Page 10 of Phixmery

His hands run through his blonde locks as he tucks the strands behind his pointed ear. “Good morning. So are you excited for today?” I go to respond but he pushes on. “Also, about that apology—”

An exasperated breath expels itself from my chest. “We can call it even if you just leave me alone. You had no problem doing that in Shalo.”

He shrugs with a smirk playing on his face. “It’s different now.”

My hands settle in the curve of my waist and I glare up at him. “Why? Because I’m not a null? I’m suddenly worth your time and effort?”

He stutters and I push past him, leaving him behind. I may have been sheltered the majority of my life, but even I know that trusting Bracken—especially after yesterday—isn’t a good idea. Whirling thoughts of the dragon swallowing that fae male whole whip through my brain causing me to shiver. Were we going to be next? But even as that thought crosses my mind, and knowing how ruthless dragons are rumored to be, I can’t help but feel that yesterday’s situation wasn’t like that. I can’t put my finger on it, but I don’t think it would have hurt us. Or maybe I’m just being naive.

As my hurried strides reverberate off the stone steps, I pull out my map and schedule, and just as I read the word ‘breakfast’ my stomach growls like a horrid beast coming out of hibernation. My pace quickens, knowing that shortly, I’m going to be able to get some food into my system before the day truly begins.

The corridors are bustling with fae all trying to get to the same place. Ancient portraits line the walls along with armored statues, dating back to who knows how far, along with weapon displays, large windows and high ceilings decorated with intricate crown moldings that match the dark-hewn stone of the walls. Fountains and plant life can be found in almost every corridor. The whole place is haunting with a mystical edge, and I think if I were here under any other circumstance I would love it. As I get closer to my destination, mouth-watering smells waft down the halls making my stomach rumble with even more impatience.

I stride through a set of double doors that open into a spacious room, filled with long wooden tables that seat twenty. Directly to my right is the line for food. I grab a simple metal tray and fall in behind everyone else. My gaze darts around as I try to stay aware of everything around me, but it’s harder than it looks. In fact I’m a little overwhelmed.

The urge to study the map flitters at the back of my mind. Maybe I can find a library or something. I need information to figure out what my next steps are going to be. Then I’ll call Nero to me as soon as I can.

With a tray loaded with an assortment of fruit, toast and sausage links, I move off to the side, keeping my back against the wall, and search for somewhere to sit. That’s when I notice cadet Yearwood, sitting by herself near a window that overlooks the training yard and battlements with subtle light blue-colored mountain peaks as the sun rises sit in the background. It’s stunning.

Having an ally here is probably a good idea, and as abrasive as she is, she has helped me twice already. Not to mention she doesn’t seem to be the type to make friends, and that’s exactly what I need right now. With my mind set, I make my way towards her. “Hi, is this spot open?” I gesture with my tray to the spot across from her.

She eyes me warily but after a moment nods before taking a bite of toast and watching the snow drift around the dawn-filled yard.

I dig in with gusto, more than happy to sit in a companionable silence. Two females who don’t want friends—it couldn’t be any more perfect. Placing a handful of berries inside a napkin, I stuff it into my pocket for when I see Nero, knowing that he’ll enjoy the sweet fruit. If my stomach could sigh with happiness, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t stop. I don’t think I’ve had such a good meal since Gretchen was alive. A pang settles in my chest at the memories of my long passed aunt before pushing the thoughts away to focus on finishing my food before the next thing on the schedule.

As I stand, Yearwood glances at me. “Care to sit with me at the orientation?”

A grin spreads across my face. “Sure. I’m heading there now if you’d like to join me?” I add on hesitantly. What harm can asking her to join me have? I need to keep up appearances here, and if I become the feral female I want to be to keep everyone away while Nero and I plan our escape, then that would raise suspicion.

She doesn’t smile but nods yet again as she gathers her things. We deposit our dirty trays at the washing station before making our way to the assembly theater.

CHAPTER SIX

THE THEATER HALL IS GRAND, deep-red-cushioned benches as far as the eye can see—well, down to the main stage. This place could easily house five thousand fae. Balconies sit near the rafters, and intricate crown moldings and wainscoting decorate the walls. Gold, green, and red decor covers the black-hewn brick, along with paintings of important people in our history, their names lost to me and also one day to time.

Yearwood and I take our seats near the back and watch as the hall begins to fill with a trickle of other cadets, all of them scattering around throughout the room. It doesn’t take long before commander Ashbluff strides out onto the stage, glancing around the space with a look of contempt.

“Cadets!” he bellows, his voice whipping around the room like leaves in a windstorm. “You will sit with your chamber mates. You will dine with your chamber mates. You will not do anything without your chamber mates! They will be your squads for the rest of the year. Do I make myself clear?”

A resounding ’yes, Sir’ tears through the room and then silence so thick that it feels like it’s piercing your skull.

“Well move! You have one minute to get into position!” His voice carries loudly, causing a sense of urgency in the room.

Yearwood and I stand and begin rushing down the steps towards where we saw some of our chamber mates before Bracken yells my name, gesturing me over to where he and six others have taken up a row near the front. Thankfully Yearwood sits between Bracken and me, but before I can thank her, Commander Ashbluff’s voice rings out again.

“Time’s up. Those of you still looking for your squads are now on bathroom duty for the rest of the month. Now, if I ever have to repeat this, all of you will be out doing drills until the sun rises. Do you understand?”

He glances around as we shout ‘yes, Sir’.

“As you all know, Phixmery is our greatest training facility in all of Damorleia. We have the three true and loyal fae races joining forces to defeat our enemies: the Elemi Fae from the province of Allondë, the Szellemi Fae from the province of Imperset and the Vopn Fö Fae from the Skyrivene province. All of you are powerful with your own unique magick, and here, you will harness that ability to use against the Skuggi Fae.” His face twists into a snarl at the mention of the fae from Vathia.

None of this shocks me. Ever since the Vathians attacked the Gallalaus Fae, the royal fae, they began assassinating them one by one until there was nothing but the royal family left, making others flee their home province of Spirrix. The Gallalaus Fae were feared and worshiped for their abilities. See, where each type of fae has one specialty, Gallalaus Fae had them all. That night changed everything for the citizens of Damorleia. Many families were ripped apart; it’s a dark mark in our history.

“You will face trials,” Ashbluff continues. “You will attend your lessons and drills. At the end of the year you will be sorted out amongst the ranks into factions and continue your training with your new squad mates. The factions are as follows: Infantry, Artillery, Berserkers, Gryphon Riders, and last but not least Dragon Riders.”

A murmur goes up around the room before Ashbluff silences it. “Starting today, you win as a squad and you fail together as a squad. If one of you gets punished, you all do. Let that be a reminder not to fuck around. Now, if you have any questions, the officers teaching your lessons can answer them. You’re dismissed.” He briskly walks off stage without a single glance back and dread seeps into me.

My squad is going to kill me.

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