RYXA
As soon as class finishes, Tanner shows me the secret exit through the wall. “Just how many secrets does this castle have?” I ask as we make our way through the dark hidden hallway.
“It’s one big loop going all the way around the castle on every floor. I explored most of it when I was attending school here and found ten secret doors all leading to this hall, and ten doors for the floor above us. I’m not sure if there are more but the one’s I’ve found have certainly come in handy.” He pauses in front of a panel that looks like it’s part of the inner wall, but the moment he pushes on the wall sconce, it opens up, revealing one of the God’s rooms.
“Who’s room is this?” I ask.
“Mine. When I agreed to teach here, I asked specifically for this room. That passage is why.”
“Very cool.” Looking around I get more of a sense of déjà vu, he’s decorated the room in dark colours, much like I would have if it was mine. “Are you sure you’re not human?” I ask with a laugh.
“I keep asking you that. Well, replace the word human with Goddess and you know what I mean.” He laughs, “Come on, I’ll show you around, we’ll grab your stuff then take you to your new dorm room.”
His room or should I say rooms are huge, even bigger than the Gods-in-training dorm room we were shown during our tour. He has a sitting room, kitchenette, full bathroom, and two spare bedrooms in his suite along with his own. I’m almost jealous. At least I feel that way until he shows me to my room next door.
It’s a complete mirror image of his rooms. “Um Tanner, is this a teacher’s dorm room?”
“It’s actually a couple’s room. A few years ago there were three Godling couples who came to the school, all of them chucked a huge stink and demanded they be allowed to have proper rooms suited to their needs. Being the son’s of Zeus, Poseidon and Ares, they got their wish and when they left, the rooms were offered to the Dorm Liaisons as an incentive to make us stay in the Dorms with the rest of the students.”
“So why am I being allowed to stay in this one then?”
“Simplest explanation, I don’t know. Wolfe put the request in this morning and less than ten minutes later he called me and told me that Zeus himself had said to put you in the room beside mine. He said it was so I could keep a closer eye on you with everything that’s been happening, but I get the feeling he’s taken a special interest in you. My theory is that he thinks the same as me, you’re not human.”
“I already told you, I’d know if I was.” I growl the words which only makes him laugh. The asshole ruffles my hair, making the top tangle up. “Urgh, you’re a pain in the….” I trail off trying to think of a word to replace the swear as we carry the bags into my new room.
“What’s with you and swearing? I don’t think I’ve heard you say anything other than asshole.”
“It’s more fun to make up your own words.” I snicker then blurt, “Gigantasaurus.” Making him laugh along with me.
“Come on,munchkin, let’s go get some food.” He says dropping my bags onto the end of the bed.
“You just messed up my hair!” His words sink in and I add, “And I’m not a munchkin, they’re short and cute.”
“Youre hair is fine and you are short.”
“I’m five foot seven, how is that short?” I step closer to him, straightening to my full height, then lifting up onto my toes. “Not short.” I pout, booping his nose before running for the door.
“I’m six foot two, you’re short.” Tanner pushes down on my head making me even shorter as we both squeeze through the doorway. Laughing, I growl, “Giant.” And shove him into the wall.
My mouth drops open as he shoves me right back, “Pixie.” He says, his face breaking out into a grin before he doubles over, laughing so hard it makes me laugh.
“Gigantor.”
“Me, Gigantor,” Tanner thumps his chest, “…you, Midget.” Oh no he didn’t! I leap up onto his back, clinging onto his neck like a monkey as I growl, “Take it back. I’m not a midget!”
“What are you two doing?” Both our laughter dies in an instant at the sound of Eric’s voice. I let go of Tanner’s neck, dropping back to the ground.
“Heading down to lunch.” Tanner states in a hard voice. I don’t say a word, I’ve got nothing to say to Eric after what he said earlier.
“Ryx, can we talk?” Eric grabs my hand and I wrench it free.
“No.” I snap, moving away and basically hiding behind Tanner.
Eric goes to argue but Tanner holds his hand up, “You heard her, she doesn’t want to talk to you right now.”
“Are you fucking him?” Eric spits the words out like a weapon.
“Ew, no.” I look at Tanner, “No offence.”