8 Chapter 8

By the time Dani and I got to the party, we were both already tipsy, but even so, we were more sober than anyone here. The parties in the dorms tended to get a bit out of hand, and when you throw in a bunch of kids who can do abnormal things - you could consider that an understatement.

As walked down the hall of the west wings common room, I looked at myself in the mirrors that lined the walls. I wore a dark gray dress that hugged my hips and flared down to just above my knees. Dany had picked the color, saying that it complimented my forest green eyes. My hair was tied up in a messy bun, and a few of my dark wavy locks fell onto my shoulder. I finished the look with a gold locket necklace that played nicely against my caramel colored skin. Dany wore a white blouse with a blue miniskirt that made her ice blue eyes look even more brilliant. And it didn't go unnoticed.

As we approached the main common area - I peaked a head of sandy brown hair through the haze of the party. Soren was only a year younger than us, but he was mature for his age. He was lucky that Caeden had other obligations tonight, or he would've been sent straight home, and his father would've surely heard of it.

Although Caeden and I had always been there for each other, and he knew more about me than anyone else, there was a side of him I didn't know. And that was the side that was so utterly loyal to the Head Instructor.

I continued following Dany through the party as she received attention from everyone we encountered. I spotted Karliah across the room, and as she strolled over to meet us, Dany met her halfway with a huge bear hug. The smile on her face as she broke away was something for the books. She clapped her hand and drunkenly dragged her to the balcony to look at the lake under the moonlight. Soren strolled over to me.

"Want to help me find the good stuff?" He smirked.

"I'm never one to turn that down," I replied happily. Soren and I wandered through the vast wing until we finally found the snacks. We filled our arms, and settled down on a cozy couch in a side room, shoveling food into our mouths.

"What do you see in him?" Soren blurted.

I hesitated, surprised by his question. "Who?" I questioned.

Soren rolled his eyes, apparently doubting my confusion. "Caeden." He said. "You're with him, but, he's never even around. He's always with my father." He glanced in my direction, seemingly embarrassed. His cheeks were blotchy, and he'd definitely had too much to drink.

"We grew up together, and he's always been there for me." I stated simply.

"I grew up with you both too. But I still feel like I don't know him. At least not like I know you." He said.

"He's honest, loyal, and trustworthy." I said, suddenly feeling the need to be defensive. He didn't understand what Caed and I felt for each other. How could he? He was just a kid.

"I shouldn't have to explain myself to you anyways," I spat.

A look of regret formed on his features, and he turned away from me, avoiding looking me in the eyes.

"I need to tell you something, Cia. While I was looking for my laser pen that was confiscated from me in my fathers quarters, I found something..." he met my eyes for just a second, but quickly found his lap again.

A crease formed on my forehead as I wondered what could possibly be so important that Soren would be nervous to tell me. He was not a shy boy, and growing up, he was always teasing me or joking around.

"What did you find?" I asked, anxious to hear his answer.

"I think your parents are alive."