Reckless Souls (Saints Academy, #1)(13)

for you to read which will cover the basics. It’s been quite some time since we’ve had an earthling

among us, so, please be patient,” she says with a smile.

Earthling? Is that supposed to be me?

And patience? I’ll give them every drop of it, as long as they have some in return for me.

“Okay,” is all I manage to respond as we step through the wooden doorway, only to come face to

face with another cloud of black smoke.

“Nope. No. Nada. Not again,” I ramble, looking back over my shoulder for a clear escape route,

but even I know it’s pointless deep down.

“You’re going to be here for three years, Miss Harrington, there’s a lot to take in. But I’m going to

be honest with you now, portals are a thing here, you’re going to need to get used to them,” she states,

a hint of a smile on her lips as she quirks her eyebrow at me.

“It’s Rhea,” I mumble, swiping my brown hair back off my face as her smile softens.

“Rhea,” she repeats, before walking to the table set up beside the billowing black smoke. She

grabs a small suitcase and a clipboard up off the table before turning back to me. “The portals in the

Academy, like this one, are forever in place. Created by the Goddess Hecate before her demise in the

war, may she rest in peace,” she adds, clearing her throat. “The ones at the Academy are modified

compared to standard portals. For example, this one will take you to the hall the Academy believes

your magic will be best suited for. It’s been spelled so they can somehow read your magic's strengths

and weaknesses, even when you yourself cannot.”

I continue to stand, gaping at her as she speaks, no words rising to the surface as I simply nod

along like what she’s saying makes total sense.

But now that I think about it, I literally just learned I have magic hidden within me so how would I

even know what my strengths and weaknesses are? Fuck. My brain cells hurt.

“They’re a common mode of transport around the Academy, with stronger ones made by Hecate

that will determine the best classes for you also.” She looks down at the clipboard in her hand before

she continues. “Your Saints Academy uniform will be available to you when you arrive at your room,

the wardrobe filled and ready. Please remember to read the booklet I have for you, and the emails

too. The information is of utmost importance and there’s no leniency on this,” she adds, looking up at

me, including a ‘you better do as I say or else’ look on her face. Although I know this is all serious

stuff, I bite the inside of my cheek to contain a smirk at being chastised, but it doesn’t settle my

nerves.

“Sure,” I manage to mutter, completely lost in the swirl of information. I wouldn’t be surprised if

my brain starts short circuiting.

“You’ll spend this next year figuring out the origins of your magic, and unlike others, who know

their family background, you’ll be navigating a little blind and with a wider range of options, but

you’ll know the answers before the end of the academic year. Your second year will be devoted to

learning your skills, understanding the art of your gift, before your full strength kicks in by the age of

twenty-four. Then you’ll find your role in this world.”

“Err, what? I’m not really taking any of this in,” I blurt out, admitting the truth, nibbling my lip in

embarrassment, and the smile she offers tells me she already knows that.

“It’s all in the booklet, dear. But for now, I shall just let you know that the dining hall is back here

in the main building. There’s a portal in each hall of dorms that will take you there effortlessly. Your

schedule will be in one of the emails, along with details on the Dean, house leaders, and your

professors. The only thing left for you to organize is the linking of your thumbprint to the monetary

system.” When her eyes meet mine once more, she shakes her head, likely at my paling face and round

eyes. I’m not sure I can handle any more explanations since I can already feel my ship sinking so

there’s no use denying the inevitable. The reality is, I’m in way over my head.

“You have my email address?”

What a stupid fucking idiot. As if that’s the only question I had to offer right now.

“Oh, yes. This is for you,” she says, placing the suitcase down on its wheels and rolling it toward

me. I tentatively take the handle as she continues. “You will find Academy assigned technology along

with a few other pieces to get you settled.” I nod numbly, not really sure what else to say as she

glances at her watch. “It’s almost seven in the evening now. I’ll arrange a meeting with the Dean for

you tomorrow at eight, right before classes, but I do believe there may be an assembly first too. I’ll

make sure to send over all the updated information.”

“Right,” I murmur, watching as she steps aside so I can access the portal, but I can’t seem to move

my feet.

“When you’re ready, Rhea, the portal will assign you to your chosen hall.”