Sins of Dominion

Chapter 2 : The Shadow Within

Evelyn

The rain began as a whisper, a gentle patter against the windows of Ashworth Hall, before it grew into a steady downpour. By the time I found Room 314, the storm outside had become a cacophony of wind and water, drowning out the sounds of the world beyond these walls.

Inside, the room was dimly lit by a single desk lamp, casting long shadows across the twin beds and wooden furniture. The space was a mixture of old and new—antique bedframes and modern, sleek desks. One half of the room was already claimed, the bed neatly made with a navy-blue comforter, and a stack of textbooks on the desk, signaling my roommate’s arrival.

I let out a small sigh of relief at the absence of my roommate. I wasn’t ready for introductions, for the inevitable questions. I needed a moment to gather myself, to build my defenses.

Dropping my suitcase by the unclaimed bed, I moved to the window, staring out into the night. The courtyard was deserted, the students having retreated to the warmth and safety of their rooms. Only the shadows moved now, slithering across the cobblestones like dark memories, refusing to be forgotten.

For a moment, I let myself drift, my thoughts wandering back to the boy—no, the man—I had encountered in the administration building. Dominic Thorne. His name was whispered in the hallowed halls of Dominion like a legend, or perhaps a warning. He was untouchable, inscrutable, the ruler of this world in all but name. I’d heard of him before, of course. How could I not? But seeing him in person was something else entirely. The way his eyes had bored into me, as if peeling back my layers, was unnerving.

Who was he, really? And why did his gaze make me feel as if he already knew all the secrets I was trying so desperately to hide?

A sharp knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I turned, heart leaping into my throat, and took a deep breath before crossing the room to open it.

Standing on the other side was a girl about my age, with tousled auburn hair and a wide, easy smile. Her eyes were a warm hazel, a stark contrast to the stormy night outside.

“Hi! You must be Evelyn,” she said, her voice bright and friendly as she extended her hand. “I’m Hannah—your roommate.”

Relief washed over me. She didn’t look like someone who would pry too deeply, and that was exactly what I needed right now. I shook her hand, managing a small smile. “Nice to meet you, Hannah.”

“Likewise! I hope you don’t mind, I already claimed this side of the room.” She gestured to the bed with the navy comforter. “But if you’d prefer it, we can switch.”

“No, it’s fine,” I assured her, already feeling the tension in my shoulders ease. I could work with this.

Hannah flopped down onto her bed, crossing her legs beneath her as she studied me with curiosity. “So, where are you from? I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“New York,” I replied, keeping my answer short, hoping she wouldn’t push further.

“Cool! I’m from Boston, but I used to visit New York all the time with my parents. Great city.” She hesitated, as if debating whether to ask her next question. “So, what brings you to Dominion? This place can be pretty intense.”

I forced a smile, trying to keep the response as light as possible. “Just needed a change of scenery, I guess.”

Hannah nodded, accepting the vague explanation without prying. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. Fresh start and all that, right?”

“Yeah,” I murmured, “a fresh start.”

Hannah chatted for a while longer, filling the silence with stories about her high school, her summer travels, and her excitement about the courses at Dominion. She seemed genuinely kind, the sort of person who would draw others to her effortlessly. I listened, contributing the occasional nod or comment, but my mind was elsewhere, still lingering on the storm and the shadow of Dominic Thorne.