Royal Blood And Runaways

Ariadne POV

Clutching my hood, I use it to shield my face as the train speeds through the countryside. My eyes flutter for a moment, but I force them to stay open, unwilling to let them close.

I haven’t slept once since I left. I haven’t given myself a moment’s rest, because the moment I close my eyes somewhere like this is the moment he’ll dive into my mind and find out where I am.

So sleep has no choice but to wait. The sound of people talking in the carriage makes me pull my hood down lower. I’m not used to this, not used to being surrounded by humans.

I’ve spent my whole life surrounded by walls, a palace, and guards who always made sure I never strayed too far. As the heiress of my family’s legacy, and the Princess, I was protected at all costs.

There are quicker ways for me to travel, using my magic, but that would only lead Severin straight to me and then my capture would be unavoidable.

The moment the train stops, I stand, making sure I’m hidden so those around me who might know of me don’t recognize me. It’s foolish, I know no one will recognize me. No one has seen a picture of me since I was born.

Stepping onto the platform, I rush, grabbing my case and making my way through the station. When I step outside, I start to walk. My steps sound loud as I hurry across the roads and head for the bus stop.

I’d planned this escape, used everything I had to get free. As I step into the road, I hear a roar and stumble back and fall. The screech of tires from a bike makes me blink up in shock.

The guy steps off the bike and walks toward me. “Foolish to assume you can step into a road and not get hit.”

His words make me tense. “I’m sorry,” I whisper.

“Well, get up and move then,” he complains.

I struggle to get up, and he sighs, dragging me up to my feet.

“Next time, look. It’s called a road for a reason.” I lift my head so I can see the man who’s shouting at me. I’ve never had that before, someone speaking down to me, someone treating me like I’m nothing. Strangely, it feels good.

I take in his face, his icy cold blue eyes, the tight jaw and beard. His hair is swept to the side, and his jacket is open, showing a patchwork of tattoos on his chest.

He catches me looking and smirks. “See something you like?” he asks, stepping closer. His eyes take me in, what little he can see. I’m cloaked, the hood pulled up and hiding me. But my face, he can see that, just barely.

I must look out of place, pale skin, emerald eyes, and a wild look in them.

“Certainly not something that I like,” I snap, making him laugh. “I see something that proves the devil exists.” With that, I hurry across the road and to the bus stop.

I climb onto the bus, trying to go unnoticed. I have everything I need. A false identity, clothes that make sure I don’t look like a princess, and everything required to begin a new life.

Hours into the ride, I hear movement and feel someone sit beside me.

“Going somewhere, little miss?” The voice is rough and I tense.

“Arcanum Academy,” I whisper in reply, hoping he’ll leave me alone.

He scoffs. “Pretentious, spoiled, rich brat then.” His words shock me and I don’t move. I haven’t had interactions with humans before, not even much with the witches. “If you’re in that school, why the bus? Most show up in flashy cars, smile for the cameras, and talk about their lavish lifestyles.”

“I’m there under scholarship,” I say.

He hums and then taps his fingers on my leg. “More fool you to think they’ll accept someone from your background. They’ll rip you apart, devour every inch of you, and leave nothing left to be found.”

When his words end, I jump up, seeing my stop. I don’t reply to him. I just rush to get off the bus. Stopping, I look at the building in the distance.

I’ve still got a walk ahead of me. No buses go down the main road. As I walk, I take in the high walls and iron gates. The closer I get, the more I feel the magic. Once I’m through those gates, I’ll be safe. Not even Severin will be able to use his magic to connect with me and track me down.

The gates open and I step in, and as they close, I finally relax. I made it. I’m free. Keeping my hood raised, I rush through the grounds, already knowing where to go. I memorized the maps.

As I enter the large corridor, I move through the crowd, all turning to look at me. I don’t give a moment’s thought to them.

“Returning students, move into your factions. New students, register first.”

A voice booms and I look around. I stop for a moment when I see the guy from the bike.

He glances up, a slow, knowing smile on his lips, and tilts his head as if he recognizes me. I don’t wait to see if he says anything. I rush past, not daring to look back.

I make my way to the signing office. When I step inside, I see a man behind the desk. He shifts, and I spot his wings.

“Name,” he orders.

“Ariadne V—” I stop, almost saying Veloria, my real name. “Ariadne Vicksturb, sir,” I manage.

He narrows his eyes and nods. “Papers?”

I scramble and pull them out of my bag before handing them to him.

“Miss Vicksturb, I see you’re here on a scholarship, due to your magic being the best within your previous school,” he says.

I nod and stay silent.

“You’ll be within the witches faction. Your house is Covenwood until we decide which brand of magic you inherited and your strength. If you haven’t made it out of Covenwood within six months, you lose your spot.”

He watches me, making sure I understand that this is real, and I could easily lose my place.

“I’m well aware,” I reply.

“Please lower your hood. We don’t allow that within the main halls.”

Sighing, I reach up and pull it down. His eyes widen when he sees my silver hair. I wait, panicking that he’ll recognize me, but he only nods.

“You collect your items from your head of house.” He steps back and walks away, leaving me to find the way myself. I’m not a fool. It’s the first test, to see if my magic can guide me to the right place.