Academy of Ashes

One: Early Morning Cigarretes

Aelin didn't just love the fire; she loved the feel of striking a match, she loved how it flared in a spark of white flame before flickering gold. She loved the way it felt to watch the flame burn it's way through the match, until it just singed your fingertips. She liked to see how long she could hold it before going out. She was enraptured by the smoke plumes that danced into the air after the flame died and the charred match stick left crumbling in her hand. To Aelin, fire was like her oxygen and she couldn't live without it.
That's why in the drizzly mornings Aelin huddled under the grey sky behind the huge building of Ardarlan Academy, and stood with the smokers from the older year. She'd never touch a cigarette not even when they laughed at her but she stayed because they let her use their lighter. She would watch the delicate puffs of smoke wind their way into the sky and the glowing cigarette stubs reflected in the dreary puddles at her feet. Nehemia didn't like it when she did this. She had come with Aelin once refused to do it again. She claimed she hated the way the smell of smoke and ash clung to you for the rest of the day and made your throat burn.
Aelin flicked Manon's lighter and watched the flame spark in to life. In the distance she could see Sorscha standing nervously by the gates. She was rocking back and forth on her heels, fiddling with the end of her long chestnut braids. Her Fenharrow High uniform stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the sea of red Ardarlan ties and wyrdkey crested blazers. Disdainful glances were thrown in her direction but Sorscha didn't seem to notice as her face lit up at the sight of Dorian Havillard running towards her. Dorian Havillard. Head boy and headmasters son. The most beautiful boy in the entire academy with his kind eyes and messy dark hair. He threw his arms around Sorscha and lifted her off the ground. Her tinkling laugh filled the yard. Aelin handed Manon her lighter and walked towards the drab door into the stone school. Nehemia fell into step beside her as she walked down the echoing corridor. The sight of Nehemia brought a grin to Aelin's face. Nehemia's golden eyes darkened as she said "you smell like smoke".
Aelin continued walking. As the chime signalled the beginning of the school day Aelin saw Dorian run past, his face flushed and his sapphire eyes dancing. Kaltain stalked out  from the opposite room, her pale porcelain skin a stark contrast to her raven hair. Aelin scowled as she went past. "Don't" Nehemia said softly placing a hand on Aelin's arm.
"I don't understand you. How can you be kind about Kaltain Rompier?" She said in disgust
Nehemia sighed and watched the girl stride down the hall.
"Kaltain's confused. She's lonely. She doesn't know what she wants."
Aelin laughed joylessly. "What she wants is Dorian. And me expelled."