elsa. Hi, Lily. You will be seeing me a lot from now on.”

“It’s so nice to meet you!” Lily squealed, grinning from ear to ear.

Ray’s gaze lingered on Elsa. She stiffened slightly, unsure of what to say. But before the tension could grow, Lily noticed his concern and immediately stepped between them.

“Can we see our classrooms first? I am so excited!” She asked brightly, drawing his attention back to her.

Ray led them around the academy, showing them every corner and hallway. By the time the tour finally ended, five exhausting hours had passed, and Elsa’s legs ached as they were taken to the dorms.

“This will be your new home or room. Whatever. I don’t give a fuck,” a young lady, slightly older than Elsa, said flatly. They both stood outside the door, staring at the small room before them.”

“Th… thank you,” Elsa murmured.

The girl paused and turned. “What?” Her brows furrowed. “You will have to speak louder than that if you want to survive here. Being an omega is bad enough, don’t make it worse.” She shook her head, clearly irritated.

“I…I am sorry!” Elsa blurted out, immediately lowering her head.

The girl frowned. “Bloody hell. Another victim for these vultures,” she muttered. With a tired sigh, she dug into her pocket and pulled out a key.

“This is your spare key. Lose it…fine. Break any rules…fine. Bring boys in…expulsion.” She leaned in suddenly and warned. Elsa flinched, nodding quickly.

“Anyhoo,” the girl said, already turning away, “go suffer.”

She shoved Elsa inside the room and shut the door behind her.

The room was small, shockingly so but to Elsa, who had spent eighteen years in a dark, lonely space barely fit to breathe in, it felt bright, open and livable. A soft smile crept onto her lips, excitement bubbling in her chest before she could stop it.

Maybe it won’t be so bad. ‘Maybe the academy won’t be so bad.’ She thought.

There were four bunks in the room, two on each side of the wall. Elsa instinctively headed for the left one. She had always lived high up, so she climbed the small stairs and claimed the top bunk.

She was just settling in when voices sounded behind the door. It swung open, and three girls walked in.

“Did you hear about the bonfire tonight? It’s going to be insane! The X boys will be there,” one of them said excitedly.

The other girls screamed in excitement, the noise making Elsa jolt.

“What about him? Will he be there?” Another girl asked. Her hair was dyed a vivid purple.

“Yes! Jake Blake will be there!” The first girl shrieked. “That’s why everyone’s going!”

More screaming followed.

“But wait,” the third girl said suddenly. “There are four of them. If we are getting their attention, we need to be four too.”

The screams died down. All three girls rested their chins in their hands, thinking until the purple-haired girl suddenly screamed again, her eyes locked on something above.

The others groaned and turned around in annoyance.

“What the…AHH!”

They screamed too, clutching each other.

“What is that?” The purple-haired girl demanded. “How did she get in here?”

Elsa froze.

“I…hi,” she said softly, then tried again. “I am Elsa. I… I am staying in this room too.” Her head was lowered, but this time her voice came out clearer.

One of the girls sighed. “You could have said something when we came in.”

Before Elsa could apologize, the purple-haired girl gasped. “Guys,” she said slowly, eyes widening, “are you thinking what I am thinking?”

The other two followed her gaze then their eyes widened too. Before Elsa could react, all three charged toward her.

“We don’t have time to explain,” the purple-haired girl said urgently, grabbing her arm, “but you are coming with us to the bonfire.”

Elsa’s heart skipped.

What?