18. Adelaide

18

ADELAIDE

I stumble through the misty forest, my heart pounding. The encounter with Zephyr has left me shaken.

Dark Fae.

The monsters that haunt your darkest nightmares.

His words echo in my mind, sending chills down to my soul. I've never heard of Dark Fae before now, but I know I need to do some research. I need to know what his powers are and what he can do to me.

As I burst out of the tree line, I find myself somehow back on the grounds of MistHallow. The imposing gothic structure looms before me, both menacing and comforting in its solidity. I bend over, hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath and slow my racing thoughts.

What the hell just happened? One minute, I was out for an early morning walk, trying to get my bearings in this confusing place, and the next, I was trapped in a bubble of darkness with a guy who claimed to be some kind of nightmare creature.

I find it worrying that there is something undeniably alluring about Zephyr. The way he moves is fluid and predatory. The dark energy crackling around him. Even as I was terrified earlier, a part of me wanted to lean into that darkness, to let it envelop me.

"Fuck," I mutter, running a hand through my damp hair. "What is wrong with me?"

"Miss Black," Professor Blackthorn's voice comes at me out of nowhere. "Everything okay?"

I straighten up. "Yes, Professor. I went for a jog."

He nods slowly, his eyes narrowed, not quite convinced by my lie. "Indeed. There is the House choosing today for those students already here in around an hour or so. It's in the Main Hall."

"Oh? Do I need to bring anything?"

"Just yourself," he says with a friendly smile.

I give a quick nod, trying to keep my composure. "Thank you, Professor. I'll be there."

As Blackthorn walks away, I take a deep breath. The House choosing. What does that mean? It's another step into this strange new world I've found myself in. Part of me is excited, curious to see where I'll end up. But another part is terrified. What if I don't fit in anywhere? What if they take one look at me and realise I don't belong here after all?

I shake my head, trying to push away the negative thoughts. I can't let myself spiral like this.

Heading back to my room, I try to calm myself down. I have an hour before the choosing. Enough time for a quick shower and a change of clothes. As I step into the hot water, I let it wash away some of the fear from my encounter in the woods.

Clean and dressed in fresh clothes, I take a deep breath and square my shoulders.

"You can do this, Addy," I mutter. "You belong here as much as anyone else."

Making my way to the Main Hall with the help of the map, as Orby is weirdly nowhere in sight, I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach. The corridors are bustling now with other students heading to this choosing. I catch bits and pieces of excited chatter as I stand off to the side, feeling like a spare part.

Corvus, Zephyr, Zaiah and Ignatius stroll in, thick as thieves, whispering together, which makes me even more nervous.

As I enter the Main Hall, all thoughts of my earlier encounter with Zephyr momentarily fade away. The sheer grandeur of the space takes my breath away.

The ceiling soars high above, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Intricate rib vaults stretch across the expanse, meeting at beautifully carved bosses. Stained glass windows line the walls, depicting scenes from various mythologies and supernatural histories. The gloomy sunlight filtering through them casts a kaleidoscope of colours across the polished stone floor.

Massive chandeliers hang from the ceiling, their crystals catching and refracting the light. But these aren't ordinary light fixtures - the flames dancing in them seem to change colour, shifting through the spectrum in a hypnotic display.

At the far end of the hall stands a raised dais, upon which sits a long table. The professors are already seated there, their faces solemn. In the centre, Professor Blackthorn rises, his presence commanding immediate attention.

"Welcome, students of MistHallow," his voice carries effortlessly across the hall. "Today, we gather for the preliminary House choosing ceremony."

A hush falls over the crowd as Blackthorn continues.

"As some of you may know, and for the benefit of our new students, the House you are placed in changes every year. This is to encourage diversity, to challenge you to adapt, and to prevent stagnation."

He gestures to four large banners hanging behind the dais, each bearing a different symbol and colour.

"Our four Houses are Carthage, represented by blue; Athens, in green; Rome, in red; and Troy, in gold. Each House values different qualities, and each will offer you unique opportunities for growth and learning."

I lean forward, intrigued despite my lingering nerves.

"The choosing is not random, nor is it based solely on your own preferences," Blackthorn explains. "It takes into account your inherent qualities, your potential, and what environment will best foster your growth this year."

He pauses, his gaze sweeping across the gathered students. "When I call your name, please step forward. The House emblem that glows will be your home for this academic year."

My heart starts to race as Blackthorn begins calling names. I watch as student after student steps forward, each greeted by a glowing emblem and a round of applause from their new housemates.

"Corvus Sanguine," Blackthorn calls.

I tense, my gaze drawn to the enigmatic vampire.

Corvus saunters forward, looking unusually stiff. For a moment, nothing happens. Then, the blue emblem of Carthage begins to glow.

"Carthage welcomes you, Mr Sanguine," Blackthorn announces.

As Corvus makes his way to the Carthage section, his gaze meets mine briefly but intently.

"Zephyr Nightshade."

"Nightshade," I whisper. "Pretty name for a pretty face."

Zephyr moves with fluid grace, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. The green emblem of Athens lights up, and Zephyr's face remains impassive as he joins his new housemates.

"Ignatius Emberkin."

The firestarter steps forward, a grin on his face. The red emblem of Rome glows brightly, and Ignatius pumps his fist in apparent satisfaction.

"Zaiah Wishmaster."

The djinn practically floats to the front, his expression one of detached amusement. The gold emblem of Troy shimmers to life, and Zaiah gives a theatrical bow before joining the Trojan ranks.

My palms are sweating now. It has to be my turn soon.

"Adelaide Black."

All eyes turn to me, and I freeze for a moment, then force myself to move forward. The hall seems impossibly long, as I'm watched by hundreds of students and Professors as I make my way to the front. I reach the Professor and turn to face the emblems, my heart pounding so loudly I'm sure everyone can hear it.

What if none of them light up? What if I'm an outcast? Houseless? Will they banish me?

Nothing happens for what feels like an eternity. Then, slowly, the blue emblem of Carthage begins to glow.

"Carthage welcomes you, Miss Black," Blackthorn says, a hint of a smile on his face.

Inhaling deeply, I make my way to the Carthage section. As I pass Corvus, he gives me a wink that does things to my soul.

I ignore him and focus intently on Blackthorn as he continues to house everyone.

When there are no students left, Blackthorn turns to us as the other Professors rise and separate into the various Houses.

"To our new Carthaginians," Blackthorn begins, his gaze lingering on me for a moment, "I'm your Housemaster for the year. You have been chosen for your resilience, your adaptability, and your potential for leadership. Carthage values those who can rise from adversity, who can rebuild and reinvent themselves."

His words resonate deep within me, striking chords I didn't even know existed.

"Carthaginians are the phoenixes of our world," Blackthorn's voice rings out, clear and strong. "You rise from the ashes of adversity, stronger and more determined than ever. Your resilience is your greatest strength."

I stand a little straighter, feeling a spark of pride ignite in my chest.

"In Carthage, we value adaptability," he continues. "The world is ever-changing, and those who can bend without breaking will always survive. You are the water that shapes the rock, the wind that redirects the flame."

Memories of all the times I've had to adapt, to change myself to fit in or survive, flash through my mind. For once, I don't feel shame at these memories, but a sense of accomplishment.

"Leadership in Carthage isn't about ruling over others," Blackthorn's eyes seem to meet mine for a moment. "It's about inspiring change, about seeing potential where others see ruin. You are the visionaries, the ones who can build empires from the ground up."

I think of my mother, of how she's always encouraged me to stand up for myself, to forge my own path. Maybe I have more leadership potential than I realised.

"Above all," Blackthorn's voice softens slightly, "Carthage values integrity. In a world of shifting loyalties and hidden agendas, you are the constants. Your word is your bond, your actions speak louder than any proclamation."

A lump forms in my throat. Integrity. It's something I've always strived for, even when it would have been easier to lie.

Maybe this is where I'm meant to be. Maybe here, surrounded by others who value the same things I do, I can finally start to understand who I really am. In Carthage, perhaps I'll find not just a house, but a home.

"Your house colour is blue," Blackthorn continues, "representing the vast ocean that Carthage once ruled. Like the sea, you are expected to be deep, powerful, and capable of great change."

As Blackthorn goes on, I glance around at my new housemates. There's a mix of expressions - excitement, nervousness, pride. Corvus catches my eye and gives me his infuriating smirk.

Great. A whole year of dealing with him up close and personal.

But as I listen to Blackthorn describe the qualities of Carthage, I feel a sense of belonging.

"Now," Blackthorn says with a slow smile. "Let's kick this off with a quest! Who is up for the challenge?"

Corvus raises his hand, his eyes never leaving mine. I raise mine, and I frown for a moment, but I think this is all me. How will I ever know for sure, though?

But this is it. This is a new chapter in my life at MistHallow, and I'd better get used to it fast or be left behind.