Learning The Ropes

“How do you talk to the huntress?” I asked, trailing after Ariah. She was showing me around and getting me acquainted with everyone. People were mostly friendly, but no one passed an opportunity to ask about my marks.

Hopefully, by next week people would have grown used to it and forgotten about it. It was getting tiresome to explain the same thing, over and over again.

No one seemed to come to grips with the fact that I had no clue why mine was the way it was. If anything, I’d like some answers too.

“You tap into the spiritual realm. It’s quite a process, so I can’t just explain it to you. In separate lessons, you will be taught how to, most likely, since we already covered it at the beginning of the year. They always do that with new pups. Catch them up on the essentials in separate lessons, most of the time, with the headmistress.”

“I see.” I didn’t know how I felt about extra classes since, from what I’ve seen, my schedule was going to be packed as it is.

“This is the girl’s common room.” Ariah pushed open two large oakwood doors engraved with red roses. “This is a great spot if you just want to hang out, read, do homework, or whatever. If you need silence, it’s not the best place because there will always be someone trying to talk to you.”

“Okay,” I smiled, scanning the spacious room. “Noted.”

Ariah turned to face me, walking backward. “I recommend our room or the library if you need silence.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Anyway, if you need a snack, the kitchen is open twenty-four-seven. Unfortunately, they don’t offer anything sweet past meals. Only fruit. So if you want candy, soda, or anything like that you’ll need to buy them whenever we’re allowed to go into town.”

I nodded, glancing across the room. “Is there someplace we can work part-time while staying here?”

“Yeah. The library is looking for someone, and there are a few teachers needing assistants on a regular basis. I think the office—”

“Let me guess, the poor new girl can’t afford to buy a candy bar?” There was an outburst of laughter. I turned, to find a petite girl with long, blonde hair standing there with her arms crossed. She could be pretty if she hadn’t had her face all scrunched up in a sour look.

Ariah’s face darkened. “Oh, and let me introduce you to the biggest bitch in the school. Who thinks her ass is made of gold but suffers from a serious daddy complex and is more plastic than skin.”

“Watch your mouth, Winter, or you’ll lose it.”

“This is Valerie Stone,” Ariah expelled a sigh, peering at the girl in front of us. “Let me guess, you ran out of victims to torture, and now you’re looking for fresh meat?”

“You are not what I expected,” Valerie’s ice-blue eyes narrowed to my feet and worked their way up to my face. “You’re not pretty.” It sounded more like she was trying to convince herself of the statement than to insult me.

“One way to deal with a threat,” Ariah sputtered a laugh, leaning toward me. “This is what she says to anyone who beats her in the looks department.”

Valerie turned her attention to Ariah. “Are you still blabbering?”

“Yeah, do you mind?” Ariah spoke through clenched teeth. “I’m showing my new friend around. Your ass is in the way.”

“Do you realize who you're talking to?” Valerie’s eyes turned to slits. She pushed her hair back over her shoulder that framed her face like an ashy river. “I can ruin you.”

Unfazed, Ariah rolled her eyes. “Because you think you’re the future luna? Puh-lease. Accept the fact that you're nothing but a peasant like the rest of us.”

Valerie planted her hands on her hips, giving Ariah a snarky once-over. “Not for long. Soon, you’ll be whimpering at my feet.”

“Elijah’s way too good for you. It’s a matter of time he ditches your skinny ass.”

Valerie coughed a laugh. “Wow, jealousy bites, doesn't it, Winter? He’s mine. Get over it.”

My brows shot up. “I don’t think she ever mentioned once she’s into him.”

Valerie immediately moved into a defensive stance. “No, but it’s obvious, isn’t it? She wants what she can’t have.”

I peered at Ariah with a concerned look. “Is...she okay?”

Ariah looked like she was fighting a smirk. “Not even close. She’s always looking for an excuse to pick a fight.”

“Uh, hello? I’m right here,” Valerie interjected. “And I’m not looking for a fight. I’m stating facts.”

“Facts no one is interested in hearing oozing from your greasy pout. Now, excuse us.” Ariah tugged me by the hand, when Valerie grabbed hold of the other, her nails digging into my skin.

I flinched, ripping my hand from her grip. “What the hell is your problem?”

“You are.” Her lips pursed. “I just want to make it abundantly clear that I’m watching you. Closely.”

“Oookay?” I frowned. “Are you going to elaborate on why?”

She tilted her head to the side, smiling sweetly. “I know you were hanging out with Elijah early this morning. I can smell you on him.”

I sputtered a laugh. “Okay, you’re nuts.”

“Tooold yooou,” Ariah sang.

“Oh yeah?” Valerie’s lips drew tight. “Go sniff him, why don’t you? She’s been all over him.”

“Probably because he’s the one who recruited me and brought me back?” I supplied. “It’s part of his role as a guardian, isn’t it?”

“Of course I know that,” Valerie tensed. “But he never smells like another girl.”

“Oh jeez,” I rolled my eyes. “I tried running in front of a truck, and he tried to stop me. Maybe that’s why. I have no interest in getting all up in person with your boyfriend. So, you can back off with your insecure girlfriend complex.”

I had no idea why I even bothered to explain the situation to her. Maybe it was a part of me feeling sorry for Elijah having to deal with someone like her.

“What makes you so special?” She tilted her head to the side, eyeing the marks on my arm.

“If you ever find out, I’d like to know too,” I said.

“You’re telling me the huntress didn’t reach out to you or anything?” Valerie sputtered a false laugh. “I don’t believe you for one second.” She shoved a finger to my chest. “Just let me make myself clear. Don’t think because you have the mark of importance that it gives you the right to take over and do what you want. Do not get the impression that it’s going to buy you into places. It won’t. Thirdly, stay the hell away from my boyfriend. Understand?”

Valerie flipped her hair over her shoulder, smiling smugly. “And remember, I’m the queen around here. Don’t piss me off, kapish? Now, be a good little puppy and make yourself invisible.”

I cocked a brow as I watched her sashay from the room.

“If you haven’t noticed, she’s got a few screws loose,” Ariah finally spoke. “That, and she’s clinging to the luna position for dear life.”

“Riiight,” I breathed.

“She’s not even into Elijah, you know?” Ariah turned to me. “But whatever, come. I have a few more places to show you.”