CHAPTER FOUR

"Come with us." I heard a doll like voice demanded. As I snapped back, to reality.

And slowly, my gaze shifted to the young girl, with princess styled blond hair. Her lipstick was smeared in red, a frown etched on her forehead as her lips was pressed in a thin line.

But then, I didn't feel comfortable going with them. I felt goosebumps on my skin slightly recurring the dark space, and the gothic experience.

I shook my head, indicating no. "Am not going, anywhere." I affirmed, with words.

"What?" I watched as her face, go sour.

But before she could talk further, the girl who had been quiet spoke out.

I recognise her immediately, as the young girl with nice features, who I had met earlier– with the stoic looking guy. Her long thick brown hair cascade down her shoulders, with bangs adorned on her forehead.

"Don't be scared, we won't hurt you." She reassured.

I hesitated, before taking a quick glance at Margaret and Josh who only nodded approvedly.

With a low sigh, I stood up.

Trailing from behind, I watched as the stoic looking guy. . . walked gracefully with each step he took. His attire probably different from the world. . . I came from.

A long sword in it's brown sheath hunged on his back. He was exuding a strange authority, which I found to be weird as the other students around us, kept whispering as we passed by.

Suddenly, I felt uncomfortable at the scorching gaze I felt on me. It kept lingering on me. And strangely, I wished for the ground to swallow me up. Not liking the sudden, feeling.

I took a quick glance at my back to see the Blondie, shamelessly glaring at me. Not hiding the fact she had been caught by me. Her stare was too intense.

Turning front, I wondered. . . if she wanted to bore a hole on my head.

.

Reaching, the far end of a long hall. He stopped, abruptly as I bumped him from behind.

"Do I need to fix those eyes, of yours?!" I heard him, snapped coldly at me.

Straightening, myself. I frowned upon the sudden coldness. "I'm sorry, it was not intentional." I responded, feeling irritated.

I heard a slight snicker from behind me.

"Oh, please Alex. You don't have to be mean." The brown haired girl interjected.

Suddenly, she held my hand, stopping me from walking further. He walked further, as the Blondie, brushed past me with a silly smirk on.

I rolled my eyes, internally at her. Slowly we walk behind.

"You must be wondering, my name is Avery Quellings. This is Kathleen Dupier and Alexander Xanthos." She made a slight gesture with her eyes.

"Phoebe Hampton." I responded.

"Hm, Sorry about Alex's behavior earlier. . ." She gave me an apologetic smile.

"Is he always. . .like that?" I asked.

"Well, not always. He just changed after. . ." Her voice trailed.

"After what?" I inquired.

"Nothing. A friendly reminder, don't make use of his full name, Just Alex is fine." She responded, firmly.

"Oh, okay." l kept silent, not wanting to pry further. But then, I don't know why, i still felt curious about his change of attitude.

We continue walking down, as we climbed a wooden staircase– Which led to an open space. A dark looking red door came into view. I marvelved at the architecture of the door which was, very intricate. It was a double door, as the stoic guy pushed it open.

We all walked right in.

My gaze settled on a bulgy looking man, with red hair. He was holding a quill. Writing on some. . . What I could recognize as parchments. Lifting his brown eyes from what his was doing. His gaze landed on me.

"Have a seat." The man said calmly, without bothering about the rest who brought me here.

Placing my butt on an empty chair. The pair of eyes, I felt on me, only made me feel uncomfortable.

He Inquired, "What's the name child?"

"Phoebe Hampton." I say, wondering who he was.

"Am Marcos. The acting Dean of, Gifted Academy. You're officially enrolled at this school, where you will learn how to harness your powers."

"Wait? what? Am certain you must have mistook me, for someone else. I don't have powers, Mr Marcos Sir..." I stretched, out in a polite manner. Not wanting to annoy the Bulgy looking man. Who has an authority in this school.

His brown eyes lingered inquisitively at me.

"Then how do you explain your entry through the invisible barrier?"

Wait. That explains it. No wonder I found it hard to pass through. "That's because, am certainly not part of this world."

"I beg to differ. Passing through the barrier without bearing the seal, which was placed by our ancestors. . .Only makes you an important chess pieces. You're one of us now. Moving forward, Alexander is the Student council president. You'll be trained specifically under him." He said.

And I subconsciously, take a glance at the stoic looking guy. Who didn't spare me a glance, as he just rested on the wall. He didn't seem pleased, at all. What was he thinking?

"Everything, you need has been placed in your dorm." He spoke further. You will be required to take the entry exam, as a fresher. I trust that you're in good hands. Welcome at your stay in this prestigious establishment." He concluded with a small smile.

Which didn't sit well with me.

.

Avery was kind enough, to guide me to my room. The hall was empty as other students had already retired to their dorms. We didn't say anything to each other. As the thoughts of this strange world, consumed my mind.

"Here is your dorm." I heard her say, which brought me out of my reverie.

"Oh, okay. . . thanks." I mummered.

"Are you okay?" Avery asked, in a soft manner her voice which was laced with concern.

I replied, with a small smile. "Yes, of course."

"I know, you must have been overwhelmed–by all this. But with time, you will get used to it." She said, softly her brown eyes filled with concern.

"Thanks, i just need some rest." I uttered, feeling uncomfortable by her sudden worry about me. Back home, I didn't have anyone who worried about me hence, I got used to it.

"Nightie."

I heard her say, from behind as I shut the door! Closed. Placing my back on the door. I breathed out. I felt my eyes stinged, I blinked back the tears which was. . . threatening to fall.

Get used to this, world? A world different from mine. Not knowing my way back home, only gave me an unsettling feeling at the pit of my stomach. Like I needed to throw up.

But then, there's no one, to worry about my absence from home. I've learned, to rely solely on myself. Only I, could give my self the comfort I needed.

Slowly, realization dawned on her. As she scrunched down on the floor feeling dejected, she hugged her knees.

A soft sob, was heard in the quiet and lowly dim, lit room.