Surviving to Soulmates

Chapter 4

A week had passed since Lilith and Gabriel's arrival at the loft. They'd spent the majority of their time at the dining room table, flipping through books from the library. Due to the privacy of Golden Gates, it was virtually impossible to figure out how to get access to Class A study materials. The twins had begun to doubt the existence of Class A study materials in the first place. If a general study plan was supplied, the class wouldn't be so difficult to gain access to.

Then what was it?

Lilith had come to a singular conclusion.

"Are you two ready to leave?" Aunt Elizabeth said, walking into the loft. Lilith and Gabriel followed her out. "You know, I haven't taken the test myself, but it's always interesting to see the placement rankings. The students who aren't transferring took the test before the end of last year, so you'll be taking part in a smaller, separate test. Though the administers didn't elaborate on whether your test will be more or less difficult. I do hope you two perform well."

"We appreciate the concern Aunt Elizabeth," Gabriel said. "We'll try to perform our best."

"Yes, we hope not to betray your support," Lilith added. This was all part of a prearranged script. If Lilith and Gabriel were to remain unsuspicious, they had to act the part. Getting into the back of the familiar limo, Lilith refrained from rehearsing her lines in her head; by now she had to know her role. If she didn't, her and Gabriel wouldn't last much longer.

In the back of the car, Gabriel stared out the window as the car suddenly turned off the street and onto a discreet dirt road. There weren't any signs, so Gabriel watched as Smith abandoned using his turn signals and started taking sharper turns. The fact that Smith could drive a limo so carelessly yet perfectly impressed Gabriel.

"The school is up ahead. It's hidden far into the forest as a means of privacy. You may notice later, but there's no surveillance up here since the area is off the grid," Aunt Elizabeth introduced.

No one would know if we died, Lilith thought. Or if we killed anyone.

Given that they aren't important, that is.

As they got closer to the school, Lilith caught sight of a golden emblem emerging out of the forest. It quickly took the shape of an eagle. Surprisingly, however, the eagle wasn't free. It was trapped in a cage.

"That's Golden Gate's emblem," Aunt Elizabeth laughed. "They decided to cage the eagle inside because they believe their high school is used to nurture eagles in order to let them be successful when they pass through the gates of graduation." Still, the cage left an ominous feeling in the air. "Don't worry too much." Aunt Elizabeth always told them not to worry, but it almost felt like she was forcing them to worry more.

Maybe it was a warning.

Don't worry. If you think too much, you'll die here.

Most importantly, don't question.

Lilith took a deep breath. She could feel her brother do the same. The limo pulled to a stop in front of two, large golden gates, faithful to the school's name. As Lilith stepped out, the same feeling that she'd had when she walked out of the school that had expelled her returned. She was reminded of the rejection she'd felt, but also the freedom she'd gained. Rejection, to Lilith, simply meant redirection, and if the world was going to reject her this time, she'd have plenty of fun destroying the pen house she'd been placed in. Gabriel stepped out behind her, leaving Aunt Elizabeth inside. Smith came out to meet them.

"This is as far as we can take you," Smith said. "There are no parents nor guardians allowed past these gates. The rest is on you, when you complete your test just call me." They traded contact information. "I'll be waiting."