Page 38 of A Whisper of Cinders

“Please Maily, don’t take an example of this young male. He’s a lot of trouble.”

“Oh, you know you love me.”

Althea’s mouth forms a firm line, ignoring the comment and focusing back on me. “Here at Moonveil, you are a student, just like anyone else. You will follow the lessons you like or inspire you, learn about nature and so on.”

“Moonveil… Is that the name of the school?”

“Yes. The full name being Moonveil Academy of Mankind. Aramis will give you a little tour of the establishment, but it might be a good idea to eat something first.”

As if on cue, my stomach rumbles loudly. I put a hand on it, hoping to silence it. “Oh, excuse me.”

“No need to apologise, dear. It’s a normal physical reaction of your body." She waves towards the door that I now know leads to the bathroom. “Why don’t you freshen up and get dressed? We will wait for you in the hallway.”

I search for the uniform I arrived in, or anything else I can temporarily put on, but come up bare. I was about to ask when Aramis says, “That over there is a built-in closet, I’m sure you will find something that fits you and is to your liking.”

Althea calls his name in the hallway and Aramis disappears through the door, closing it behind him.

So, that was…unexpected. I’m not sure if I should trust them, although I don’t have any reason not to. But why would Dom lie about something like that? He would definitely send me to a penal camp in a heartbeat. And the gossip I’ve heard about this place? You shouldn’t always believe what others say, but I’ve heard it multiple times before.

My stomach rumbles again, a loud reminder that I should be getting ready. I walk towards the bathroom, before turning back around to head over to the closet.

I slide open the closet and my jaw drops to the floor. Again. I’m used to wearing a uniform all day, every day. There wasn’t anything modest about it. But the clothes that lay out in front of me? Well, that is a whole new world opening up.

I run my fingers through the soft fabric of sweaters, the elegant trousers neatly hung up and a cupboard full of socks, underwear and bras.

A little overwhelmed, I grab the first thing that catches my eye; a navy-blue sweater and some brown wide trousers. Not my usual attire, but as far as I can see, nothing in that closet is.

I grab some underwear and a pair of shoes, not sure if they are even my size. Only one way to find out. I walk into the bathroom and turn on the water.

And while the warm water runs down my face, there is one question I can’t seem to shake off; if I won’t receive my sentence, why am I here?

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

In the drawer underneath the sink I find multiple towels, bigger and smaller ones, and an assortment of soap and shampoo, and something that is called conditioner.

I choose the bottles based on their scent. The shampoo and conditioner smell similar, a vibrant fusion of citrus and spices. The soap smells more like vanilla, combined with something else I cannot name, but it creates a divine scent.

I test the water’s temperature with my fingers and step underneath the hot stream, letting it chase away the soreness of three days of sleep. When I feel like a new person — sort of — I wrap myself in a towel and take a smaller one to ruffle through my hair.

To my biggest relief, I find a clean toothbrush and toothpaste in one of the drawers. I get dressed and to my biggest surprise, the clothes fit as if they were made for me. Even the underwear and shoes do. Maybe they guessed my size based on the information they received from Anima.

Whatever the reason might be, I feel clean again and although it is weird to wear clothes that are not a uniform, they are very comfortable.

I walk back into the room and stare at the bed. I still can’t believe I slept for three days. Although I’m sure if I would get in right now, I could sleep for another three. I sit down and lace up the boots when a soft knock sounds at the door.

“Yes?” I ask with a soft voice.

“It’s Aramis. Are you alright? Did you find everything you need?”

I rise from the bed and take one step forward. “Y-yes, I think so.” What is wrong with me? I don’t stutter.

“Great. That is great! We should get some breakfast.” He pauses for a second. “That is, only if you want to, of course. No pressure here. I can bring you something if you prefer that, so you can eat it here.”

His offer is tempting. At Anima, people stared, but they were at least used to seeing me. But I’m new in a place with new faces and no friends. I don’t think I…

No.

I will not let how I look determine my stay here. Besides, I want to see what is beyond this room. If it is any indication of what the rest will look like, I just have to see more. Although it is odd that the exterior looks so weathered…