Blazing Academy: Semester One (Academy For All Things Scorching #1) - Avery Song Page 0,42

the F word," I pointed out.

"Yes, but it's not necessarily THE word," he emphasized with a playful grin. "Go back to bed. We'll catch up tomorrow."

"Are you going to sleep?"

"No."

"Then why are you leaving?"

"Don't want to disturb you," he admitted.

"But you weren't disturbing me."

"Aren't you supposed to be all frantic about being in a room with a guy? We may be sixteen, but I won't act as if I don't see you as the opposite sex."

"Is that your way of saying I'm attractive?"

He turned around and bobbed his head from side to side. "That's my way of saying you're hot, especially when you sleep and cling to me like I'm your blanket."

That made me blush and he chuckled.

"I'm leaving for the sake of my sanity. Plus, these boxers are outgrowing me, and I really don't like being uncomfortable in tight clothing."

"They aren't..." I began while observing the boxers in question, only for my mind to click on what he meant and my whole face burned red. "Go away."

He quietly chuckled and turned around.

"Sleep well, Alice," he bid farewell. "Remember, you're unique and powerful, but if you ever forget, just let me know. I'll remind you."

He headed out before I could reply, and when the door closed, I listened to his fading footsteps until the room was left in comforting silence.

I frowned but laid back down, his words resonating within me as I reached for the blanket and shuffled over to the pillow with my sleeping Cyrus.

"Unique and powerful," I repeated, and I tried to ignore how my heart continued to beat quickly against my chest.

For the first time ever, I was suddenly excited about what school would have in store for me. What used to be a hindrance to the world around me now somehow bonded me to a group of individuals that I could actually get along with.

It wasn't perfect, and I barely knew them, but for once, I was ready to try and learn more about each of them without the fear of having to transfer a few days or weeks later.

Seems like we're bonded by flames, and I'm about to start something new.

Fresh Start To The Semester

"Wow."

I stared at my uniform, impressed with every bit of detail in the fine material. This was the first time I'd worn a uniform I truly admired. Everything about it, from the soft texture of the fabric against my skin to the insulated warmth it brought gave me a bit of a giddy feeling.

It was hard to explain it, but the sight of the uniform on me gave me a new level of empowerment. I wasn't dreading starting school, especially when I knew nothing about it other than its name and acceptance of students that harnessed the power of fire.

That sense of uncertainty should have rooted me to the floor of this nicely decorated room, and yet it only brought me a sense of joy about this newfound opportunity.

Funny how only days ago, I was at the lowest peak of my life. I couldn't see a way out of the dark world of chaos closing in all around me, and with the pressure of my grandparents’ expectations on my shoulders and my desire to please them and my father, I couldn't see myself moving forward after failing them yet again.

Now I was here, standing before this massive mirror that reflected a girl who brewed with confidence. My skin seemed to be glowing, looking as smooth as it ever has, and even with my lack of makeup, I looked even better than I did with my usual twenty-minute makeup morning routine.

I'd put my hair up in a more unique style, my bangs left to the sides while I styled my hair with two buns that reminded me of the classic Sailor Moon hairstyle.

My hair was nowhere near as long as hers, but I left a good chunk of the back strands loose, revealing the dark red roots compared to the lighter orange that was more in the top half of my orange-red hair.

I was still wearing the spaghetti-strapped crop top beneath, opting to wear that instead of the simple black long sleeve shirt that came with it. The instructions stated if we ran a little on the warmer side -which I safely assumed had to be half the student body - we could wear any interior top as long as it didn't expose your nipples or stomach.

That applied to men and women.

In my case, the dark navy-blue blazer, that almost looked black