Zhilakoa, Kaida, and Tamlyn made their way to their individual rooms to unpack, they chatted excitedly about their new surroundings. The corridors were lined with gleaming yellow walls, adorned with intricate engravings of nsibidi signs.
"I'm so happy to finally have my own space," Kaida said, bouncing up and down.
Tamlyn grinned. "Me too I'm planning on decorating my room with all sorts of cool stuff."
Zhilakoa smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. "Yeah, it's going to be a big adjustment, but I'm ready."
As they reached their rooms, they each unpacked and met back at Kaida's room. The room was cozy, with a plush bed and a large window that let in plenty of natural light draped in thick lilac curtains. The walls were glittering with what seemed like stars.
"Wow, this place is amazing," Kaida said, flopping down on her bed. "I feel like we're really going to make the most of this experience."
Tamlyn nodded, lounging on the floor. "Definitely. We should explore the grounds after lunch. I'm curious to see what else is here."
Zhilakoa agreed, "Sounds like a plan to me. I'm going to shower first, though."
Zhilakoa headed to her room, peeled of her clothes careful of her shoulder and entered the bathroom. She turned on the shower, letting the hot water wash away her fatigue. But as she stood under the water, the warmth seemed to unlock her emotions, and she felt the tears streaming down her face. She cried for her family, for Lyra, and for the uncertainty that lay ahead. The water washed away her tears, but it couldn't wash away the pain.
As she stood there, she watched as the blood from her wound swirled down the drain and dissapeared. She felt relieved, but the pain and sadness lingered.
After her shower, Zhilakoa dried herself off and got dressed. She picked a blood red leather pant and black boots that matched her tight black shirt. The outfit was a stark contrast to her pale skin, but she felt a sense of empowerment wearing it as she sheath her daggers in her boots...the ones Eryn gave her.
She tried to shake off the feeling as she walked to the mirror and applied some lipstick and eyeliner. She tossed her hair and took a shaky breath before heading back to meet the others
As she met up with Kaida and Tamlyn, they headed to the cafeteria for lunch. The cafeteria was bustling with 1st year cadets, the sound of laughter and conversations filling the air.
As they walked in, the bell rang, signaling the start of lunch. They joined the line, filling their trays with food, and found a table near the window.
"I'm so hungry," Kaida said, digging in. "This food looks friggin amazing."
Tamlyn nodded, "Yeah, it looks great. I'm starving."
Zhilakoa smiled, "I'm just glad we're finally getting to relax a bit."
"So, why did you guys choose the Crystal Division?" Tamlyn asked, looking at Zhilakoa and Kaida.
Kaida shrugged. "I wanted a challenge, and this place seemed like the perfect opportunity."
Zhilakoa thought back to Lady Caliste and her circumstances. "I didn't exactly have a choice," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tamlyn raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Zhilakoa hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Let's just say I was...encouraged to join."
Eryn walked into the cafeteria with Alcom, scanning the room for familiar faces. All eyes focused on him but his eyes were moving until they found hers.
His eyes met Zhilakoa's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
"Eryn," Alcom said, nudging him. "Let's go catch up with Feyrie."
Eryn smiled, tearing his gaze away from Zhilakoa. "Hey Fey," he said, approaching the younger cadet with a tattoo of a snake curling around a sword on her shaved head.
Feyrie frowned slightly, "I didn't know you would be here tagging along like faithful sidekick."
Eryn's smile grew wider. "Oh? I'm surprised you crossed the balustrade. You're getting bold."
Alcom laughed, "Please, she's got my blood after all."
Feyrie rolled her eyes. "Hey, tiny," Alcom said, punching her shoulder lightly.
"Hey bro, hey Eryn," Feyrie said, her expression softening.
As they walked outside, Eryn explained their plan. "We need to meet at the tower on the outskirts of the grounds at midnight, we'll sneak out through the east wing."
Alcom nodded. "Fey, can you gather as many marked 1st years as you can?"
Feyrie's eyes widened, "Are you sure this is a good idea? What if we get caught?"
Alcom nodded. "We'll be careful, Fey. We have to try."
Eryn's gaze locked onto Feyrie's, "Everything we do is for all of you. We have to take a stand."
Feyrie hesitated, "I don't know, Eryn. This feels like a risk too far."
Eryn's expression softened, but his voice remained firm. "We'll make it work, Fey. We'll be there for them."
Alcom placed a reassuring hand on Feyrie's shoulder. "We've got your back, Fey. We'll make sure you're safe."
Feyrie took a deep breath, her eyes searching Eryn's face. "Okay, I'll gather as many as I can. But if this goes wrong..."
Eryn's smile was reassuring. "It won't. We'll be fine."
As they parted ways, Feyrie's expression remained troubled, her mind racing as she returned to her table.
"You really think we could do this?" Alcom asked as he watched his sister leave.
"When did you become such a pussy Al?" Eryn retorted running his hand over his face. "We should go."
Zhilakoa eyed the bald girl with the nose piercing and green eyes as she returned to the cafeteria. She looked towards the doors and didn't see Eryn or the other cadet he was with earlier, feeling a twinge of disappointment.
"I think we should explore around," Zhilakoa said, turning to her friends. "Get a feel for the place."
Tamlyn smirked. "I hope this exploration doesn't end up with a certain annex leader..."
Zhilakoa pouted, playfully rolling her eyes as she grabbed an apple on their way out. "Oh, shut up."
"So what's our first stop guys? I'd like to see the flarions," Kaida squealed.
"Yea right, that's a great idea if you've got a death wish. The breeding grounds are sacred, no human goes there without being summoned. Not even the bonded ones. " Zhilakoa said munching noisily on her apple.
"Let's just focus on exploring , okay? I'm loving the architecture here. It's so different from back home." Kaida sighed.
"Oh, yeah?" Tamlyn asked. "What was your hometown like?"
Kaida's face lit up. "It's just a tiny village at the east of Aethereia. The buildings are mostly made of wood and stone, with thatched roofs. It's really picturesque right Zhi?"
Zhilakoa nodded, a small frown on her face. "Yeah, it's beautiful. The village is surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills."
Tamlyn's eyes sparkled. "That sounds amazing. I've always wanted to visit the east of Aethereia. What's it like living there?"
Zhilakoa bit her lip in frustration,she quickly changed the subject, trying to deflect attention from herself. "Tam, where are you from?"
Tamlyn's expression turned thoughtful, "I'm from the city of Drida, born and raised. It's a bit more...lively than a village, let's put it that way."
Kaida's eyes widened. "Drida? I've heard it's amazing. What's it like living in a city that big?"
Tamlyn grinned. "It's...chaotic. But I love it. There's always something going on, and the people are so diverse. You can find anything you need..."
"Shhh," Zhilakoa suddenly stopped talking and pointed to someone."It's that girl from earlier. "
"What girl?" Tamlyn asked inching forward.
"Eryn and the other guy came to speak to her during lunch," Zhilakoa explained as she moved closer to Feyrie.
Kaida pulled her before she could get closer, "Come back here Zhi what's your deal with her?"
"Don't you think it's weird that two 3rd years one of which happens to be an annex leader came all the way to yellow spires to meet with her?" Zhilakoa continued "She's important and I want to know why."
"It's only our first day here, I don't think we should be doing this Feyrie," a raven haired girl spoke with concern etched on her face.
"We need to be prepared as early as we can Thyst. I know it's dangerous but my brother will keep us safe I promise."
"He's your brother, not ours" someone else in the circle whispered.
Feyrie hissed at him "We're doing this for all the marked ones. Who's in for the meeting at midnight?"
A couple of voices echoed in affirmation and Zhilakoa remained crouched in the position where she was hidden frozen in horror, "what meeting?"