Page 6 of Siriarna

Bright and early, I manage to drag myself out of bed and dress in my white training uniform before heading to the Zeneym Arena to meet Roman. I can’t let him down again today, especially after yesterday’s brilliant birthday surprise.

My body protests the earlier rise time, but I push on through persistent yawns. Tying my hair back and straightening my bangs, I hear the hut door groan in sympathy as it closes behind me.

When I reach the Zen, it is already a hive of activity. Students are making the most of practising their skills with only seven days remaining until Propensity Selections. A line has formed around the light pillars, and this is where I find Roman, waiting to practice his favourite skill. He is surrounded by the TON, and Alexandraya has her hand on his shoulder. He glances up, spots me, and raises his hand in a wave. He holds up 5 fingers indicating he’ll be with me soon. To his side, looking in my direction, Alexandraya smirks and strokes his arm.

What is she playing at?

I move toward the edge of the Zen where an area is carved out for Electrical practice. There are two large boards placednext to each other with exposed wiring and bulbs on each. There is no one else in this space so I have it all to myself. I start concentrating, repeating the words learned in class, and point my finger at the first board. To my complete surprise, the bulb lights up.Yes,success. I am so proud of myself. I should have waited for Roman to join me so he could witness my triumph.

“So ‘basic’.” Davina shouts sarcastically.

I hadn’t realised anyone was watching but I should have known better, the TON are always where I least expect. Their presence always intimidating and oppressive—an ombré of darkness with their varying shades of inky tresses.

“What do you guys want?” I reply a little too timidly.

“Stay away from Roman.” Alexandraya directs in a tone full of malice, her deep emerald green eyes narrowing. “He’s way above your league.”

“Wha…what,” I reply, the shock hitting me like a punch to the gut.

“We’d hate to see you end up face down in the Zen River, Siriarna,” Alexandraya concludes. And with that, all three girls flick their hair in unison and stalk toward the learning rooms.

Images of Miriam lying face down in the river rush to my mind. Reliving the moment our class found her floating motionless sends shivers down my spine, despite the permanent tepid temperature of the realm.

Surely the TON’s threat isn’t bona fide?

Even though I’m doubtful, I decide it’s best to skip practice and leave before Roman arrives.

Making my way to the Learning Facility, I take calculated steps staying on the pathway, while constantly looking over my shoulder. I tell myself I’m being ridiculous but then the murky image of Miriam’s floating body enters my mind and I hasten my steps.

Entering the classroom, I see Roman seated in the middle ofthe room. I make my way toward the empty seat beside him, but Davina flies past and fills the spot before I have the chance. Alexandraya, already seated on Roman’s other side, leans behind him and whispers, “Stay away, you’ve been warned.”

With forced resignation, I continue to the front row and sit alone. The lecturer begins with an outline of today’s practical lesson. He spies me in the front row and raises a brow—this is the class I normally ditch. But today I stay, remembering my promise to High Power Omnisensus, even though every bone in my body screamsrun.

“Pair up people,” Lecturer Henrik instructs.

The enormity of the lesson starts to play on my mind, and I am frozen at my table, my limbs numb in panic.

“Siriarna, would you mind being my partner?”

My heart skips a beat as I turn expecting Roman. But it’s not him. It’s Braxton, the mysterious guy from the library who sits with Sixth Year Propensity students. Even though frowned upon, he doesn’t seem to care about the rules, he’s really quite reckless.

Clearing his throat, his keen chestnut brown eyes are set on mine, waiting for a response. “Sure,” I respond absently while scanning the room in search of Roman.

******

Braxton

She said yes!I’ve been trying to get her attention for ages, but she is always so engrossed in whatever she is reading. I know the crew I hang with are intimidating but they are the only people here on Evolirium who can help me reach my goal. I know others think I’m some kind of rebel, but I have cause.

The few times I’ve tried to get Siriarna’s attention have fallen flat. I wish I could tell if she’s noticed my ploys, but her thick wallof caramel hair hides her expression. Her shielded violet eyes I have only glimpsed on occasion when she distractedly sweeps her hair off her face in concentration. Today’s class challenge is exactly the opportunity I have been hoping for. I smile my response, even though she isn’t as excited as I am by our partnership.

******

Siriarna

The lesson was way better than I had anticipated, my magic even made a short appearance. In fact, the class flew by, and I managed to get through the whole lesson relatively unscathed. I might go so far as to say I enjoyed it.

Lecturer Henrik asks Braxton to stay behind. Careful not to interrupt their conversation, I squeeze past and mouth ‘thank you’. The grin I receive in return from Braxton is quite brilliant.

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