As the feast wound down, the students began to file out of the grand hall, and back to their dormitories.
The first years were soon approached by a translucent, ethereal being that shimmered faintly in the dim light. Its humanoid form shifted like smoke, its eyes glowing softly. With a gesture that seemed to beckon, the being, which Sevan had told the two boys was a Holloway, led the group towards the dormitories.
"It looks like a ghost," Adrian whispered to Aiden as the Holloway led them to a flight of stairs that seemed endless. "You reckon he's not solid? I want to try if I can put my hand inside."
"If you do that, it'll feel disrespected. You can't just do that." Aiden replied.
Adrian rolled his eyes, muttered a "Ugh, goody two-shoes..." and stormed off before waiting for Aiden to match his pace.
The journey to their rooms was nothing short of enchanting.
The hallways of Genvah Academy were like a labyrinth, lined with towering windows that opened to breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and dense, mist-shrouded forests. Pictures depicting legendary battles and ancient wisdom hung from the walls, their paint gleaming like spun gold. The floors beneath their feet were polished stone, smooth yet etched with faint karatula stones that glowed faintly with every step.
They climbed a spiral staircase that seemed to go on forever, its bannisters wrought from dark iron and carved with intricate patterns resembling intertwined feathers and leaves. Lanterns floated along the ceilings, casting a soft, golden light that illuminated their path.
Adrian glanced at the glowing runes beneath his boots, nudging Aiden. "Fancy, isn't it? Bet the fifth years don't even notice this anymore."
Aiden didn't reply, his eyes focused ahead as if memorising the path. Sevan trailed behind them, his gaze darting between the walls and the Holloway, his thoughts unreadable.
Finally, the Holloway stopped before a grand arched doorway. The wood of the door was deep mahogany, inlaid with silver ornamental work of fine wire that traced the shapes of trees and stars. The Holloway turned to face them, its voice a low, resonant hum that seemed to echo in their minds rather than the air.
"This is the first years' dormitory," it announced. "Your rooms lie beyond these doors. However, as a privilege for the Top 10, the top students may choose their own room and their roommates."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the group of first years. Aiden, Adrian, and Sevan exchanged glances.
Adrian grinned, slapping Aiden on the back. "Well, that settles it, doesn't it? The two of us, plus... Sevan?"
Sevan nodded in agreement.
All of a sudden, Shiloh appeared, his long black hair tied back into a neat braid and his expression as sour as ever.
He stopped in front of them, his arms crossed, and his piercing gaze zeroed in on Sevan.
"Sevan," Shiloh started, his tone flat yet demanding. "You're going to be my roommate."
Sevan blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
"You heard me," Shiloh replied, his voice steady but laced with authority. "I want you as my roommate. I don't trust the rest of these first-years to keep up, and you're tolerable enough. Let's go."
Aiden and Adrian exchanged glances, both surprised and annoyed by Shiloh's audacity. Aiden straightened up, arms folded across his chest.
"Pretty bold of you to walk in here and just decide that, Shiloh."
Shiloh glanced at Aiden, his expression unbothered. "I wasn't asking for your input, Aiden."
"Well, you're getting it anyway," Adrian cut in, his voice sharp. He stepped forward, his black leather jacket creaking slightly as he adjusted it. "You can't just waltz in here and snatch people like they're objects you own. Sevan's not your property."
Shiloh raised an eyebrow, his arms still crossed. "I can and I will. Sevan deserves better than being stuck with you two. Besides, it's not like you're going to stop me."
Adrian took a deliberate step forward, his height almost matching Shiloh's. "Listen, Shiloh, I don't care how great you think you are. You can't always get your way by acting like a spoiled brat. You're not the centre of the universe, and we're not here to cater to your bullshit. Grow up."
The room fell into a tense silence as Shiloh's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. He clearly wasn't used to being spoken to like that, especially not by someone as irreverent as Adrian.
Sevan, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of amusement and discomfort, finally spoke up. "Uh, guys, maybe chill out? It's not like I agreed to anything."
Both Adrian and Shiloh turned to look at him, their expressions equally expectant.
Sevan sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Look, Shiloh, I get that you want me as a roommate, but... I'm fine here. Aiden and Adrian aren't bad company, and honestly... I already agreed. So, thanks, I really appreciate the offer."
Shiloh's eyes flicked between Sevan and Adrian before he scoffed quietly, his expression darkening. "Fine. Stay with them. It's your loss."
He turned on his heel and strode out of their conversation, his braid swaying behind him.
Adrian smirked, leaning against the doorframe again. "Wow. Someone's in a mood."
Sevan chuckled. "I'm starting to think sharing a room with Shiloh would've been exhausting anyway."
"No kidding," Aiden muttered.
They turned towards the Holloway just as the grand door swung open, revealing the dormitory- a sprawling space divided into several rooms. The hallway was wide, with dark wooden floors and walls that shimmered faintly with enchantments. Lanterns floated just below the ceiling, their lights dimming slightly as the students passed.
The trio moved down the hallway, scanning the plaques on the doors until they found one that suited them- a spacious room at the end of the corridor, its door engraved with the symbol of an eagle in flight. Adrian pushed it open with a flourish, revealing the interior.
The room was large, with three beds spaced evenly apart. Each bed had a tall, intricately carved headboard, and thick curtains of deep yellow velvet hung from the windows. Their luggage was already there, neatly placed beside their beds as though waiting for them. A small sitting area with plush chairs and a low table occupied one corner of the room, while bookshelves lined another wall.
Adrian flopped onto one of the beds with a satisfied sigh. "Well, this'll do."
Sevan moved to the window, peering out at the moonlit forest beyond. "Not bad."
Aiden remained silent as he placed his belongings at the foot of the bed furthest from the door.
Adrian propped himself up on his elbows. "Alright, boys. This Top 10 thing is off to a great start. What do you think the odds are of us keeping those spots?"
Sevan turned, his smirk faint but visible. "Depends. Think you can handle a few challenges?"
Adrian laughed, his voice easy and light. "Bring them on. I could use the entertainment."
Aiden didn't join the banter, instead sitting at the edge of his bed, his gaze thoughtful.
Before the conversation could go further, the Holloway reappeared, its form gliding silently into the room. The soft hum of its voice drew their attention.
"Aiden," it intoned, "Headmaster Kairos requests your presence. Please follow me."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, sitting up fully. "What's that about?"
Aiden stood without hesitation, his expression calm but alert. "I'll find out."
"Tell me after!"
The Holloway waited patiently as Aiden followed it out of the room. The door closed softly behind them, leaving Adrian and Sevan alone in the dim, moonlit space.
"Well," Adrian said, flopping back onto his bed, "there goes the mystery. Let's hope he comes back with something interesting to share."
Sevan looked at him, and checked the door of their room before sitting down on his bed (the only bed not dibbed by the two boys. In a voice barely a whisper, he turned to Adrian.
"So... you might want to tell me why a Chase is here in Genvah Academy, Adrian? Specifically, the heir."
Adrian stopped.
He stared at Sevan.
There was something different about the air he exudes now than the usual chill guy he had shown the past few hours. This time, his eyes were sharp, a great contrast to how he looked like minutes ago.
Adrian's jaw clenched. "Well, aren't you one nosy motherfucker?"