Page 34 of Rebirth Of Order
They stroll past, entering the bar, and behind me, I hear twigs snap and branches shutter in the darkness. Despite not remembering much of the past thirty seconds, or what was said, I scurry inside, stomping on my last arrow and shutting the door behind me.
Chapter 8
Right place, Right time, Wrong girl
KYRA
A quick glance aroundtells me I’m the only one in comfortable wear. Red sweatpants, a black hoodie, and jogging shoes.
Right of the entrance, music blasts atop a sturdy metal stage, playing the same tune Raine was whistling.Game of Survivalby Ruelle. I gasp; it’s Rosie’s favorite song. One she’d have on repeat all Halloween.
Nostalgia brightens my mood as I enjoy this memory with a smile.
Sweeping the room, I would never have guessed it’s this spacious. Rows of tables on the right stretch towards the back, leaving a bar-top on my left with empty stools. Those seated appear to be having a grand time, receiving beverages in all shapes and colors from the waiters and waitresses.
“Excuse me,” someone behind me voices. I step aside, receiving a “thank you” and let her approach the bar unbothered. I take up at the opposite end and wait for a bartender to show.
Another scan links me with a few students near the front, and one of them catches my stare. I avert my gaze, feeling guilty for spying on what seems to be a secret meeting, when the shaking of ice drawsmy attention to the woman sitting alone, holding a blue drink and scrolling through her phone.
Not finding a worker in sight, I approach. “May I ask a quick question?”
She clears her throat, peering up with pain trailing from her eyes, and without thinking, my body plops to the neighboring seat. “Yes,” she responds, wiping her falling tears.
“Is everything okay?”
“I’m fine. How can I help you?” Her voice is tender and muffled behind her quivering lips.
“Well, I wanted to ask where’d you get your beverage, but now I feel silly asking.” She gives a puzzled expression, and I immediately know what perplexes her. “I’m new here ifthat’swhat you’re thinking.” She smiles, flicking a wrist over the bar top, revealing a menu. “Of course. Magic.”
“You’ll find what you want and summon it,” she says, her bruised finger pointing at one of the annotated drinks, and with the same flicking motion, the beverage comes to life.
“Is everything around here controlled by magic?”
“This is a magic Academy, so I’d say yes,” she shrugs. “Do you not have any?”
“I don’t know, but I was hoping for a normal bar with normal interactions.”
“Interesting.” She pauses, tapping a finger over the wooden bartop. “I tell you what, take this one, and if you want another, let me know.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s my pleasure. Besides, I’m getting the feeling you need this more than I do.” She hands it over, and a wave of energy connects with me as calmness takes over.
“If you insist, I’d be happy to. Thank you.” We both share a smile, and I extend a hand. “I’m Kyra.”
“Alise.” She takes hold, and I notice the fresh scars and purple bruises.
She retracts, sliding her hands into the pockets of her thin, hooded workout sweater. Despite our surroundings being dimly lit, her features are prominent. Stress lines beneath her eyes, lips pursed, jaw tight, and she sits hunched over on the bar. If I had to guess, her day was worse.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean–”
“It’s okay, don’t worry about it,” Alise deters.
A tick of silence follows as we enjoy our beverages, swaying with the music, and our noses deep in our phones. Hovering over ‘Lost and Found,’ I contemplate sending Raine a message when one of the huddled students approaches, turning the pleasant ambiance into something foul.
“Hey, Alise, how’s it going?” the guy asks.
Wild hair drapes over his creamy forehead. He wears a low smile, which screams creep-o. He is half muscled and half…not. His clothes hint at him trying to be fashionable, yet all I’m getting is spoiled. A never-take-no-for-an-answer kind of guy.
