X-Marks: Rising Shadows

Ghost

"We've got a lot -," Evee said and paused to yawn, "to think about."

We were back in the hallway to our dorms. I had taken my shoes off on the way. I held them in my hands and let the plush green carpet sooth my aching toes.

"We'll figure it out," I said and looked down at the paper contract in my hand.

Evee looked back at Nate as we parted our embraced and said our goodnights. He had not spoken a word. Not at dinner. Not as we were escorted to the elevators again.

"I hope we do, figure it out," she said and looked back at me.

I gave her hand a final squeeze, "He just needs some time, to get used to this place" I said, "We all do. It not you. Trust me."

Evee gave a small smirk, "I hope you're right," she said and followed the guards to her dorm.

I placed my hand on the dorm door. It took me two tries before the latch unlocked. I was still getting used to the strange procedure.

The dorm was dim. Only lit by the large window above my bed. It washed the room with a dreamy shade of purple.

"Welcome back, Valen," Iris said as she wheeled herself towards the door, "A parcel was left for you exactly nine minutes and forty-seven seconds ago."

"A parcel?" I said and followed Iris towards my desk.

"It was delivered by Ms. Vossler herself," Iris said.

At the desk, was a large box, wrapped in a matte silver paper and adorned with a golden bow. Beneath the box, there was a letter in a matching envelope.

"It was expressed that the contents should be opened as soon as it is received," Iris said, "Please let me know if I can be of any assistance."

"I think I should be fine Iris," I said and lifted the card and tore at its envelope.

The cream-colored parchment of the letter was engraved with a floral border that contained the handwriting of the author. I read the letter aloud.

"To Ms. Valen Shadow,

With my sincerest of intentions, please accept this gift. It is an expression of not only my admiration of your courage but as an ongoing effort to assist you in the unparalleled change, you must now decide upon. Please know your goodwill and loyalty will not go unrewarded under my supervision.

In addition, please refrain from disclosing the contents of this letter or parcel. I decided to give you alone this gift. I would not want this appearance of favoritism to cause strife among the other guests. It is an artifact from the Easter Council. I am confident will fully appreciate its value.

Sincerely,

Your dearest friend, Genevieve C. Vossler."

I put the letter down on the desk, my heart ached with a warmth I had never known. Genevieve had thought of me and me alone. I had never had anything of my own.