SECRETS OF EVERCREST (BOOK 2)

Chapter 12: The Gauntlet of Steele

Chapter 12: The Gauntlet of Steele

The sun rose over Evercrest University, casting a warm glow on the campus. The air was thick with excitement as students arrived early, eager to start their new academic journey. The Bellweathers, however, were having a less enthusiastic morning.

In the Bellweather household, Susan was on a mission to wake her children. She opened Peter's door to find him already dressed and ready, a rare sight that left Susan momentarily stunned. "Wow, Peter, up early? I’m impressed!" she said, smiling at her oldest son.

Peter chuckled, "Yeah, I figured it was about time I set a good example around here."

Next, Susan made her way to Penelope's room. As expected, Penelope was sound asleep, sprawled out in her bed, and—of course—drowning in her own saliva. Susan sighed, shaking her head. "Penelope, wake up! It’s your first day!"

Penelope mumbled something incoherent, swatting weakly at her mother. "Five more minutes, Mom," she grumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

Susan wasn’t having it. She grabbed Penelope’s feet, attempting to pull her out of bed, but Penelope made herself deadweight, refusing to budge. “You’re impossible!” Susan exclaimed, giving up with a frustrated laugh.

Susan then headed to Sol’s room, expecting a similar struggle. To her surprise, Sol was already dressed in a sharp blue t-shirt, tucked into cargo pants with a belt to complete the look. Susan raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Look at you, all ready and serious!"

Sol smirked, adjusting her belt. “Can’t waste time, Mom.”

“Since you’re up and about, I need your help with Penelope,” Susan said, her voice filled with exasperation.

Sol rolled her eyes with a knowing smile. “On it.”

They both marched into Penelope’s room. Sol didn’t even hesitate. With a wave of her hand, she lifted Penelope off the bed using her telekinesis. Penelope’s eyes shot open, and she screamed in shock, flailing in mid-air. “Sol, put me down! Now!” she demanded, her tone both panicked and annoyed.

Sol couldn’t help but laugh as she gently set her sister back on the floor. Penelope stormed off to the bathroom, muttering under her breath, while Susan and Sol exchanged amused looks. But then, Sol felt a familiar trickle from her nose—a small drop of blood. She quickly wiped it away, not wanting to worry her mother.

Meanwhile, over at Riley’s house, he was also preparing for his first day. His older brother, Harrison, leaned against the doorway, watching Riley with a teasing grin. “Nervous about seeing Penelope today?” Harrison asked, nudging Riley.

Riley blushed, trying to play it cool. “Shut up, Harrison,” he muttered, but the pink in his cheeks betrayed him.

Harrison chuckled, enjoying his brother’s embarrassment. “Don’t worry, kid. Just be yourself. And hey, by the way, I’ve got a new job!”

Riley looked up, curious. “Really? Where?”

Harrison winked, keeping it a mystery. “You’ll see. Meet me at the mall after school, and I’ll show you.”

Riley narrowed his eyes. “You’re being weird, but okay. I’ll be there.”

The Bellweathers and their friends were now on their way to Evercrest University. William and Susan drove them, with Sol, Penelope, Peter, Jane, and Max all packed into the car. The ride was filled with a mix of nervous chatter and silent anticipation.

When they arrived at the sprawling campus, they said their goodbyes to William and Susan, who wished them luck. As they walked toward the main building, everyone pulled out their phones to check their schedules.

“Looks like we have an orientation at the court,” Sol noted, glancing at Max and Jane, who were also in the criminology program. Penelope and Peter, both in different courses, headed off to their respective buildings.

Sol, Jane, and Max entered the courtroom where the criminology orientation was being held. The room was intimidating, with its high ceilings and somber atmosphere. Only a few students were present, adding to the tension.

Max leaned in, whispering to Sol and Jane, “You know, I heard not many people choose criminology here because the seniors are brutal. And apparently, the captain who runs the program is even worse. She’s strict as hell and scares off half the newbies.”

Before they could respond, a sharp voice echoed through the room. “Take your seats, everyone.”

They quickly found seats as a fierce-looking woman walked into the room. Her presence was commanding, and her sharp eyes scanned the room with an intensity that made everyone sit up straighter. She introduced herself as Captain Ravenna Steele, a name that seemed to fit her perfectly. Sol and Jane exchanged glances, both feeling the weight of her presence.

“Welcome to the criminology program at Evercrest University,” Captain Steele began, her voice cold and unwavering. “This course is not just about becoming a police officer. There are many paths you can take. But if you choose to follow in my footsteps, you’d better be ready for what’s coming. The challenges you’ll face out there are far beyond what you can imagine. Survival in this field is not just about physical strength, but mental endurance and an unwavering will to fight for justice.”

Her words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Some students looked pale, clearly regretting their choice of major. Max, trying to lighten the mood, leaned over to Jane and Sol, whispering, “Told you she was scary. Lucky for you, I gave you the heads up.”

Sol responded by pinching his arm, making Max yelp in pain. Jane stifled a laugh, trying to stay composed.

Captain Steele continued, her tone growing even more intense. “Remember this: ‘Justice is not for the faint-hearted. It is for those who dare to stand in the shadows, unwavering, until the light breaks through.’ If you can’t handle that, there’s the door.” She pointed dramatically to the exit, her eyes daring anyone to leave.

The room was silent. No one moved. After a moment, Captain Steele nodded, satisfied, and left the room without another word. It was as if the entire room collectively exhaled, the tension finally breaking.

Max grinned, rubbing his arm where Sol had pinched him. “Well, that was fun.”

Sol shook her head, still feeling the weight of Captain Steele’s words. “This is going to be intense,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

“Yeah, but we’ve got this,” Jane said, trying to sound confident. “We’ve faced worse, right?”

“Right,” Sol agreed, though her mind was still racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

End of Chapter 12, Book 2