“Here we are,” Exos said, pushing through a door into a modern living area with all-black walls and furniture. Even the kitchen was painted in ebony shades. However, it maintained a clean feel, the marble beneath my feet reminding me of granite.
Exos closed the door behind me, pressing his thumb to some sort of high-tech lock that shifted beneath his touch. The shades in the room lifted to reveal a view of the forest lining the property, the leaves almost beckoning me out to play.
“Your bedroom is through there.” He pointed to an open threshold that revealed a decent-sized bed and dresser. “I’ll be in the one here.” He gestured to the room across the hall. “I, uh, didn’t know what clothes you wanted, so I ordered a selection. And of course your uniforms.”
“Uniforms?” I repeated, frowning.
“Yeah, you know, traditional plaid skirt, sweater thing.” He shrugged. “Guys wear slacks and button-downs. Pretty standard.”
“For a private high school, maybe. But this is supposed to be like a university, right?”
He palmed the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable. “Elana thinks the uniforms help give the fae a united feel. The less competition the better.”
“Why?” I wondered.
“Because our elements can either exist peacefully or negatively.” He dropped his hand and cocked his head toward the kitchen. “I’m going to fix us some sandwiches. Why don’t you go check out your room?”
“Uh, sure,” I said, staring at his back as he walked away, dismissing me.
Because he’s Exos. A Royal Fae Prince.
And I’m just Claire, a volatile firecracker.
My lips curled down at the side. This whole pity thing wasn’t me. I always fought through my hardships. My grandmother used to say I had a spine of steel.
But I didn’t feel like that right now.
I felt more fluid. Bendy. Breakable.
And I hated it.
I wanted to fight yet didn’t know what to fight against. Or how. Or even who.
Well, I knew one thing. Moping around in this state of hopelessness wasn’t going to fix a damn thing. It wasn’t me. I didn’t just give up. I struggled until I won.
Stubborn to your very core, my grandmother used to say.
I am, I agreed, walking into the room Exos stated was mine. I just need to accept what is and move forward.
In this very strange bedroom…
My brow furrowed as I eyed the charcoaled furniture and black sheets. Not my usual style, but being immune to fire was certainly a plus. I brushed my fingertips across the quilt, finding it surprisingly soft. What is this made of? I marveled. It reminded me of silk.
I went through the drawers and then the closet. The uniform consisted of a plaid skirt and a sweater, just as Exos had described. But the pinks and purples were beautiful and unlike anything I’d ever seen. I plucked it off the hanger to hold it up to myself in the mirror, enjoying the way it popped against my skin and hair.
“The Fire Fae have special outfits that are flame-retardant for, well, obvious reasons.” Exos stood just inside the walk-in closet, a mug in his hand, his shoulder braced against the door frame.
I’d not heard him approach, too lost in the mirror against the wall. “I, uh, okay.” My cheeks pinkened to match the fabric in my reflection. “I was just seeing if it would fit.”
He grinned. “It’ll fit.” He held out the mug. “I made you some hot chocolate, if you want it. The sandwiches are baking.”
Baking? I pushed that thought away in favor of the item in his hand. “Hot chocolate?” My heart skipped a beat. “I… I would love some hot chocolate.” I couldn’t remember the last time I’d indulged in a hot chocolate. My grandmother used to make it for me as a child.
After hanging up the uniform, I accepted the warm gift and let the heat seep into my cool fingertips. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear and took a step backward into the bedroom. “Is this okay? The accommodations, I mean.”
“Yeah, it’s, well, different. But it’s fine.”