Keepers by Sacha Black

Author:Sacha Black
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atlas Black Publishing

NINETEEN

‘While it is not a violation of the Balance to love another prior to being Bound, it is deemed inappropriate and risky. Moreover, the conception of an Unbound baby is a violation of the Balance.’

* * *

Teachings of the First Fallon

* * *

I stormed out of Trey’s private cabin last night, and locked myself in the furthest passenger carriage away from his, spending the rest of the journey in and out of fitful sleep. At some point in the middle of the night, we arrived at the Keepers School station in the West. I pull the train’s glass window down and scan the platform left and right, to make sure he isn’t around. Then I sneak off the train, out of the school station and into the grounds.

I push open the towering iron gates and I’m filled with a sense of awe and warmth. No matter how many times I arrive here, it always shocks me. Keepers School’s enormous sandy colored mansion rises up like a desert mountain stretching out and back into a horseshoe shape. Triangular thatched peaks skirt the rooftop - upper floor bedrooms for seniors. I spot Rita in one of the peak windows and she waves as I stroll through the courtyard towards the entrance passing a fountain sculpture of the First Fallon. Around the edges are neatly pruned gardens that make the yard smell like sweet perfume. The Sorcerer’s have a species survival programme for the exotic and endangered plants in the Ancient Forest. They like to display the most successful cases where everyone can see them.

Glancing up, I spot Nyx by the oak studded door. She’s waiting, smiling and blinking those slow cat blinks that make me feel tired.

Binding ceremonies are the event of the year. In fact, they’re the event of our entire schooling and the only thing anyone talks about once the date is announced. But today, the atmosphere is flat, subdued and cold. There is no excitement this time. Eyes follow me all the way to the Fallon changing room; pair after pair bore into my back like arrows and I wonder if they blame me for ruining their original ceremony.

Like the atmosphere, the vibrant colors of my classmates’ gowns and finery seem dulled. The anticipation of seeing each other’s outfits for the first time is gone.

“Here’s your dress,” Nyx says handing me the mended violet gown as we enter the Fallon dressing room.

“Oh, what did you do to your hand?”

“Not sure. Someone scratched me, it’s nothing,” I say, kneading the bruise that’s flourished into an array of purples and greens.

“I’ll see you in there,” Nyx says, “I’m going to get Titus and make sure we get good seats.”

I take my khaki fatigues and top off as the door creaks.

“Trey?” I ask, wondering if he’s come to apologize, again.

“Trey?” Victor’s drawl answers.

“Victor? Umm, can you give me a minute, I’m not dressed yet.”

“I don’t mind,” he says, and walks in. I swivel around holding my dress to my body.

Despite his pawed hand, he looks good.

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