Chapter 1
I woke from the same nightmare that has plagued my dreams for the last month and it's the same thing every time I wake up sweating and heart pounding with a dark dread that I could not place since I was unable to remember what happened in the dream. Except this time, I was not in my bed but in a plane with the captain over the speaker telling us that our descent to our Devils Lake was upon us. My heart rate was finally coming back to a normal rhythm so it was no longer feeling like it would beat out of my chest were I could remember that I headed to the prestigious Devil’s Lake Academy where not would I spend the next four years of my life but learn what a cruel mother fucker destiny could be.
I stepped out of the plane into the frigid air that is Devils Lake, ND. I really never would admit it to her but I should have worn warmer clothes as mama had suggested. Instead, I chose to go with a pair of skinny jeans, a form fitting blue t-shirt, my leather jacket, and a pair of Justin Boots. Definity not northern attire but seeing as I would not be in the cold winter air long due to a limousine waiting right outside the tarmac with the driver holding a sign that had the school logo and my name on it.
I stood there for what felt like hours thinking about how my life is and what I do to deserve a ride of this caliber before I began to walk toward the driver.
“Hi, you must be Miss. Embyrson,” he said.
“Yes”, I said.
He spoke nothing else, just held the door open as I slid into the limo, and he closed the door. I have never been in a limousine but this one must be the most luxurious one I imagine is out on the market. It has pristine leather seats, a flatscreen tv, and surround sound speakers. It feels like I am made of royalty getting to ride in this massive vehicle.
The driver was quiet for most of the drive as I looked out the window and took in the scene. I admired how the beauty of this sunny day shone brightly but brought with it the cold air enough to freeze you to death if you were to stay out without proper attire. It was winter and everything was covered with snow which made today even more such a wonder. We drove for what seemed like hours until the driver said, we are arriving Ms.
The beauty of the mountains that ascertained to cover the academy in what seemed like protection from outside threats. That sent a chill down my back for some odd reason. I shook that weird feeling off. The academy was ominous and foreboding however it was like a beacon calling to me in a way that was beyond beautiful. To describe it would be a disgrace.
When we pulled up to the gate we stopped and that is when I saw the guards at the black iron gates, where ivy creeps up the walls. which The driver spoke to one of them in a language that I didn’t understand. I was versed in five different languages, so it was one that I am not fluent in. I would file that under questions to ask someone later. After a few moments the gates opened the driver drove up to the middle building and came to my door to let me out.
When the door opened it wasn’t the driver but the sexiest man I have seen and all he said in the most gravely gruffest voice was my name “Embyrson McElrath” , said the man in the suit. I didn’t notice at first because his eyes drew me in, and I was unable to speak. I lost my breath. He held out his hand and I took it which sent a shocking wave through me straight to my lady parts. I removed my hand and soon I was standing on solid ground.
He ignored the shock feeling but he had to feel it right? I was so in my head looking at the property, which has stone figures and a watch, and a black bird figure looking down from a gable flanked with the letter’s “D” and “L” that I almost missed him speaking. “My name is Sebastien, follow me and I will take you to the Headmistresses office” he said. Then he turned and walked away. It took me a second to get my bearings before I had to rush to catch up with him. He took me through the main thick double oak wood doors. We went straight up a set up stairs on the right side at the end of the hall. Once we reached the top of the stairs there was a waiting area and an office straight behind with huge brass doors. There was a strange man behind the receptionist desk. I was so busy looking around taking in the dark ominous décor that reminded me of something that would come out of a castle in Transylvania. Sebastien finished speaking with the receptionist and walked over to me and the man had a I know I’m sex and dangerous air about him.
This is where I leave you miss McElrath he said as he bowed and then left me to wait for only moments before the receptionist stood and motioned to the doors and said the headmistress will see you now.
I walked into the office then the headmistress turned in her chair and said, “Embyrson it is nice to me you”. This place was like a castle dangerously hiding forbidden fruit and that felt strangely like home. The headmistress motions for me to sit as she continues speaking.
“Your mother said she would finish out her contract in Athens and then join you here to start as our New head of Mythology & Folklore.”
She extended her coffin style manicured hand as she spoke matter of factly, “here are your classes for the fall semester and a map of our campus. I have added an extra for your mother per her request. I have your dorm room assignment all set up as well and you will be getting a roommate in a few days when Orientation begins. If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask my assistant for service.”
“Now Edgar will show you to your dorm from where you have the map. Meals won’t start till the first day of class so you can get Edgar to show you where some local dining is appropriate and safe.”
“EDGAR!” Headmistress yells into her speaker.
“Yes madam,” he says as he scurries in with his glasses hanging down his nose.
She responds with a dismissive shake of her hand “take Embyrson to her dorm and ensure her safety with the meal plans. That is all!” He never saw us being dismissed so he turned and left. I hurried out of the headmistress office after him. He is fast. I ask him to slow down. He looks back and slows saying
“Sorry Pri.. Please forgive my haste. I will take this at my leisure ma’am.”
After a few moments of silence and walking with him out of the main building and to the left where the one of two dorms he says, “I hope you like your room, the headmistress has made sure that you would be quite comfortable here with enough room to house another. Your mother is taking a head position so we must ensure you both have the best of accommodations.” He explains which is odd but okay I reckon my mother is a great professor all her students adore her wherever she may be teaching.
After stepping in the frigid air and going over to the omega dorm He leads me to the elevator and presses the 5-floor button. He stops at the only door on the right side and says, “Here is your room, Miss, it is Number 501 in the Hall of Lilith. Here are your keys: This one with the home image and 501 is your dorm key, the small silver one is the laundry room for girls in this dorm in the basement which is the L1 button on the elevator”
There was a third key which he did not explain so I asked, “and the third key?”
“Oh yes this is your master key for the dining hall your mother requested. I handed it to you until she arrived for all your food and drink needs. Before I go, I have compiled a list of menus for take-out delivery that your mother has already made accounts with. You can order from your room, and it will be delivered to you. Is there anything else you need before I head out, miss?”
“No, thank you Edgar for your help today.” As I opened the door to my dorm and stepped inside.
It was my pleasure to miss Embyrson, he bows and says good day as he leaves. What a strange man to bow to me but okay I think as I shake off that weirdness.
