5. Arabella

Chapter 5

Arabella

I n an effort to avoid Guard Noah, I make small talk with Harper and the other girl who came with who I learned is Isis. Harper and I shared one class while in school where Isis was three classes ahead of us. Both girls are nice though Harper's a little on the shy side and remains mostly silent unless asked a specific question. Isis shared what she knew about the school which was just as much as I did, so not much at all.

"What? Swapping rejection stories?" Stark snarks as he comes to join us.

"No, just making small talk to pass the time. Something that I doubt a little boy like you knows how to do," Isis retorts rolling her eyes and turning away from him. "Boys, right?" she chuckles.

I snort at her dismissal of him and then quickly cover my mouth. "I'm so sorry," I mutter. "I didn't mean to laugh that was rude."

"Not rude, true. Don't conform to societal standards and repress your true self. Being genuine is way cooler than conforming." Isis gives me a pointed look before turning to the guard. "Is the council ever going to get out here or are they just enjoying torturing us with this wait?"

"No, we don't enjoy torturing you or anyone, Archangel Isis. Please follow me so we can introduce ourselves and get you settled for the weekend," an older female with long grey hair answers surprising all of us. "Guard Noah you may return to the front gate. Thank you."

All of our eyes widen in surprise when she speaks. We never heard the front doors open as I would have expected. Isis drops her head to a submissive position before turning to follow the council member.

"Hey, it'll be okay. You didn't mean any disrespect," I whisper giving her hand a quick squeeze in support.

Silently, our small group enters through the open, dark wood doors. Inside is grand and dark despite the number of windows I had seen around the outside of the building.

"This is the main entrance to the academy. All your classes will be in this area as well as all common areas. Every species has its own dorms placed around the academy grounds. You will receive a map to help you get around, so don't stress about getting lost." We're escorted up a grand staircase leading to the second floor where we turn and follow along the outer edge of the main room to a second similar staircase leading to the third floor. The halls are empty as we walk, which is weird. Even though it's Saturday I still expected to see at least a few people in the halls but not a single soul is around.

"You all may enter," our guide states holding open a single nondescript wooden door. Stark enters first, followed by Isis, Harper, and then myself. The room is pitch black at first, but when the door shuts behind us, the lights slowly brighten just enough to make out others sitting in a half circle looking at all of us.

"Welcome to RISE Academy. Where we believe this is an opportunity to Renew, Improve, Shine, and Elevate. I am Council Member Talia, and I belong to the Seraphim. Please introduce yourselves and the reason you were rejected. We want to make sure the class schedules we will be providing you are correct. If you don't know the reason that's okay, we have the information that was provided upon your enrollment here by the Seraphim Council. Angel Harper, you are first." Her tone leaves no room for argument and she doesn't even bother to introduce the rest of the room. Even weirder I had never even heard of her and I thought I knew all of the Seraphim angels. I would have guessed she was shunned but she has a position of power so that wouldn't make sense. Maybe, she was rejected like the rest of us is the only thing that would make sense.

As Harper steps forward to begin I watch the councilwoman. Her black hair is pulled back into a tight bun on the top of her head, giving her a professional look. She wears light makeup but her blue eyes are like ice as she stares at us. I've never seen someone eyes such a bright blue, it would be pretty if she didn't seem scary. She's wearing a black pinstripe suit that continues to add to her professional look, as she sits in front of us with her hands clasped on top of the table.

"Hi, I'm Angel Harper and I was rejected for being too shy and lacking in magic," Harper practically whispers her answer before stepping back to basically hide behind the rest of us.

"Next," the councilwoman demands, her tone almost making me flinch.

"Hello, I'm Archangel Isis," she gives a small soft wave. "I was rejected for being too strong-headed," her tone lacks the confidence she previously showed when we had all been talking outside. I have a feeling there's a lot more to her story but I can understand why she only mentioned strong-headed.

Before we are demanded for the next person to go, Stark jumps at the opening to introduce himself. I'm thankful for that because I have no idea why I was rejected only theories.

"I'm Angel Stark and I have no idea why I was rejected," he explains. Isis's shoulders shake with silent laughter, the only clue to me that there is more to the story than his not knowing why he was rejected. That is something I'll have to ask Isis about later.

"Arabella," Councilwoman Talia scolds, putting the spotlight on me. I can hear the disappointment in her tone, but I'm not sure why she is.

"Hi everyone," I mutter. "I'm Arabella and I don't have a concrete reason for why I was rejected I only have an idea that it's related to me not willing to fully submit to my mate." I had contemplated to not even giving my guess but I was hoping giving more information would help me more than hurt me in this instance. Plus they said the Seraphim Council had already given them the reasons for our rejection as it is, and considering she is a Seraphim it's more than likely she knows my father so everything I do and say will get back to him.

"Thank you, Arabella," Talia states. "Some of you will see each other in classes and some of you will not. Classes start on Monday so you have the weekend to adjust to campus life. Mira will escort you to your dorms where your belongings and everything else you'll need are waiting for you. Before you all leave this is the rest of the Council who you all will be introduced to at a later time. All of us will be in charge of you while you're here should you need anything, but please speak to me first before seeking out another council member, especially if there is an issue with another species.

"Please remember this campus has attendees from all the races. You won't necessarily have joint classes but you will see each other in the halls and common areas. We expect everyone to be respectful. If we hear of any malicious conduct there will be consequences," she pauses to look for someone behind us and gives a small nod. "You may now follow Mira to your rooms," Councilwoman Talia explains. We all turn around together to see the woman who escorted us up here waiting on us. "Oh, one last thing before you go," Talia calls out causing us to turn around. "Angel classes are combined with the Fallen Angels. I expect you all to treat each other with respect. We are all one race Angel or Fallen. Here you will work together in and out of classes. If I hear of any issues there will be a problem. I would prefer to not see you all in my office until the time comes for you to leave the academy, whether that is to return to your mate or to pursue a life with a second chance mate or alone. The world is your oyster here. Good luck to you all and may you find peace inside yourself with whatever decision you make."

With that dismissal, we turn to follow Mira out of the room and back down both sets of stairs. When I reach my room I'm going to think about everything Talia had informed us. I have never seen a Fallen Angel before, let alone spoken to one. Our time here will sure to be interesting after all.

Instead of Mira going back out the front door when we reach the bottom floor, she guides us to a back door leading to the gardens. I am definitely coming back to explore these garden areas when I have time. The walk to the dorms takes us through the woods for about ten minutes. When we exit the trees we come upon a small building. I fully expected the dorms to be a lot larger and similar to the apartments back in Aeris. This building is about half its size and looks more like a large house rather than a dorm building. Upon closer inspection, it looks like some of the rooms on the upper floors have balconies and large double doors leading from the rooms to the outside.

"This is the Angel dorms where Angels and Fallen both live. The three of you girls will be sharing a suite. Young man, you will be placed in a suite with an open room. Please speak with the front desk, they will give you access to your rooms and buildings. Think of them like security for the dorm. We don't want other species entering dorms they are not supposed to be in, for everyone's safety," Mira explains right as she scans a badge to open the front door. "Please proceed inside and give your names. Good luck." She shuts the door behind us as we all enter.

It takes a second for my eyes to adjust, despite there being many windows throughout the main floor. While the others are in line to speak with the woman sitting at the front desk I take my time to look around the area. Once you make it past the front desk the area opens up with a small study area off to the left settled among a wall of windows. On the opposite side of the room is a hangout area with four couches and a large television. There is also a pool table and an air hockey table. The dorm is a lot fancier than I expected and I know I'll be checking out the air hockey table eventually when I find a good opponent. I always did enjoy kicking Warrick's ass at it.

"Arabella," Isis calls out, bringing my attention back to her. Turning around I see her and Harper standing in front of the woman waiting on me. "Come get your information registered so we can see our room!"

I shake my head and roll my eyes at her excitement but do as she says. "Hi, I'm Seraphim Arabella," I hold my hand out to shake hers.

"Nice to meet you, Arabella. Welcome to the Angel Dorms," she smiles and shakes my hand. "You will be rooming with Archangel Isis and Angel Harper. You all are sharing dorm room 413. If you're worried it's only female dorms on the fourth floor. All even floors are for females and odd floors are for males. Despite you all sharing the dorm we do try to ensure everyone has their privacy. There are only three per suite as well. I sure hope you girls get along because you will be roommates for the remainder of your stay here. Good luck and if you need anything please stop down here and whoever is sitting here will assist you in whatever way they can."

"Ahhh, we get to be roomies!" Isis squeals before grabbing mine and Harper's hands as she pulls us behind her toward the elevator. "This is going to be amazing. We can do whatever we want without any parents telling us what to do."

"Speak for yourself," I mumble. I know any move that I make will be reported back to my father. There's no way I can relax and enjoy myself here. I need to be at the top of my game and excel, proving to him that I'm not a failure. Whatever these classes require of me, I'll do it no questions asked. I don't particularly want my supposed mate to take me back though. Maverick is an asshole and I would never be happy with him, despite what the Divine may believe. This is my time to shine. I don't need a mate.

"Isis, do you think you could take it down a small notch? We just got here," Harper questions, right as the elevator dings, notifying us that we have reached our floor. The doors open, and we all walk off together. Isis is basically skipping down the hallway, looking for our room as Harper and I slowly follow behind.

"This is it!" she shouts, coming to a stop in front of a door at the end of the hallway. By the time Harper and I reach her, she already has the door wide open and is exploring the space. "This place is huge! They really set us up. This is amazing!"

"Isis," I chuckle, trying hard to not bring down her excitement to much. "Could we maybe bring this down a couple of notches? Not all of us were ready for a change like this just yet. Give Harper and I time to take it all in before we can share in your excitement."

"Time?" she laughs, spinning in a circle. "Girls, we are free! Our parents aren't here to tell us what to do. We aren't trying to prove how amazing of an angel we are just so whoever our asshole mates are will choose us as their lifetime partner. This is our time to shine and discover who we are without all the bullshit telling us what to do. I don't know why you both aren't as excited as I am."

"Maybe because some of us came from a good life and had good parents who accepted us as we are and didn't expect anything different," Harper answers with a small shoulder shrug. I know she doesn't mean to hurt Isis's feelings with her words but I see the change in Isis immediately.

"Sorry," she mumbles. "I shouldn't have assumed that everyone's life was as shitty as mine back home."

"No, don't be sorry," Harper moves to give her a quick hug. "You're right. This will be an amazing opportunity for all of us, and we will do this together. My family understands why I'm here and is fighting to get me released."

"Thanks, Harper." Isis's smile comes back to life before she turns to me. "What about you, Arabella? Are you team celebrate and enjoy life or will you hide?"

"Both," I answer hesitantly. There's no good answer here. My life at home sucked; my father is a complete asshole. I have nothing there for me except my best friend and my great-grandmother. I want to enjoy this time and grow as a person and an angel. It's my chance to be myself, but I also can't do that knowing every move I make will be reported back to my father. Fuck!

"Let me guess, your father?" Isis questions, already knowing the answer.

"Yeah," I nod. "Every move I make will be reported back to him. I can't take my time to discover who I am while every move I make is told to him. He may have said he disowned me, but I know he didn't. I'm still his daughter despite everything. Whatever I do will reflect on him, and in his eyes, being an Angel, a Seraphim, is all there is. Position for an Angel defines you. Both of you know that."

"Shit, Arabella," Isis sighs. "I didn't realize it was that bad for you."

"I didn't either," Harper adds. "I honestly thought that being a Seraphim you had it all and could do whatever you wanted. I didn't realize how tough your dad was until he put you in handcuffs to fly you here, just how bad it sort of was, but even then, I didn't expect he would disown you. Is he really that selfish?"

"If you only knew," I mutter. "Do you all have a preference in rooms?" I need a change of subject. I don't want to talk about my father or my life at home. No one knows how bad it truly was for me. Only Warrick is aware and he did everything in his power to protect me, but there was no protection from the beating that I took. There was no one there to make my mother believe in herself. Nothing could save any of us, and I wouldn't focus on it now.

"No, you can take the first pick," Harper answers before Isis can.

"Thanks," I mumble, moving to the first room I see. It's off the left side, just next to our small kitchen area. "I'll just take this one." Opening the door, I step inside and see that some items have already been placed on it. Immediately, I step back not wanting to intrude. It looks like the staff wasn't kidding when they said our belongings would be in our rooms already, which means I need to find the room that has nothing in it.

"Uh, I don't think that's my room." I turn to look at the girls. "There's already stuff on the bed belonging to one of you all."

"I'm not really sure why there would be stuff in the room, considering my stuff is sitting right there," Isis points to a pile of belongings sitting in front of the three barstools lining the kitchen island.

"Yeah, and my stuff is over there by the window," Harper adds, pointing toward the French doors that open to our balcony.

"Well, then, whose stuff is in the room? My dad said I wasn't allowed to bring anything with me, and all items would be provided. I assumed that just meant school supplies, uniforms, toiletries, and bedding." I'm very confused now. There are only three rooms in our suite, so if someone's stuff is there, I must have been placed in the wrong room. "Maybe I should go down and talk to the front desk?"

"Dude, all of this is your stuff, I think," Isis calls out. She moved quickly and was already in the bedroom, holding an envelope and waving it at me. "This has your name on it."

"What?" My nose scrunches in confusion as I walk toward her. None of this makes any sense. "Who would give me all this?"

Grabbing the envelope from her hand, I flip it open and pull the note out. It doesn't take me long to skim the writing and realize this is all my stuff. Warrick pulled off a damn miracle and brought some things from home and some new stuff for me so I could be more comfortable than using whatever left-behind items the school had. Even with this new change, my best friend still looks out for me. I just wish I could have spoken to him before I left.

"We'll leave you to it," Isis mutters, sounding far away. I vaguely hear the door click shut as I sink to my knees in front of the bed, clinging to the letter for dear life.

Arabella,

I'm sorry that we didn't get a chance to talk before you were sent to RISE Academy. I wanted to see you and wish you well, but there was no way I could get into your house last night. Your father had the place shut down. I only hope he didn't hurt you as bad as my mind was leading me to believe. It was driving me insane knowing that you were in pain, and I couldn't help you. Even now, this is the best I could pull off. Your father is watching my every move, and I need to keep my head down for more. I'll reach out when I can, but please put these items to good use.

I managed to get a small bag of your items thanks to the housekeeper. I think it was the backpack you had already packed. The rest of these items are all brand new but fit you. Please enjoy them and put them to good use. Enjoy your time at the academy and be yourself. Now is your time to shine away from the limelight of your family. I'm rooting for you, and hope to bring you home soon.

P.S. Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on your great-grandmother Aurora. No one will hurt her while you're gone. Not like anyone would be crazy enough to get close to her anyway. That old woman did always have a way of keeping the riff-raff away from her.

Love,

Warrick

Over and over, I reread the words on the paper until my eyes are blurry, and I can't read them anymore. He really got me my stuff and will look after Aurora for me. That is everything I could have asked for and then some. I just wish he was here with me. Doing this without him is going to be hard. Even harder trying to find a way to be myself like he said. That's easier said than done. I guess there's a time for everything, and this is my time to shine.

Bringing myself up off the ground, I begin moving around the room and putting all the items he got me away, including the school uniforms. Ick. Warrick really didn't miss anything and even got me some of the best bedding. It's soft but also cooling since he knows I tend to overheat at night. By the time I'm done, the sun has slowly started to sink behind the trees, and I'm exhausted. Tomorrow is another day to review all the school items left on my desk. Then I can study the map and look over my classes, so I know what to expect on Monday. Tonight, I just want to curl up into bed and rest my head where I'm safe and won't wake up to beatings or being handcuffed to my bed.

This is the start of something new and wonderful. Or so I hope.