\[Elise’s POV\]
I stare at Forrest for a moment while I try to make sense of what he is saying until I remember William’s fucking punishment he gave me.
“Disciplinary committee.” I mutter in annoyance. “Right, I was put on that, huh?”
“You kidding?” Forrest asks, tilting his head to the side. “How could you forget something like that in the span of a week?”
A lot has happened. I think inwardly, but remain quiet outwardly.
Sighing, I feel a bit of fomo starting to settle in over the conversation I was certain would be taking place in Serenity’s dormitory. It looked like I wasn’t going to be able to be present for it, and that was so damn annoying.
“Earth to Eleanor,” Forrest says, waving a hand in front of my face, snapping me back to the present. “We gotta get going.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I sigh, my frustration growing. “Lead the way.”
Growing quiet, I allow Forrest to lead me toward a classroom where the rest of his delinquent crew is waiting along with a teacher that I don’t quite recognize.
Frowning, I take in his large build and scar-covered face. Did someone like this always work at The Academy? I didn’t know why, but something about him felt off to me.
“Is this her?” He asks as Forrest goes and takes a seat. “The last member we’ve been waiting for?”
“That’s correct.” I confirm, hopping onto a desk and crossing my legs. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I forgot all about this ridiculous committee.”
“Well, isn’t someone spicy?” The man chuckles, leaning against his desk and giving all of us a lazy look. “No surprise you’re here, Missy.”
“Really?” I ask sweetly, giving a smile. “Are you insinuating something?”
“Not at all,” he responds, keeping his gaze fixed on me. “But you would be wise to try to be mindful of time.”
“Got it, teach.” I say, giving the okay signal. “Anyway, what’s the game plan for tonight?”
“You’re going to keep guard of the grounds.” The man responds immediately.
Eyes widening, I feel a wave of shock going through me. Were they really going to allow such a thing to happen again after what happened last time?
“Uh, teach,“ I say, raising a hand. “I don’t know if you’re pretty new or not, but the last time we did that, a...”
“Are you arguing your instructions?” He asks, cutting me off. “Would you like to be expelled?”
“But…” I try, but stop as his dark eyes come to rest on me, causing a chill to race down my spine.
What the hell? How long has it been since someone actually scared me? Who the hell was this guy really?
“Are you done arguing?” He asks, his smile coming back. “If so, you’re dismissed. Go and take up your posts.”
For a moment, I don’t move as I consider arguing further with this man, but deciding instead that this could be a golden opportunity to go and find that woman who looked so much like me. Since it seemed anytime we came within close contact of one another I would get visions, maybe if I would be able to see everything, that was the hope anyway.
“Come on, pipsqueak.” Forrest announces, snapping me out of my head. “You’re on duty with me.”
“You.” I repeat, raising a brow. “Have you deluded yourself into thinking we’re close simply because I helped you with that fan girl?”
“Not at all.” He responds easily. “But I was placed with you because you were late, so come on.”
I don’t get the chance to respond before my wrist is being grabbed and I’m being pulled along at Forrest’s pace. It is only when we reach the large brick wall of the school that I’m finally released.
“Ladies first,” Forrest says, motioning toward a metal ladder. “Or are you afraid of heights?”
“Like hell I am.” I snap, hopping on and beginning to climb. “Hopefully you aren’t.”
When I reach the top of the wall, I let my gaze travel across the horizon all around. Honestly, this was kind of cool, but as I was seeing that the whole damn perimeter was surrounded, it left a single question in my mind.
How did those rogues get in? Did they scale the walls and jump down? And if they did, where the fuck were the guards?
Frowning, I continue to search until I find them lying on their bellies. They’re dressed in outfits that match the color of the wall completely, blending in like thieves in the night.
“Hm,” I murmur as Forrest comes to stand beside me. "Weird, isn’t it?”
Growing quiet, I wait as he tries to make sense of what I’m saying. And when he just gives me a look that screams explain, I let out a huff of annoyance.
“Those rogue wolves.” I tell him. “How did they get in?”
Was there maybe a hidden entrance somewhere on the ground? From what I could see, all the protection was at the top, giving a perfect view, but if there were underground networks, then wouldn’t it be possible? But if that was the case, someone within the school or someone who knew the area well would be able to use them, not some random ancient beasts.
Plopping down, I rub my chin as I try to make sense of this new realization, but before I can think too hard on it, I spot movement within the treeline beyond.
“We’ve got live ones.” I murmur, grabbing Forrest and pulling him down beside me. “Don’t just stand there where you can be seen.”
“Are you seeing things, pipsqueak?” He huffs as his large body hits the ground beside me. “I don’t…”
“Shut up,” I snap, covering his mouth while I continue to watch the movement. “Or are you trying to alert them?”
As I speak, I peek around me, taking in the guards who don’t seem to be on alert. What the hell was actually happening?
“I don’t see anything.” Forrest says, pulling my hand away. “Are you sure you aren’t seeing things?”
Seeing things! Was he out of his fucking mind? How could he not see the figures moving about?
“Right there!” I snap, pointing in their direction. “Can’t you see...”
“Eleanor,” Forrest says gently. “I think that your eyes may be playing tricks on you. There’s nothing there.”
“There is!” I growl, jumping up and moving forward until I can see the ground below. “And I’ll prove it.”
Ignoring the yell of shock that escapes him, I jump, deciding if no one else could see these ass holes I would take care of them myself.