Unfamiliar (Unfamiliar Series #1)

Chapter 5

"Hallewell?" Tessa drawls, like she's testing a new word she's never spoken before, but still knows.

But it's not like anyone here wouldn't know the name Hallewell from what Indigo has told me.

"You're related to the headmaster?" Tessa says, not leaving Astrid the chance to deny it.

Astrid nods as she studies the wall where Tessa's posters have been pinned. 

"I'm his niece," she says casually, but she sounds formal with her British accent. 

As in, her uncle is Clayton Hallewell, the current headmaster of Greenwood Academy.

Tessa makes a low whistling sound, as Astrid turns her head and raises an eyebrow at her. 

"I almost thought that any of the Hallewell children were myths, I've yet to see your cousin in the flesh."

Her cousin being the famed Eleanora Hallewell who is maybe around Indigo's age and is the daughter of Clayton Hallewell. The Hallewell clan are the equivalent of Olympic gold medalists; polo, magic competitions, anything a Hallewell is in, chances are they would win. It was just in their nature, they were all brilliantly skilled. 

"Yes, she's quite busy," Astrid says in a low voice, "what with her Coven of Midnight."

She almost sounds bitter, but she quickly composes herself. Tessa lets it slide as she walks over to her dove's cage and offers her hand to her familiar.

"I'd almost expect you to be in a room of your own," Tessa muses as Peace perches on her finger.

Astrid laughs a short, brisk laugh, "Yeah, well, my mother set this up."

"It sounds like you're not happy about the arrangement," Tessa observes and I feel a prickle of unease at her directness.

Tessa has always been blunt. It physically pains me to see her pick someone apart, especially with it being someone she's just met and of all people, a Hallewell. But Astrid seems to take it in stride as she gives her a tight-lipped smile.

"To be honest, no, I'm not, I didn't even want to go to this academy, but here I am," she says as she splays her hands sarcastically and walks over to drop a suitcase onto the other bed with a heavy thump.

"Why's that?" Tessa asks as she tilts her head, much like a bird and in that moment all I can think about is how perfect it is that she got a dove as her familiar.

Peace swivels her head around, like she's mimicking her master's question as the dove makes a cooing sound.

"I was transferred from an academy over in London, I wanted to go to a different one in Ireland but mother insisted I go to this one," Astrid says as she sits and flops back onto her back  the mattress.

"Why transfer?" Tessa inquires.

Astrid crosses her legs, revealing a pair of expensive boots as she idly wiggles her foot. I know for a fact the boots were a couple grand, enchanted so the wearer would never feel foot fatigue. Tessa doesn't miss it either as she exchanges a knowing look with me. 

"My mother wanted me to see the 'glory' of the Hallewell clan," Astrid says in a lazy voice that oozes with distaste. "But enough about me, I couldn't help but hear something about the alchemy lab?"

"Yes, we were planning on visiting our friend," I say as I suddenly find my voice.

Astrid sits up and flashes me a dazzling smile, "Perfect, I'll join you, I don't care to be around in case Eleanora comes by to gloat."

I glance over at Tessa, who shrugs as she transfers Peace back to her cage.

"As long as you don't attract any of the paparazzi," Tessa warns.