Mom always loved the ocean; she went sailing a lot as a kid. She always wanted to teach Mads and me to sail, but we never got the chance before she got sick.
When I’ve got everything unpacked and organized the best I can, I step back to admire my handiwork.
My part of the room is definitely the most sparse. The other three areas have tons of pictures plastered all over, luxurious bedding, tapestries hanging from the ceiling, and desks crammed with knickknacks. It makes my side of the room feel… small. Cold. Inadequate, even.
I shake off that thought. I’m not going to let something as ridiculous as room decorations get me down. So what if I have less stuff than my roommates? The few possessions I do have mean a lot to me, and that’s all that matters.
I’m already registered, and I’ve been given a day to get myself settled in before I start classes tomorrow, or so Aurora told me, so I don’t have to rush off to anything just yet. Even though the driver gave me a mini tour, I figure I’ll check out the campus on foot, since I missed the official orientation and all that.
And I have to say, whatever else I feel about this situation—the campus is beautiful.
I really mean that. I can see myself going for runs in the surrounding woods, or just lying on the grass staring up at the sky. I wish I could draw, because if I had any artistic ability at all, my fingers would be itching for charcoals and paper. This place is like a breath of fresh air after being in the city for so long—like inhaling deeply when I didn’t even know I was holding my breath.
The silver brace is still on my wrist—leaving it on is mandatory, Aurora said—and as I walk around campus, I see that I’m not the only one. It looks like only the older people have their bands off. I’m guessing they’re either teachers or staff, because everyone who looks my age or close to it has a magical cuff on their wrist, same as mine. Some are decorated with colors or have names written on them, which I assume was done in case the band gets lost. I think I’ll keep mine plain silver. Nothing wrong with that. And I’m not going to dress it up and act like I’m happy about having to wear it.
Although, it’s not like I’m super happy to have magic that can destroy buildings either, so… maybe I should just accept the lesser of two evils.
One of the buildings I pass is definitely the campus mess hall. I can smell food as I walk by, and the tempting scents seem to drift down the large stone steps, drawing me toward the large structure. I veer toward it, eager to find out what the cuisine is like here, when I notice three men lounging near the base of the stairs, idly talking. Something about them catches my eye.
I draw closer—and realize why.
It’s the three guys from the bar that night. The ones I couldn’t stop staring at.
Oh, shit.
What are the odds, right? I mean, it would explain why I never saw them at The Den again. Classes just started, so they’ve probably been stuck here practicing their dangerous magic and would have to get permission to leave campus and all that.
I quickly pull my gaze away so they won’t catch me staring and duck my head as I move toward the stairs. I was one of a couple bartenders on duty that night, and I don’t think they even noticed me mixing drinks behind the bar, so I’m hoping they won’t recognize me.
No such luck.
Chapter 9
As I walk by, the blond says, “Um, I’ll take two margaritas?”
I pause with my foot on the first step and glare at him, folding my arms.
The one with the swimmer’s build and dark brown hair elbows his friend, rolling his eyes. “Don’t mind Cam. He thinks he’s funny.”
His voice is soft and deep, and something about it makes me want to hear him keep talking.
The blond does look a bit sheepish. “Sorry. I would’ve called out your name, but I didn’t know it. You were the bartender last week, though, right? Over at…”
“The Den. Yeah.” I figure there’s no point in playing dumb. I’m a horrible actress. “That was me.”
“I knew it!” The blond—Cam, I guess—beams. He gestures me closer, his vibrant blue eyes gleaming with curiosity. “You a new student