Chapter 7 Chapter 7: The Haldorian Academy

This has to be the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen in my life.

Now that our eyes have met, I can’t force myself to look away.

He’s on the other side of the room, close to the wall, his eyes scanning every face that just entered. His arms are crossed in front of his chest, his muscles threatening to rip off his black shirt. His jawline, dusted with a little stubble, is tense, and I honestly think it could cut ice if he tried to. 

My eyes roam over him, from head to toe, taking in every inch. There’s an intensity emanating from him that makes me unable to draw my attention anywhere else.

Soft waves of dark brown, tousled hair fall over his brows, and the way it slightly covers his eyes, giving him a mysterious aura, makes me feel…strange.

Broad shoulders, athletic build, full lips, sun-warmed skin—he doesn’t even look real.

“Do they really need to stare at us as if they are waiting to hunt us down at any minute?” Francesca whispers behind me, almost making me jump out of my skin, reminding me where I am and what I’m here for.

Focus, Hettie!

“Hello, dearest students, and welcome to the Haldorian Academy!” 

An older man, likely in his fifties, wearing military attire, is at the front of the room with open arms and what I think is supposed to be a warm smile. But to me, it looks intimidating.

Some other teachers are beside him, a few with the same combat uniform, and others wearing more casual outfits. 

“My name is Tobias Rosser, and I’m your headmaster.” In the blink of an eye, his smile disappears, giving space to a serious scowl, his blue eyes squinting into thin lines. “Today, you’re starting a new era of your lives. You should all consider yourselves lucky and privileged to be here. Don’t take this for granted. We will not take it easy on you.”

I notice some people shrinking around me.

“The Haldorian Academy has formed the best soldiers, healers, and mystics in the kingdom,” he carries on, his strong voice echoing through the ceilings. “If you want to be as good as they are, you must work hard and prove yourselves worthy of our country…”

No pressure.

I clench my fists beside me, biting my lower lip nervously. I can’t help myself. Listening to him address the situation through this perspective reminds me that I might not have what it takes. 

I passed the tests, but I still have to show them I deserve to be here.

“Now, you’re all going to be taken to your rooms and will receive your class schedule for the first semester.”

My mouth is dry, and my skin is tingling as I imagine those dark eyes on me, but I force my brain to shut it. I can’t get distracted, especially not by a guy who probably has everything handed to him on a silver platter. These people here are out of my league.

You’ll do well to remember that, Hettie.

“As first-graders, you’ll attend mostly the same classes together, except for those specified for each species.” Everyone’s paying attention to Mr. Rosser, even senior students. “Needless to say, this school condemns any type of prejudice and bullying. You’ll be sorted into your dormitories, and there is no such thing as healers and mystics separated from humans. This way, you’ll get to know one another and learn to face your differences.”

I remember my father used to say that people are judgmental even amongst their own species, let alone a different one.

I never had an issue with that before. Francesca is a healer and an amazing friend. I’d love it if she ended up being my roommate. 

I doubt I’ll be that lucky, though.

Another professor steps in and starts calling out names and pointing people to different rows. A few senior students are responsible for guiding the newcomers to their dormitories, and I watch as the handsome guy steps forward as he gets assigned to the third line. Surprisingly, I find myself wishing I’m not sorted into his group.

For some weird and unknown reason, he intimidates me in a way I don’t like.

“I guess I’ll see you guys later,” Francesca whispers as her name is called out, leaving Hans and me behind.

“Hans Mattox,” the teacher calls next.

Hans winks and smiles at me as he steps away. 

Now, I’m all by myself. No more friends to help me blend in. At least until I see them again.

“Hettie Kildare.”

Shit!

Third line.

Shit, shit, shit.

I can hear my heart pumping in my ears as I walk toward my group. I do my best to ignore the pair of dark eyes on me, choosing to stare at my feet instead so I don’t fumble and make a fool of myself in front of everyone.

And him.

I’d rather face a thousand mystics head-on than be embarrassed in front of a guy because I was too aware of his presence and unable to do something as simple as walking.

“You will have the rest of the day off so you can organize your things, get familiar with the class schedule, and the school grounds. And relax. Tomorrow will be the first day of class, so make sure you’re well-rested,” the headmaster concludes, offering us that same scary smile from before.

We are all dismissed, and I look at Francesca and Hans as we part ways. She waves at me, and I nod before turning to follow my group. 

I try to commit every hallway and door we walk through to memory, so I can start getting familiarized with this huge place and not get lost too often.

Before I know it, we’re entering a tower with several floors and doors.

We stop by the main hall at the entrance.

“This is your dormitory. There’s a list on that table with your names and room numbers. Your class schedules are already inside the room, along with your luggage.”

The handsome guy doesn’t spare us a second look before turning and leaving the tower. His voice is so raspy and deep that I get lost in it for a few seconds, and someone shoves me aside to get to the list first.

I wait for the group to dissipate before I can check my room number.

Hettie Kildare - Room 133.

Taking the stairs to the first floor, I watch the students walking into their rooms, squeaking enthusiastically.

When I finally get to mine, I realize what they are so excited about. There’s nothing luxurious about the room. It is, in fact, quite small. But it’s cozy, warm, with yellow lights and wooden floors. It feels like home.

Two beds that look extremely comfortable stand against a wall with a large window and a mountain view. I have no chance to choose which bed I’ll take, though, because there’s already someone sitting at the one closest to the door.

“Oh, hi,” I murmur as soon as I realize I’m not alone.

A girl with brown eyes, medium-dark skin, and curly hair stares back at me, a wide smile forming on her lips.

“Hi there, roomie! I’m Gia. Gia Vassere,” she introduces herself, jumping to her feet and striding toward me with a hand stretched in front of her. “I guess you’re stuck with me for the rest of the year.”