Page 1 of The NemeSis
Chapter One
KYRA
“Imagine the air so thick, it feels as if the earth itself is holding her breath. Suffocating in a cloud of ash before the universe is plunged into darkness.” Professor O’Clery clears his throat, then moves to the next slide.
Another image of Pompeii appears on the screen. Frozen in time because of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Someone behind me chuckles about it being a ghost town, but it’s worse than that. A ghost town would make someone question if people were ever even present. The proof of life in Pompeii and Herculaneum existed.
I grip my pencil tighter as the next slide comes across the screen. It’s hard to believe within twenty-four hours, everything changed for all of those people. I can only imagine the Gods they were praying to when it was happening.
The rise and fall of civilizations and the inner workings of politics and religion in ancient empires is fascinating. Ever since I was a little girl, I’d been obsessed with history and mythologies. It’s likely why I found the history and art courses exploring ancient times easy grades. It’s not that the classes were easy, it’s because I wanted to learn more.
I write Herculaneum with a question mark next to it in my notes. A major part of our grade for this semester is writing an essay that is due near the end of the semester. I still haven’t chosen my subject. There are too many to choose from. The Library of Alexandria is my current top choice. I’d also considered exploring the life of Hypatia, a role model who deserves more recognition today. I don't know enough about her to decide yet. Honestly, I feel as if I’m still brushing the surface of all the topics I can cover. How am I supposed to choose one?
Several of my classmates chose topics from Cleopatra to Alexander the Great, or gladiators. We’d been studying Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt for the better part of the year. It was fascinating, even though I knew we were barely covering the surface.
There were only five seats available for the study abroad course for over the summer. Eight weeks of discovering places only seen in pictures and books. I could go there as a tourist, but it would never be the same. This was a behind the scenes look, deeper than I could fathom. It would be hands-on with experts. I needed this.
A collection of groans sounds around me as the overhead lights come on. I squint, then quickly relax my face. Professor O’Clery walks to the center of the floor and grips the edge of the podium.
“As a reminder, you must submit your essay topics for approval by Monday when we resume after spring break. If you’re not here, I expect an email with a timestamp before the end of class. No excuses. You’ve all had since the start of the semester to choose.” His eyes slowly scan the lecture hall. “And yet, some of you still haven’t chosen. See Ryan after class if you want to submit before your break.” He gestures to his teaching assistant before nodding and leaving the classroom.
It wasn’t anything new, leaving a minute or two before his class ended. His classes were full, not only because of the coursework, but because of the man himself. He was one of the youngest professors on campus, mid-forties, and his attraction appealed to most of the student body.
Professor O’Clery wasn’t just easy on the eyes, it was the way he could hold anyone’s attention. I’d had a crush on him as well my freshman year when I took his intro to ancient civilizations class. Students tried to take that class with him because his other classes were only open to history majors.
I’d been fortunate to have a class with him every year, so far, and each one had been more mind altering than I could have dreamed. It was how I met Ryan.
Ryan, Professor O’Clery’s TA, moves to the podium with his iPad in hand. A few students immediately line up to see him and turn in their topics. His blue eyes glance up as each student approaches him. He nods as they all take turns speaking to him. Submitting topics so they could have one less thing to worry about over spring break.
I wait until the hall clears before walking down the steps and across the floor to where he stands.
“Have you finally decided?” He smiles without looking up from his iPad.
“How am I supposed to choose?” I sigh.
Ryan’s eyes snap up, his golden brown eyes softening. “Do you want help?”
I shake my head. “It’s already bad enough we’re dating. I don’t want any chance to be shown favoritism.”
He chuckles. “James wouldn’t do that.”
“I’m sure he’d prefer you call him Professor O’Clery around students.” I laugh.
Ryan steps around the podium and glances around the room. Sometimes it’s like this, a quick stolen moment after class before we’re both busy with our responsibilities around campus. “Are you sure we can’t grab an early dinner tonight?” He steps closer. His smile reaches his eyes before leaning in close and placing a kiss on my lips. Soft and short, leaving me wanting more.
I step back. “My flight leaves in a couple of hours. I have a quick meeting with Beth to finalize the sorority’s social calendar for the rest of the year. You can take me to the airport, though.” I grin.
His eyes narrow on me. “Deal. No chance I can convince you to change your flight and go on a trip with me instead?”
“No.” I laugh. “It’s bad enough I haven’t been back home since the holidays.”
“You’re the one who decided to maximize her class schedule this year. You didn’t have to take that many classes.”
“Oh, Mr. Pembroke.” I step up on my toes and place a quick kiss on his cheek. “Pick me up at four.”
He groans in protest and I laugh as I turn and leave the classroom and head into the hall. My phone buzzes in my bag and I pull it out as I continue making my way to the outer doors.
Beth: Want to meet early and grab coffee?
