Once we landed, we were whisked to a car. We drove through a quaint town before the land opened up into rolling green hills sectioned off by squat stone walls.
Leanne pointed to little grassy lumps sprinkled across the landscape. “Those are ancient burial mounds; they’ve been around since the Bronze Age.”
I tried to muster some form of appreciation, but they were a bit underwhelming to look at.
“And,” she continued, unaware of my lack of interest, “our school is a castle.”
“What?” Now that got my attention. The only images I’d seen of Peel had been either close ups, obscuring the building’s fa?ade, or indoor photos depicting the extravagant library and study halls.
“Yep. I didn’t want to say anything earlier because it’s technically a surprise, but everyone else already knows that Peel Academy is actually Peel Castle.”
This was news to me. I got to attend class in a castle? The school’s website definitely didn’t mention that.
The car rounded a bend, and the castle came into view. It was nestled at land’s edge, perched atop coastal cliffs. Beyond it stretched the ocean. I sucked in a breath. Wow, that was where I got to go to school.
As we got closer, I began to notice some alarming details. There were no glass panes in the windows, part of the main building was crumbling, and one building didn’t have a roof. What was going on?
The car passed through the gates, and we were on the school grounds.
I blinked in confusion. Stretching out to my right was a huge, sprawling castle. The windows were fitted with small, diamond panes and the roofs were immaculate. I blinked a few times. I must’ve imagined it, but I could’ve sworn …
“Okay boys and girls, these buildings are the dormitories.” Professor Blackmore pointed to our left. The car pulled up to a line of slightly more modern buildings that faced the castle grounds. “The men’s dormitories are those just behind us, and the women’s are these right in front of us.
Gentlemen, I am the house father, and ladies your house mother is Professor Nightingale. We live on the first floors of each respective dorm, and we are here to make sure you follow the rules and stay safe. Do not hesitate to come to us with any questions you may have. I have your room assignments and keys for the year. Don’t lose them.”
I collected my key and room assignment and hauled my bags out from the car. I first admired the castle before focusing on the dormitory buildings. I loved this place already.
I dragged my luggage past a reception desk where a security guard—a.k.a. a bored-looking college student—sat reading a magazine. When she saw me, she put the magazine down. “New student?” I nodded. “What’s your name and room assignment?”
I looked down at my sheet of paper. “Gabrielle Fiori. Room 305.”
She marked something off on a sheet next to me. “Nice to meet you Miss Fiori. Once you get your student ID, make sure to check in and out of here when you come and go. Your room’s going to be on the third floor. Welcome to Peel.”
I was sweating by the time I managed to drag my luggage up the three flights and find my room. Key in hand, I unlocked the door.
My dorm consisted of two twin beds, two desks, two armoires, and two closets all crammed into a tiny room. Despite the size, I couldn’t complain, the view of the castle and the coast was that amazing.
I heard the door bang open behind me. Leanne stumbled in, dwarfed under all her baggage. “Stupid freaking luggage. Why did I think I could take all this with me?”
“We’re roommates?” Thank goodness. I didn’t know Leanne that well, but I liked her company and she seemed to like mine.
She looked up, her bags hopelessly twisted about her. “Thank all that is holy that you are my roommate. I was having nightmares that I’d have to live with Doris.”
“Who’s Doris?” I asked quizzically.
“The spawn of Satan,” she said. “Unfortunately, you’ll meet her soon enough. She’s attending Peel as well.”
Before I could respond, I heard a shriek from the hallway. A handsome guy with ice blond hair darted through our open door and tackle-hugged Leanne.
“It’s so good to see you,” he said, breaking away.
“How did you get in here?” she asked.
“I have my ways.” He shrugged. “Oh,” he said, noticing me for the first time. “Who is this beautiful creature?” he asked, walking forward. He eyed me up and down.
I blushed before I could help it.
“Stop freaking out my roommate,” Leanne said. “Gabrielle, this is Oliver, my socially awkward friend.”
“What’s that phrase you Americans have?” Oliver snapped his fingers as it came to him. “Ah, I believe that’s the pot calling the kettle black.”
“Touché.”
“So, ladies,” Oliver said, “what are you wearing tonight for Mystique?”
Oliver walked over to one of the beds and made himself comfortable.
“What’s Mystique?” I asked.
Oliver balked. “Don’t tell me you haven’t heard about Mystique.”