Marked by Fae (The Fae Chronicles Prequel)

Chapter 3

Since classes don't start for a couple of days, I'm more than eager to get to the library. I like structure and keeping to a schedule. My parents are complete opposites, and they always say they don't know where I got it from. But honestly, they're just being modest. Each has their own drive.

Grabbing my notebook, and a few pens, I glance at the other side of the room on the way out. At this point, I wonder if my roommate is even coming. But I guess we shall see.

Everyone, apparently, decided on an early start, because the halls are already busy with activity. Others are still arriving, and more transfers and new students will be here in the next few days. I came with the others because of the job. My feet are quick and sure as I make my way to the dining room. Last night, I memorized the layout of the school so I don't have to look so out of place.

The tables are filled with groups, and there's a low buzz of conversation in the room when I step inside. Quickly, I make my way to the buffet and grab a bagel, cream cheese, and a banana. After I fill my cup with coffee, for which I am very thankful, I'm out the door. Taking a sip, I focus on centering myself in the moment. This is it. I'm finally closer to reaching my goals.

Being back home, it felt like the council was an unreachable dream. But here, with Headmaster Marković's help and the weight of the school behind my diploma, I might actually stand a chance. That's all I've ever wanted. It makes leaving everything behind so much easier. I guess I would've been doing this at the end of the year anyway. While most of my friends were going to stay in our hometown, I wasn't going to be one of those people. This is just a head start on my exit strategy.

"Good morning," I say, walking up to the front desk of the library. It's set up a bit unusual in that the help desk is outside the doors, which sit on either side of it. The guy behind the desk doesn't look at all like a mentor.

"Hey, how can I help you?" he asks with a friendly smile. He's cute. I'm not immune to the charm, but I don't encourage it, even when he leans a little closer.

"I'm here for an apprenticeship. I was told to report here first thing?"

"Ah, yes. I saw the note. I was wondering who was brave enough to study under Miss Hannah."

"What do you mean?"

"You're new?"

"Well, yes."

"I don't want to scare you."

"I don't scare easily." I raise my chin a little, looking him straight in the eye. He grins, clearly enjoying this. My own lips want to follow suit. The charm seems to pour off him.

"No, I don't think you do."

"Well?" I prompt when he doesn't continue. He cocks his head to the side, studying me for a moment before speaking up.

"Miss Hannah is a little intimidating to most. That's all."

Well that doesn't sound as scary as he made it out to seem. But she could be even scarier. I can't really get a read on him, but his smile seems to unnerve me. It didn't at the beginning, but here we are.

"I think I can handle her."

"I think you can." He nods, leaning forward again, which makes me take the tiniest step back. However, he doesn't miss the move, and chuckles. "You seem plenty capable of taking care of yourself."

Before I can ask exactly what he meant by that, he hands me a piece of paper.

"Here, go to this aisle. She'll meet you there. Good luck."

"Thanks." I finally return the smile, although mine is much less enthusiastic. I'm mostly apprehensive. Being from a smaller town, I don't meet many strangers. So that interaction was... interesting to say the least.