Nightworld Academy: Term One(Nightworld Academy #1)(15)

"Whenever I'm called to meetings with people, it's never for a good reason." My mind harks back to my punishment and expulsion by Mrs. Peel.

Ryan gestures at the blazer. "You'll be a fully-fledged house member after this, that's all."

Why can't they hand out jackets to new students instead of forcing them into bizarro ceremonies?

Lucille nods at the paper in front of her. "Honestly, this is simple. Read what's written on the contract and sign."

Contract? I pick up the contract and scan the words. The text begins:

I, Maeve Foster, do solemnly swear to uphold the values of Walcott house:

1. Solidarity

2. Honour

3. Loyalty

I also agree that in the event of conflict between the Nightworld Academy Houses, that I should endeavour to maintain Walcott's good standing and protect other members.

I look up. "Protect them from what? Do the houses fight?"

Lucille's smile becomes forced. "There's rivalry, but that's mostly fought out once a year at the academy games."

"Which you may not qualify for," adds Ryan.

"That's not what I heard," puts in Lucille. "Theodora wants Maeve fast-tracked to the advanced program as soon as she's ready."

"Really?" Ryan stares harder at me and my fingers tighten on the paper. "Does she have the skills?"

"If Theodora says, then the rumours must be true."

Their one-sided conversation continues as I look around the room for a pen. I want to sign this and get to dinner before classes start. "I can't see why. She's not—"

"Anyway!" interrupts Lucille. "I'm sure Maeve would like to finish up, receive her colours and leave." As if to confirm her words, my stomach growls.

"Why does it say Nightworld Academy?" I ask. "The academy's name is Ravenwood."

"Step into the circle," says Ryan. "Read the words and then sign."

He produces a silver pen and clicks.

Why so many secrets?

I take a deep breath as I step into the circle, which I let go with relief when nothing happens. Then I clear my throat and read the words out loud. They begin as a mumble and when Ryan tells me to speak up, my voice wavers and I speed through the rest. Ryan watches in amusement before handing me the pen.

As I sign, an uncomfortable feeling trickles down my spine. The last paper I signed allowed doctors to admit me to a clinic and investigate my diagnosed schizophrenia. I spent a year on drugs that made me feel crap, but did nothing to stop visions, and I sneakily stopped taking them. My parents discovered the trick, and this caused a shitstorm at home. I promised to go back to the doctors if anything reoccurred.

That was the last time I shared anything about my visions to anybody.

With a shaking hand, I push the contract across the desk with hope nothing else happens. Lucille stands and hands me the dark blue blazer. "Welcome to Walcott House."

"That's it?" I blurt as I take hold of the stiff material.

"Why? What did you expect?" says Ryan with a chuckle.

"I don't know." I push both arms through the sleeves and button the blazer. The academy crest is embroidered on the left side, and the collar and sleeves trimmed in teal blue. Relief floods through me along with a strange pride: I belong.

"See you around," says Ryan, and waves a hand to dismiss me.

"Uh. Right." I turn to the door, eager to escape.

"Oh. I forgot to say. Be careful on the way across the grounds." My lifted spirits sink again at Ryan's words. "When other houses know there's a new initiate, they're likely to prank the person."

I look back. "How?"

"Don't worry, just stupid jokes and nothing serious," adds Lucille. "It's not usually painful."

Usually? Gritting my teeth, I open the door.

I knew this initiation would be harder than everybody made it sound.





Chapter Nine





MAEVE



Armed with the unwanted information people could be waiting to trick me, I tread carefully down the staircase listening for the slightest sound and wishing Jamie and Amelia had waited for me.

The route from the tower to the dining room involves stepping outside and crossing the academy grounds via the cloisters. A large willow tree is the centrepiece of the lawned area, with two benches beneath. Should I take a shortcut and cross the lawn diagonally or continue along the covered walkway? The lawn is immaculate, all the autumn leaves tidied away. Perhaps not a good idea to spoil that with my footprints.

I walk on then straighten as I see a group ahead. Continuing my journey, I relax when I see this isn't Katherine and friends. A group of guys from Gilgamesh house nod at me before returning to their conversation.

I pick up my pace and move towards the lit central doorway to the main academy building. A whimpering sound comes from nearby and I pause. Am I imagining this, or can I hear a dog? The whimpering continues and I peer into the darkness to the side of the building.

Fully aware this could be a trick, I glance around before moving closer to the noise. The sound comes from behind a wall that leads to a path that runs the back of the building and to the classrooms.

This is a trick.

No way am I walking into their trap.