The Fallen Empath-Book 2-A Rose-Red Tyrant TEASER

Chapter Seven: A Tradition Lesson

 "Whoa, didn't know you had that in you..." The white haired male stutters.

"Look, I'm gonna let you off the hook this time, but only 'cuz I don't want my pasta gettin' cold." The redhead says before running off with his friend.

Grim scoffs. "I knew you were all talk! You better hope I never see you again!"

"What happened to 'no more incidents'?" I mumble.

Ace shakes his head. "Can we just get some lunch already? I missed breakfast, and I'm about to collapse."

Deuce sighs. "I can't believe this. Textbook bullies at an academy that's supposed to be famous for producing exceptional mages..."

We all grab out food, I get Ace and Deuces the food and drinks I owe them, and find a place to sit down.

"Aw, get over it already, It's time to chow like the wind!" Grims starts to devour his food. "This omelet is as fluffy as a cloud, and practically burstin' with cheese! So I saw your guys' dorm, but what are the other ones like?"

"Grim, don't eat with your mouth full." I sigh.

"I'm sure you're familiar with the statues of the Great Seven? Night Raven College has a dorm themed after each one." Cater sneaks up behind us with a green haired man making me jump.

"Bwah! You're that guy from this morning!" Ace jumps back too.

"You tricked up into paintin' those dumb roses!" Grim puts his paws on his hips.

"'Tricked' is such an ugly word, Do you think I wanted to spend MY morning painting roses? It's dorm policy! I was just following orders." Cater puts his hand behind his head.

Deuce shrugs and shakes his head. "And grinning like a friend all the while."

"Now, now, Deucey." Cater puts a hand on his hip. "Outside the dorm, I don't care what rules you follow. Here, I'm just a friendly mentor figure!" He waves his hand.

Deuce flinches at the nickname. "Please, Do NOT call me Deucey."

The man with green hair laughs. "That's how Cater shows he cares."

"And who are you?" Ace questions.

"Ah, I should introduce myself. The name's Trey. Trey Clover. I'm a junior at Heartslabyul, like Cater here." He crosses his arms before looking over to me. "And you must be Yuna, the new prefect from that dump of a—ah, I mean, the 'rustic' dorm." He adjusts his glasses. "I heard the whole story from Cater. Thanks for looking out for our boys yesterday."

"Oh, um, no problem." I blush slightly.

Cater and Trey sit down with us making Ace sigh.

"I don't recall inviting you to sit with us..." Ace shakes his head.

"Hey now, we're all from the same dorm, right? Let's try to get along. Here, give me your digits." Cater pulls out his phone.

"Oh, um I don't have a phone." I scratch my cheek.

"For real? I've read about luddites like you, but never imagined I'd meet one in the wild! I know a place that sells the latest models cheap. How about you and I go on a phone-shopping date?"

I giggle. "Maybe someday."

"Cater. You're freaking out the freshmen. Maybe take it down a notch?" Trey crosses his arms.

"Ha! Sorry! I can get a little extra sometimes. What were we talking about... The dorms, yeah?" Cater rubs the back of his head. "Ah, what fun to mentor new students! Go ahead, A-M-A."

"Before you get into the other dorms, I wouldn't mind learning a bit more about ours. Like, what's the deal with all this 'Queen of Hearts rule number whatever' junk?" Ace huffs.

"I'm sure you're familiar with the legendary Queen of Hearts already? She had to rule over a kingdom of weirdos, and did it by emphasizing order and making strict rules." Trey gives us the basic run down.

"Our dorm, Heartslabyul, is an homage to her. By tradition, we wear armbands with the red and black of the Queen's dress. And we live by the rules she created." Cater finishes off.

Grims scoffs. "Can you make me any more bored?"

Cater runs the back of his neck, "Now, the degree to which we adhere to the rules depends on the sitting housewarden. Past wardens have been much more lax."

"Riddle though? He doesn't mess around. Basically, you could say that we're honoring that tradition to the utmost extent possible," Trey says.

Ace sighs. "Bleah. Just my luck..."

"So what are the other dorms like, then?" Grim tilts his head.