PENSIONNAT - VERSION ENGLISH - BOOK FINISH

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The large room, which usually had tables, was this time filled with bleachers standing on either side of the room. They were all filled with people dressed for a fancy ball, of which I didn't recognize anyone. While most of them had a serious expression, the director welcomed us with open arms and a benevolent smile on his face.
Lined up in pairs, single file, he introduced us to all these guests.

"On this day, which will represent their entry into our home, I present to you the first years of White Spectrum and Black Spectrum of Exina!"

At this little speech, while I expected applause or cheers, there was, instead, silence. Still smiling, he signaled to leave a distance of at least three meters between each pair. We were posted like soldiers, leaving room for the rulers. It was then that a small group of people passed between us.

The most remarkable one was the tallest of all. He was wearing a black suit with a purple tie. Round glasses and blue eyes. But, not blue like the ocean, blue like ice, almost white... The others who accompanied him wore a black cloak similar to the priests. Around their necks hung a pendant decorated with a huge fleur-de-lis. He stood beside the director and began his speech.

"Good morning. I, a customs officer of our government, and my dear colleagues behind me, welcome you all to Exina High School."

The Prime Minister?! My already racing heart could not take it anymore.

- Calm down..., a voice breathed.

What? Was someone talking to me? They could hear my thoughts now?! Wait, I'm hearing voices now?

"Today you will witness the first ceremony for a Ghota. The one that will make him a true Ghota. The one, where he will be given a heavy responsibility: to be part of our community."

With his icy eyes, he looked at us like a bird would look at a worm.

"Dear students, I would ask you to place, once in front of the Fountain, your hand in the water. You will put inside your palm, your link object. This will allow us to measure the power of your soul. And thus to know you better. But more importantly, it gives you access to our world. To its magic and its mysteries. This is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Good. Let us begin.
I would ask you, while keeping these two rows, to make one line of White Spectre and the other of Black Spectre."

Grayce was with one of the Rylook twins. Me, I was lucky not to be with them! The other was taken by Thibault.

We moved forward two at a time as we were instructed. Being one of the last, I could only see the lights. They were coming out of us, either white or black. And, according to the strength of the soul, it swallowed a part of the other light. Frightening.

My turn came after a while.
I was at Derne's side. Compared to me, he was totally serene. He put his ring in his hand and waited for me to do the same.

I was trembling so much that I could hardly remove my earring... finally I succeeded and together we drowned our hand in the water of truth. First, a key appeared. We each had one. Mine was refined, but Derne's seemed crude. Strangely, I thought they looked slightly alike.

The key turned into white and black smoke for him. Slowly, it advanced to our chest and slowly sank in. I felt my hand burn slightly and finally the lights came on.

We were not the first to have a soul of similar strength. They stood side by side, like old friends. But we were the first to have a Lily flower appear. A shock wave went through the room.

Shocked, I looked at Derne. His eyes had reddened and his face showed a smile (which I would say came from him) as if he were happy. I was lost.

- I... have... finally found you...," someone whispered. These words made my blood run cold. And obviously I was the only one who heard it. Or else, no one was paying attention!

- I...am...coming...to get you... I know Ex... Exi... Exila-aa! You... To Fini-sh you o-ff...

These words covered the room that had woken up after the shock wave. I was the only one panicking about that voice! A second shockwave followed and the flower disappeared leaving the fountain in its place. Silence fell in the great hall.

Stunned, the Prime Minister walked to Derne's side.

"We all know, what this flower means... A pure blood is among us... Derne Zertan!"

Everyone stood up and cheered, with shouts of joy and applause, Derne who was looking at them visibly happy.

Pure blood or not, I didn't understand anything anymore. A terrifying voice had appeared and it seemed to worry only me. Maybe I was the only one who heard it...
Then, why the shock waves?! I went to join the white spectres and left Derne to his glory. I approached Max, exhausted.

- Did you hear a voice?... I think she was... dying.

- No, she wasn't. Nobody was dying. By the way, quite an impressive passage into the world of the Ghota!

Grayce also seemed impressed with my performance. Honestly, I was having a nightmare. A terrifying voice wanted to kill and my hand was burning! How could I survive a performance like that?

The ceremony ended after our performance. It was time to go relax by the buffets and music. I HAD to get some fresh air! It was vital!