Stranger

Chapter 5: Sophie

"Miss Harper, I don't think you realize just how important you are," Ethan said, a serious glint in his blue eyes. "I have been alive since the year twelve-hundred and twenty-one. I have only encountered two other physicals besides yourself in my lifetime, and one has long since died. You are a rare species in an already rare band of different species and that it why it is absolutely imperative that you attend the academy. You need to learn how to control your strength and learn about not only what you are, but who you are. Our curriculum focuses on subjects that teach us just that, ranging from astronomy—our position on Earth and how that affects us—to history of peculiars—what we are and how we came to be. It also entails palmistry—what the unique lines on both palms actually tell us about who we are—as well as extensive training based on what type of peculiar you are. There are three different peculiar classifications: physicals, like yourself; shifters, like Will; and mentals. Mentals break down into two subcategories: animus, someone who can read minds; and physicus, someone who can move objects with their thoughts."

Palmistry and astronomy? Sophie couldn't quite believe it, and without fully realizing it, her eyes descended to her open palm.

"If I did decide to attend your school," she began, not looking up, "what, exactly, do you expect of me in return?" Her eyes jumped up and locked with Ethan's. "I'm not an idiot. I know nothing comes for free."

"If you do decide to attend," Ethan said, his confidence never wavering, "the only thing you will need to provide in return is to allow me to examine you every once in a while. Like I said, physicals are rare amongst peculiars, and that means information about them and what it means to be a physical is sorely lacking. Such information I can only get from a physical; from you. You will not be required to do anything you are uncomfortable with, merely answer questions and allow me to run noninvasive tests. But, like I said, I require nothing more from you. Your tuition, your books, your food and board, and since you seem to be without a bag, your clothes—including your uniform—will be taken care of. This, I personally guarantee."

The stare Ethan gave her was so intense she had to look away.

"It just seems too easy," Sophie murmured more to herself than to anyone else in the car.

That, of course, did not stop them from overhearing the comment because Ethan said, "I'm afraid, Miss Harper, that it will be far from easy. Should you decide to attend, you'll be put in Year Six, which is the year anatomy and physiology is taught, as well as astronomy. You will also have to narrow the four core classes—Astrology, Numerology, Palmistry and Tarot—down to the two you wish to specialize in for your degree. Because you're coming in late, your free periods will be spent with Jared, who will tutor you in the basics of the core subjects. Instead of physical education, you will be with me, learning about the history of our kind. And during your study breaks, you will be training privately with Will, who will help you control your strength and learn how to use it properly."

"Will?" Sophie all but yelped.

"Trust me, I had no say in the matter," Will muttered. He really did have a knack for making her feel welcome.

"He's not a physical," Sophie pointed out.

"No, he is not," Ethan agreed. "But he is the strongest on my staff, and he knows what he is doing. I trust him implicitly, Miss Harper, and you should too."

The following pause was interrupted by Jared, who murmured to Ethan, "I'm turning in now."

Ethan turned back to Sophie. "I don't mean to rush your decision, Miss Harper, but time is rather pressing at the moment. We've reached the airport, you see, and our private jet is scheduled to leave in twenty minutes."

"Uh ..."

Sophie wasn't sure what to say. But she had twenty minutes to figure it out.

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