Chapter 2
Moving Day
I awoke expecting pain — same as every morning. The stone floor pressed into my bones, my scrap of cloth doing nothing against the chill. A selfish part of me hoped the other kids slept like this too. If I was the only one, I'd be pissed.
I pushed myself to my knees and crawled to my "safe" corner. There was nothing safe about it, but with stone at my back, at least the rats couldn't sneak up from behind. You learn quick here — when you can't see them, they try to take bites.
The usual morning sounds began: metal scraping on stone, vibrations through the walls, a splash, a clatter of tin on the floor. Normally it ended with a slam of the door. Not today.
The silence after the routine made my heart race. I shot to my feet, pressing my back to the wall. Footsteps. Scratches on the floor. The heavy ker-thunk of my lock, and then — blinding light.
"Prisoner 267!" The Warden's voice crashed into my cell.
For years, no one had spoken to me. My only contact had been shoves, kicks, and cold water. Hearing my number out loud made the hairs on my neck rise. If I remembered how to speak, maybe I'd answer with one of the Warden's favorite words: fuck.
He stepped aside, revealing a slender man in dark robes. No scars, no bulk — but something about him felt more dangerous than the Warden.
"Prisoner 267, come forth," he said softly.
The Warden's glare made my choice clear. I edged forward. The man held what looked like a thin brick, black writing etched across it. In its center sat a pearlescent orb.
"Place your hand upon the orb," he said. "There will be a slight pinch."
I glanced between the orb and the man. Which did I fear more? Don't think like that right now.
I reached out, hesitating, and a spark leapt into my palm. Pain flared, as if every nerve ending lit up. I jerked back, clutching my hand. A small black mark now sat in the center of my palm.
"I said," the man's voice dropped colder, "place your hand upon the orb. Do not make me ask again."
I pressed both palms to it this time. The spark tore through me, fire racing through my veins, pinning me in place. Just as I thought it would consume me, it shifted — settling warm in my chest. Almost pleasant. The most warmth I'd felt in years.
"Group S. Treat this one well." His gaze swept over me, lingering. "Give her a real bath. Fresh clothes."
"You're finally being granted your freedom." He smiled, but his eyes looked less than human — hungry. I almost longed for the bucket baths again.
The Warden motioned to unseen guards. "Bring her to the dorms." He grinned at me like a wolf. "Still just skin and bones, little bitch."
I stared at my feet, letting them pull me away. I wouldn't cry anymore.
We walked for… I don't know. Minutes? Years? The stone floors bit at my calloused feet. My muscles screamed from the sudden movement after years of stillness.
Then — sunlight.
It hit my eyes like a blow. I threw up my hands, squinting through my fingers. The sun? I didn't remember it being so sharp, so alive.
And then it touched my skin. The warmth sank into me, bone-deep, and for a moment I didn't feel cold or afraid. Grass brushed against my soles — soft and springy compared to the grit of the cell. I could have cried from the simple pleasure.
We crossed the lawn to a massive brick building. Inside, cold marble replaced the grass, leeching the warmth from my feet. Up stairs, down halls, until they stopped at a door.
"You'll have a name assigned soon," one guard said. "For now, the maids will prepare you."
"Milinda, Prisoner 267 needs a bath," the other said to a woman waiting inside. She wore black and white, hands folded neatly.
"Thank you," Milinda said, bowing slightly. "I'll take it from here."
Once the guards left, she clicked her tongue, circling me. "How do they expect me to fix this rat's nest?" Fingers prodded my tangled hair. "Well, Little One, let's get you cleaned up before you meet the headmaster."
She ushered me into a side room with a white tub. Steam rose from running water, and I almost drooled. She pinched her nose as she removed my cloth, then helped me into the heat.
It burned at first, stinging my skin — but the sting melted into aching relief. Dirt floated away in clouds.
"Feel good, Little One?" she asked with a chuckle.
I nodded. She worked soap into a thick lather and scrubbed. Layers of grime peeled away under her hands. I wasn't sure when I'd last seen my own skin.
Several water changes later, she finally looked satisfied. "Much better. Let's get you dressed."
Wrapped in a soft towel, I stepped out. She helped me into loose trousers, a shirt tucked in at the waist, and a long coat.
"Oh, don't you just look so cute now!" she squealed. In the mirror, I saw sunken cheeks, dull eyes — but clean hair and skin. Her smile was radiant; mine didn't move.
She led me down a bright hallway. Other children emerged from rooms, each shadowed by a maid or butler. All of them smiled in the same fixed way; all of us children looked the same — hollow.
Then the smell hit me. My mouth watered, my steps quickened.
In the dining hall, Milinda bent close. "Remember your promise — don't make yourself sick."
I nodded, though I couldn't take my eyes off the food. She returned with a plate holding a little of everything: steak, potatoes, corn, ham, broccoli — and a golden slice of bread dripping with honey.
The first bite was heaven. My eyes closed, and for a second I forgot the tower. Then fear pricked through: What if they take this away?
I looked at the bread, then at Milinda. "Is this… for me?"
Her eyes glistened. "Yes, sweetheart. All yours."
I ate every crumb.
Afterward, she led me to a large hall where an old man in purple robes waited. His white beard hung to his waist.
"Today," he announced, "you are no longer prisoners. Today, you receive your names — and your place in this academy."
One by one, numbers were called and names bestowed.
"Prisoner 267," he said at last. I stepped forward.
"Ah, the girl with the white hair… Your name shall be Sephanie."
Milinda clapped softly. I nodded, too exhausted to smile.
"Happy to meet you, Little Seph," she whispered as I returned to her side.
The headmaster dismissed us, and Milinda guided me back. She stripped me down, combed my hair, and hummed softly as she tucked me into bed.
"Goodnight, Little Seph. I'll be back in the morning."
Her humming followed me into the dark. I hoped I'd hear it tomorrow.