The Academy of Darkness

Chapter 9 - Moving In

9. Moving In

I took that first significant step out of the car. The fading velvety blue veil slowly got darker as time wore on. We had arrived.

The school was... what can I say? It was one a kind. The fringe of the forest laid near-by even though the academy was on a cliff that led to the beach below. It was all spaced out and perfect. 

The school itself - which I had read up on - used to be an old castle back in the 17th century. After it was donated to the better good of the town's people, it was turned into a girls' boarding collage and then we come to today.

The architecture was in perfect condition. It wasn't scary looking. There were no wicked gargoyles guarding its towers. It was kind of... magical, no - mystical was the word I was searching for. It was one giant gothic structure of art.

It was made of deep bluey-grey stone and had creepers inhabiting the western wall. Intricate patterns and carvings covered the walls. It was about three storeys - but just the right size for a school, fairly small for a castle.  You could tell that parts had been renovated though - to make it look more academic.

It was cooler up here on the bluffs. The sea spray seemed to roll around the building creating a mist in the now perfect blue twilight, emnating mystery. Pigeons flew around the buildings - heading back to their nests, to their families. The garden was neatly done and red rose bushes surrounded the school. A mosaic paved path led to the entrance. I could almost see the maids rushing about the property, the horses milling in the stables - a 16th century family playing croquet. It was like something straight out of a Jane Eyre book.

Though the school looked exquisitely ancient on the outside, the inside was a whole different storey.

Claire and I walked up to the doors where we were greeted by a warm lady in a flowing red robe which seemed to be both business and pleasure at the same time, both professional yet casual. It hugged her slim curvy figure well and made a statement that flaunted I'm in charge around here. Her long chocolate brown with highlights hair fell in waves down to her waist. Her middle parted bangs framed her face perfectly. The red dress made her unusual golden cornfield eyes pop out. She was beautiful. She had to be in her mid twenties - early thirties at the oldest.

Turns out she was Ms. Marcia - Avalon's principal.

She ushered us to her office. 

The academy was very deceptive. The inside was done up so newly, absolutely modern, so well designed - equally homey and school at the same time. It was unique. It was fresh. I guess I was expecting some sort of run down olden day styled castle - or at least somewhat more of the traditional school look.

Saying goodbye was hard. Claire parted with tears in her eyes. I hugged her and promised I'd call in a couple days to update her when I'd settled in. I missed them both already.

When she had left Ms. Marcia wanted to brief me in her office.

"Take a seat, don't be shy darling" she cooed.

"Now you're obviously here for a special reason Hayley, this is a bright, safe school full of aptitude - I just know that such a gifted student like yourself will fit in easily."

"Thankyou..." I began.

"Talents like yours don't appear too often. You're an exceptional young lady I'm sure. But now that you're with people like yourself, you will be able to truly expand your horizons and exceed your potential Hayley. What an amazing ability! You're not alone anymore I can assure!" she finished with a motherly warm smile.

I got this weird tingle inside me.

I was almost certain we weren't talking about my education any more. Not my art or music skills. Not my literature. In fact, the way she spoke, was as if she were referring to my gifts.