Next, I laid eyes on a waterfall so breathtakingly serene it put the manmade one our town boasted about to shame. And there, near the center of a clearing, a few miles from lush jungle-like greenery, a large structure with vines creeping the height of its aged brick—the academy.
The building looked to be as old as the island itself and had only been used in its current capacity for a decade. Again, I mentally referenced the brochure I’d poured over for so many months. The interior had been completely refurbished, but not with the intent to modernize it. From what I understood, a committee of island natives oversaw the renovation, ensuring that all changes were made with the focus being to emphasize their homeland’s beauty.
I recalled images of open-air passageways between classrooms, glassless windows with shudders to draw in case of a storm, a courtyard at the facility’s center where a garden that couldn’t be described with words showcased vibrant local flora. Even at this height, it was beautiful to take in.
Towering palms swayed and shuddered with the heavy winds produced by the blades as we lowered, finally touching ground in an open field. The space was large enough to accommodate us, and the several other vessels that followed. Toni and I were frantic with excitement as we removed our seatbelts, unstrapped our bags, and then bounded off the helicopter.
We didn’t make it far before being ushered aside. Only now did I realize that a line of what I guessed to be some sort of welcoming committee from the island stood posted beside each aircraft. They wore uniforms similar to those of our instructors during the trials—green t-shirts and cargo pants. Each with bronzed skin, a courtesy of the abundance of sun here, and dark, silky hair. It went without saying that we were having our first, official encounter with the inhabitants of Sanluuk—a beautiful tribe with a brigade of formidable dragon warriors.
“Bring it in,” one beckoned.
Toni and I were already standing at his feet, and with the wave of his hand, the others from our helicopter gathered closer.
“My name’s Elijah, and hopefully your journey hasn’t been too treacherous,” the host continued, offering our group a warm smile.
I glanced around, taking in the scenery from ground level. It was still hard to believe I was here. After all the hard work and sacrifices, this was the most rewarding payoff possible.
“We’ll do a quick roll call before you’re shown to the dorms,” Elijah announced, seeming to give the same spiel as the others scattered across the clearing. “So, when we finish here, I encourage you all to have your paperwork handy. Once you’re transported to campus, present what you have to the administrative staff, and they’ll assist with room assignments. After you’ve had a moment to drop your things in your new living quarters, you’ll need to meet your mentors. They will be your lifeline while you’re here, so make sure you remember their names and faces. Understood?”
The question earned him a collective nod from our group. Once he was certain we were following, he proceeded.
“Marcella Arroyo,” he called out, speaking loudly enough that his voice carried over the whirring and other racket.
I glanced over my shoulder just as the one who’d been called raised her hand. As usual, Marcella—who I’d come to recognize as being stoic in disposition—didn’t crack a smile, just stared straight ahead with intense focus.
“Manuel Arroyo,” he said next, prompting Marcella’s twin’s hand to shoot into the air. Unlike his sister, he offered a smile when responding. The two, from what I observed during the trials, were as different as night and day. She was intense and broody, while he didn’t seem to take life quite as seriously. From what I could tell, both seemed okay.
“Blythe Fitzgibbons,” Elijah said next.
Hearing her name, I didn’t move, avoiding even the chance of eye contact. As she responded to Elijah’s voice, I kept my gaze trained on only him. She didn’t exist.
“Toni Reese,” Elijah said a little quieter this time as the helicopters lifted from the ground, taking off like a cohesive fleet.
“Right here,” Toni beamed, unable to contain her excitement as she waved her hand wildly.
Seemingly surprised by her enthusiasm, the corner of Elijah’s mouth curved with a smile.
“Uh … thank you,” he said awkwardly. “How about Noelle—”
When his brow tensed and he brought his clipboard closer, I knew he’d have the same trouble pronouncing my last name that everyone else did.
“Don’t worry about it,” I laughed, lifting my