Rockwell Academy – The Claiming by Stella Andrews

Author:Stella Andrews [Andrews, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-04-26T18:30:00+00:00

My first thought when I wake is Abigail. Siri is still sleeping peacefully, her gentle breathing echoing in the morning light. It was a lot yesterday and I am still coming to terms with it and I hope more than anything that Abigail made it home.

It’s early and the weekend, so there are no lessons today. Siri had suggested heading into the nearby town, which I’m excited to do. I need some space from Rockwell and could use some supplies and would like to check out our surroundings.

Rather than disturb Siri, I pull on my running shorts and a top and slip out of the dorm, noting how quiet it is—unusually so. I envy Jack living in a house because the dorm is always full of activity and the walls are paper thin.

However, this morning I am the only person awake it seems and as I slip out of the side door, I drag in deep breaths of the fresh morning air.

I set off at a gentle jog and my journey takes me into the woods where the dungeon is hidden. Not many people come here because its path is overgrown and some way from the academy, but I’m curious to see it the day after the event.

The path makes it difficult to jog, and as I move through the trees, I relish the sound of nature accompanying me. This is what I love. Solitude. It allows me to regroup, to breathe easier and to work problems out in my head and I have a big one that goes by the name of Frankie Majerio.

A shiver passes through me when I remember his kiss. It wasn’t expected, but I liked it. He was surprisingly gentle, which was unexpected. It was as if he truly cared about me and I wonder about that. He gives off a ruthless vibe and is so secretive it’s as if he has no emotion. However, last night he demonstrated more emotion than he ever has before. He is a dark soul hiding a lighter one and I’m guessing not many people get access to that.

I stop and take a minute, gasping in some much needed oxygen and a twig breaking nearby heightens my senses.

I stiffen at the sound of footsteps that sound human, and I quickly dart behind a neighboring tree.

Since an early age, I have been taught the power of surprise and if there is somebody out here, I want to see who they are before they reach me. Standard protection procedure that comes as easily as breathing to me and as the person moves into my eye line, I heave a sigh of relief.

“Jack.”

I step out from the tree and his easy smile stretches across his handsome face.

“I saw you heading this way.”

I’m not surprised that he followed me and welcome it.

“I couldn’t sleep and was drawn back to the scene of the crime.”

He nods, understanding in his eyes.

“Last night was a lot.”

“It sure was.”

We fall into step beside one another and I love how familiar this is.

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