Page 37 of Faerie Marked

Classes weren’t slated to start until tomorrow morning to give students more time to acclimate. Fine by me. For some reason I felt like I needed more time than most, despite being so excited to be here.

“How can anyone think that?” I wanted to know. “Being half Fae doesn’t guarantee you’ll be good at your classes. We’re all in the same boat.”

She gave a little sigh. “I wish I knew. There are just so many who think they are better than everyone else when really, once you come through those gates, the staff lay it out as an equal playing field. We all start at zero once we walk through those doors. Or one thousand, with their point system, and from there the only thing moving you forward is you. Not your magic, and not Mommy and Daddy’s money. Take me, for instance. I’m a fourth-year but I had to earn my spot with my claws.”

She flexed her fingers for emphasis though the tiny roar she gave made me laugh.

“You don’t really have claws,” I burst out.

Melia laughed again. “No, girl, I don’t, I’m using claws as a metaphor. I got through with my wits.” She tapped the side of her head. “I happen to be a natural-born nerd for all things book related.”

On the tour, I found out every main hallway throughout the main castle was decorated with golden-framed mirrors. Those I would have to avoid like the plague. Or start walking around wearing a full-body covering like a ghost.

Great, I can’t walk anywhere or I will break the potion’s spell.

I had to be on guard no matter where I went, clearly.

“You are going to love this. Ready?” Melia stopped outside of the library, pressing her hand against the wall to draw my attention. “You see this? The plaster fairy on the sconce here?”

I nodded.

“There are a bunch of them around the school. Look for them, they’re all over the halls and they mark the secret passages most students know nothing about.” She dropped her voice to make sure no one else heard her. “You are going to flip. They’re super easy to navigate. It’s a simple word, the spell to open the door, and once you’re inside you say it again to seal the passage from the inside. Then boom! You go wherever you want without anyone the wiser.”

Melia closed her eyes, muttering the word “elaphrium,” and I watched the wall slowly melt into nothingness. Empty blackness met us, though I had the distinct impression of space accompanied by the damp scent of mold.

“Are first-yearsallowedto use these passages?” I asked, leaning closer to inspect the doorway.This could definitely come in handy…

“Girl, no one is supposed to know about them. Nowyoudo, and you must use this knowledge only in case of emergency.” Her voice dropped intoseriousterritory. “Or if you need to get away for a little alone time. Just keep it to yourself. I’m not really supposed to know either. My mentor told me years ago on the down low and now I pass the secret on to you.” She clapped a hand on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you already.”

I learned two things about Melia then. One, we were going to get along just fine. And two, she had a quirkiness about her that made her unpopular with Fae halflings like my bunkmate, the blondie, despite her good looks.

People not only stared at her because she was pretty but because she didn’t give a crap what anyone thought of her and it brought out a lot of jealousy and disdain. She kept her chin raised and the conversation animated in a way putting me instantly at ease. I’d lucked out getting her as my mentor.

She dropped me off at the last part of my orientation for Tuesday, the homeroom meeting. This was a class I’d go to once a week to cover the history of Faerie and meet one on one with the professor assigned to check on my progress.

“You’re going to be fine,” Melia stated, miming drawing in a deep breath and releasing after a few seconds. Did she see my nerves already? “Nothing to worry about, okay? You have a good head and a keen eye. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Anything you need to know, you ask me. If you feel out of place or anything, or if you just need a pick-me-up pep talk, I’m here.”

I didn’t have to force a smile this time, pausing outside of the carved wood door to my homeroom. “Are you sure you can’t stay a little longer?” I asked her.

She rolled her eyes before saying, “Tavi, you managed to make friends with the most influential Fae in the land before you even arrived. I’d say you have everything you need.”

It hurt to say goodbye to her, even knowing I’d see her again soon. Melia was definitely the best part of this experience by far.

Then my mind flashed to Mike and the wink he’d sent me earlier. Okay,oneof the best parts.

“Are you going to stand around and loiter all day or are you going to take a seat, Miss?”

The teacher’s voice snapped me out of my head and I stared at him, tall and slender and gorgeous. I should have expected as much from the staff. They were all full Fae and their kind of bloodline came with perks like perfect hair, a killer body, and a cold smile to match the ice of his eyes and white hair.

My gaze fell on the first row of students who all turned to stare at me, their faces familiar. My bunkmate and her goonies.

Dammit, no.

“Hurry up, hurry up,” the teacher urged me with a wave of his hand. “Everyone else is already in their seats and you are wasting our time.”

“I’m sorry,” I muttered under my breath. There was a single empty chair left in the back and I grabbed it without further hesitation.

My stomach sank as the professor glared daggers at me.

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