Page 6 of The Fractured Veil

As I moved through the crowded space, I couldn’t ignore the lingering glances cast my way, the whispers that followed me like a shadow. The energy of the room felt heavy, almost suffocating, and every chuckle seemed like it was at my expense.

I kept my head down, focusing on the seemingly endless food line, but the weight of their scrutiny bore down on me, making my stomach churn. I tried to distract myself with the impressive array of dishes—platters piled high with exotic fruits, steaming cauldrons of fragrant stews, and glistening trays of pastries. But my heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the backdrop of the cafeteria's din.

And then I sawhim.

The mysterious stranger from this morning, seated at a table slightly apart from the others, flanked by two equally striking figures. Those green eyes locked onto mine with an unwavering intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. His posture relaxed yet exuding an unmistakable air of command. He sat with an almost royal confidence, the black curls on his forehead just as unruly as before. His gaze was sharp and unrelenting, pinning me in place.

The first figure beside him glared at me with dark blue eyes, a mix of challenge and suspicion swirling in their depths. I felt like an unwelcome intruder, an irritant disrupting their carefully constructed world. His hair was perfectly styled—deep brown with the sides cut shorter while the top was textured and brushed back, a single rebellious strand falling across his forehead, doing nothing to soften the harshness of his gaze. His features were striking, rugged, and intense. He carried himself with an undeniable aura of power and authority, every movement deliberate, as if he were always in control, assessing and judging.

And the last one, with amber eyes met mine with open curiosity—their warmth a welcome break from the icy glares of his friends. His dark hair cascaded in soft waves, partially obscuring his face, and elaborate black tattoos snaked around his arms and hands, their patterns shifting and shimmering as he idly toyed with the rings on his fingers. There was an airy quality about him, a delicate, otherworldly beauty that drew my gaze like a moth to a flame.

He must be a fae,I thought, mesmerized by his presence. I had never seen one in person before, but the pull I felt was undeniable—almost intoxicating. His lips curled into a subtle smirk as he watched me, clearly enjoying the attention.

I was frozen, like a rabbit caught in a predator's spotlight. There was something about them that held me captive. I couldn't tear my eyes away, my gaze darting between them, taking in every detail.

"Ah, you must be the famous human I've been hearing about," a melodic voice snapped me out of my trance. I turned to see a girl with long chestnut hair and eyes with the faintest red tint, like glowing embers.

"I'm Elara, but you can call me El," she added with a playful wink, as if we were already old friends. "You can sit here."

"Thalia," I replied, offering a small, hesitant smile as I took the seat across from her. "And yeah, it’s... been interesting."

El laughed. "I bet. Heard you've made quite an impression already." She leaned in, her eyes glinting with amusement, but there was a kindness there too—like she understood more than she was letting on.

"I didn’t realize how quickly news travels around here," I muttered, glancing down at my tray. I could see them clearly in my peripheral vision and could feel the weight of three intense stares bore into me from across the room.

El shrugged, flicking a lock of hair over her shoulder. "Welcome to Nexara Academy, where rumors spread faster than fire in dry grass. When you're surrounded by powerful Gifted, they love a good story—especially one about the mysterious new girl." She rolled her eyes, though there was no malice in her voice. "But don’t worry, I've got your back. They may be talking now, but soon enough, they'll get bored and find someone else to gossip about."

Her words were a lifeline, and I felt a surprising warmth in my chest. "Thanks."

El grinned. "No problem. Besides, I've already decided we're going to be best friends. You've got that whole ‘mysterious outsider’ vibe going on, and I'm the fiery witch who's going to show you all the ropes. It's fate."

I blinked at her, a laugh escaping before I could stop it. "Is that so?"

"Absolutely," she said with a mock-serious nod, as if sealing the deal. "Now, let's eat. You're going to need your strength to survive the rest of the day. What class do you have next?"

"Combat Training," I groaned, picturing myself being tossed around like a rag doll. "It'll be the cherry on top of the worst first day ever."

"Oh, me too!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise. "Don't worry, we can be partners. Trust me, it’ll be fun. Or at least less miserable with me around."

I blinked at her, startled by how easily she’d decided we were in this together. It was strange, this sudden camaraderie—yet it felt… right. A wave of relief washed over me. Thank the gods for El. For the first time all day, I didn’t feel completely out of place. Maybe this whole academy thing wasn’t going to be so bad after all.

* * *

When we reachedthe women's locker rooms, I slipped into the academy-issued gym clothes—a simple but comfortable set of dark sweatpants and a long-sleeve top with Nexara’s emblem on the chest.

My anxiety started again, my chest tightening... Combat training? No way I would do well in this class. El, on the other hand, looked completely unfazed, her fiery red eyes glinting with excitement.

“Ready?” she asked, grinning as she tied her long hair into a high ponytail.

I gave her a smile. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

The training field stretched before us, vast and intimidating. Its borders blurred into the dense forest that encircled the academy, its towering trees casting long shadows across the manicured grass. The air thrummed with an electric energy—an unmistakable anticipation that sent a chill coursing through me.

Scattered across the field lay a seemingly endless array of training equipment: wooden dummies, weathered punching bags, and intricate obstacle courses that resembled jungle gyms designed by a sadistic genius. Groups of students sparred against each other, their movements a blur of flashing limbs and crackling energy. The air filled with the rhythmic thud of punches, the sharp snap of kicks, and the occasional roar of laughter or victorious yells. A nervous flutter erupted in my stomach. I shoved my hands into my pockets, trying to appear nonchalant, but the sheer display of raw power and honed skill was more than a little intimidating.

As I stepped onto the field, the immensity of it all threatened to overwhelm me. It was a world unto itself—a crucible where warriors were forged, and here I was.What am I doing here?

El let out a small laugh at my expression. “Yeah, it’s pretty impressive. You'll be okay, but—oh no,” she said, lowering her voice with a teasing lilt, “looks like you’ve caught the attention of the Shadow Brothers.”

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