Blazing Academy: Semester One (Academy For All Things Scorching #1) - Avery Song Page 0,12

mine. Too clean-smelling.

"Woof!" Another nudge followed by lick to my nose was enough to prompt my eyes open. My vision was blurry at first, but when it focused, I saw Cyrus, who was happily staring back at me. Then I noticed Principal Clover.

She was the one stroking my cheek, and I realized this wasn't my bed in my attic room, but the nurse's office.

How did I get here? Wait...what exactly happened from before? I...don't remember. That's not normal for me. Hmm.

"Alice?" Principal Clover looked a little worried, her blue eyes softening as she stroked my cheek again. "Are you still feeling unwell?"

"Um...no, Principal Clover. I'm just struggling with what happened to land me here in the nurse's office," I confessed.

My voice was thick with sleep, but aside from the slight drowsiness and urge to go back to sleep, I felt really good. My stomach was ready to eat some good food, but that could easily wait a little longer, though I'd try not to wait too long.

Don't want to risk passing out.

"Ah. That would be a bit of storytelling. Are you up for that? How are you feeling?" Her genuine concern left me relieved for her kindness, but also worried about what had happened prior to this.

My memory seemed to blur right at lunchtime, and I had no clue how I'd gotten here. Not to forget the fact that Cyrus was here.

I looked at the little wolf puppy, who sat back and began to pant happily at my attention.

"Woof!"

With a slight smile, I used my free hand to pet her gently while Principal Clover removed her hand from my cheek.

It felt funny to acknowledge that her touch was very comforting. It had helped settle the initial worries and concerns I had previously.

"I'm okay, Principal Clover. I'd really like to know what happened. I may need help sitting up. I don't recall if I ate lunch or not. You already know about my anemia condition," I explained.

"Yes, I'm aware," she acknowledged, and rose from the stool she'd been sitting on to help me sit up. Propping some pillows behind my back, I gave her an appreciative smile as I whispered, "Thank you."

"No need to thank me." Principal Clover smiled brightly, and she really did look grateful that I was awake.

Cyrus moved to sit on my lap, her tail wagging wildly as she was now interested in my hand. She crawled beneath it and sat there, perfectly content.

We both stared at her before lifting our gazes to one another. A small giggle left us, and I sighed.

"Why do I have a strange feeling that I'm about to get expelled?" I whispered.

My voice held a strong sense of sadness. Like I'd been told a family member of mine had been lost.

Though I hated the students and disliked Professor Daily's nitpicking, I did like the principal. Whether it was because she was my grandma's best friend, or merely because of her friendly nature, she'd always given me a level of respect many adults didn't.

I was sixteen after all, and apparently, that meant you weren't worthy enough to be treated like an adult. Or even close to that.

As of now, I felt as though I'd disappointed her entirely, and it hurt to look into her kind eyes and know it may be my last time doing so.

When she didn't answer, I let out a long sigh. "What did I do?"

"In this case, the confrontation was not your fault, but we have to close the school for a week," she admitted.

"A week? Why? Did I burn something again? No, we didn't have a lab class today. I wish I could remember." I bit my lip nervously and Cyrus began to rub her head against my hand.

"Hmm. What's the last thing you remember?"

"Lunchtime? But even that is a little fuzzy. I don't remember eating anything. Or even walking into the cafeteria." My shoulders sank in frustration, and I used my free hand to run through my hair as I tried to think harder.

"Rick was bothering me this morning, but that's a usual occurrence." Peering up at her, I gave her a sad smile. "I really can't remember."

She nodded in understanding. "Well, I can't determine if it was you or a natural phenomenon, but the windows shattered from a strong gust of wind that sent Rick flying across the room. He's now in the emergency room getting treated, but the school is buzzing and pointing fingers," Principal Clover explained.

"Don't tell me those pointing fingers is all pointing towards