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Chapter Three

Isabella's POV

After enduring the trials and tribulations of the first day of classes, a sense of exhilaration washed over me as I finally stepped towards my new university suite. The excitement was palpable as I realized that my roommates had already arrived, and the process of moving our belongings into our designated rooms was well underway.

As I stood at the threshold of what could potentially be my new sanctuary, a question escaped my lips, "Is this my room?"

From the plush comfort of the white couch in our new living room, Stella, one of my roommates, responded with a mix of casualness and jest, "Ugh yes, you lucked out with the best one."

And truth be told, she was absolutely right. The room exceeded my expectations, simple, yet its atmosphere enriched by the dark oak woodwork and accents of deep wine red. It was an enclave of knowledge and respite, promising countless hours of exploration.

Back in the common room, my senses were once again ensnared by the magnificence of the architecture. Towering ceilings played host to a magnificent chandelier that cascaded warm light throughout the room.

I could hardly contain my wonder, the beauty of our living space eliciting a contented sigh from my lips. "Gorgeous," I murmured to myself, awed by the sight before me.

As evening settled in, we gathered on the plush couches, a new camaraderie forming among us. Stella, ever the conversationalist, launched into a discourse on the prestige of Oxford University, reminiscent of Colton's earlier speech. I bit back the urge to roll my eyes – did everyone here harbor such an infatuation with their own ego?

In the midst of this banter, a realization dawned upon me like a lightning bolt. The Arkhaios meeting! I nearly jumped off the couch in a flurry of excitement, blurting out, "Oh my god, what time is it?"

Calmly, another roommate responded, "It's five minutes to nine."

Panic surged through me, my heart racing as I scrambled to throw on my sweater and shoes. The society meeting – how had I forgotten? I had a promise to fulfill, a secret gathering to attend.

"But what about the party?" Stella inquired, curiosity lacing her tone.

My reply came with a mix of determination and urgency, "I'll be back in an hour!"

With that, I bolted for the door, a whirlwind of anticipation propelling me forward. The meeting awaited, an enigma I was finally prepared to uncover.

———

As my feet carried me to the headmaster's office, a mixture of anticipation and nerves churned within me. The black headband holding my hair in place felt oddly reassuring, a simple accessory that served as a reminder of my resolve. I hesitated for a moment before knocking, my thoughts racing as I steeled myself for what was to come.

The door swung open, revealing an empty office except for one individual. Colton stood there, a commanding presence that seemed to fill the room.

"You're late," his voice was crisp, cutting through the air like a blade.

A sense of urgency rushed through me as I stepped further into the room, my attempt at explanation halted by his interruption.

"Let's go," he commanded, his gaze unwavering as he turned and began walking away. Without a moment's hesitation, I followed, my heart pounding against my ribs. Colton's stern demeanor added a layer of seriousness that made my nervousness spike. Was he upset with me? Did my tardiness tarnish the impression he had of me? Honestly, I couldn't have cared less about his opinion of me.

As we navigated through the office, Colton's words brought a tinge of mystery to the situation, "This is only one of the secret entrances to the society, I will show you more another day."

My response was nothing more than a nod, my mind racing with questions that remained unspoken. The dimly lit corridor stretched before us, casting an air of secrecy around our movements.

"Ready?" Colton's voice drew me from my thoughts. I nodded, my curiosity mingling with a sense of unease.

With a decisive push, Colton opened two massive bronze doors, revealing a sight that stole my breath away.

The room was a manifestation of opulence and grandeur. The walls bore intricate marble carvings that seemed to whisper stories of forgotten times. Towering thirty-foot marble pillars rose like sentinels, punctuating the space with an air of timeless elegance. To my right, an entire wall was dedicated to an ornate library, each alcove housing an invitation to delve into the treasures of knowledge. Several fireplaces lent a warm glow to the room, while portraits seemed to gaze down with an air of dignified scrutiny.

To my left, a breathtaking sight awaited. A massive expanse of carved glass windows resembled the awe-inspiring beauty of a cathedral. But what captivated me most was the cascade of water outside those windows – a waterfall that seemed to envelop the room in a watery embrace. The moonlight danced upon the glistening surface, casting an ethereal glow that turned the water into liquid silver. The veil of water also provided a shield, ensuring privacy from the world beyond.

"Isabella," Colton's voice broke through my reverie, his motion indicating for me to join a group of students.

My senses re-focused as I moved to stand beside him, my eyes taking in the elegant seating arrangement that accommodated around seventy students. The scene felt reminiscent of a court, an assembly of powerful figures gathered in regal splendor. The hushed expectancy in the air was palpable as all attention turned to the headmaster.

As he spoke, I felt as though I had stepped into a different era. The attendees were resplendent in their attire, exuding an air of sophistication that was both intimidating and enthralling.

The headmaster's words were laden with gravitas, a reminder of the honor and responsibility that came with Arkhaios membership. My heart raced as his gaze seemed to fixate upon me, his words a challenge that resonated deep within my soul.

And then, it was time for the new members to introduce themselves. Nervousness rippled through the room as each student took their turn, sharing their aspirations and their lineage.

When Colton's turn arrived, his confidence was undeniable. His speech was smooth, his words flowing effortlessly as he spoke of legacy and honor. Applause echoed through the room, a testament to his standing among his peers.

And then, it was my turn. I stood there, a mix of apprehension and determination swirling within me. "Hello everyone, my name is Isabella," my voice emerged steady despite the flutter in my chest. An eerie silence descended upon the room, an unexpected response to my simple introduction.

"I hope to bring honor to Arkhaios. Thank you." My words hung in the air, uncertainty seeping into my thoughts. I noticed the hushed whispers among the students, their curiosity evident.

"She's the first year," a voice carried to my ears, tinged with surprise.

The headmaster's firm presence reclaimed the attention of the room, transitioning us to a more relaxed setting. The announcement of a cocktail hour signaled the end of the formal proceedings. I retrieved a glass of water and positioned myself near the exit, a gnawing desire to escape the scrutiny that had befallen me.

A welcome interruption arrived in the form of a friendly face. "It's Isabella, right?" Her kind expression brought a glimmer of relief to my unease.

"Yes, it is! And you are?" My curiosity matched hers, my nerves momentarily forgotten.

"I'm Spencer, a junior here." The warmth in her voice was comforting, a lifeline amidst unfamiliar territory.

"You're kind of a big deal here," her words took me aback, their weight sinking in.

"What do you mean?" I inquired, intrigued by the implications of her statement.

"We've only had a few freshmen introduced to the society. Only those with a strong academic background, but Colton mentioned you came from an orphanage?" Her genuine curiosity prompted me to find my words.

"Yes, that's true," I offered, a touch of uncertainty lacing my response.

"Wow, that must have been quite challenging. Do you have any idea about your parents or where you're from?" Her inquiries were gentle, her curiosity genuine. Before I could respond, Colton materialized beside us.

"Spencer, how are you?" Colton's arrival shifted the focus to him, a friendly smile gracing my lips as I greeted him.

"Isabella, this is Spencer Tudor, a good friend of mine." Colton's introduction was met with a genuine warmth that enveloped me.

"It's very nice to meet you too. If you'll excuse me, I had a rather long first day. I think I'll be heading to bed," I excused myself, the prospect of rest too enticing to ignore.

"Isabel, why don't we walk you back?" Colton's offer surprised me, Spencer's excitement evident.

"Yes, we'll walk you!" Spencer's eagerness echoed Colton's suggestion.

"Oh, you really don't have to," my words carried a mix of gratitude and hesitance. The notion of a wild party awaiting me was hardly appealing.

"Peter, let's go, love!" Spencer's voice rang out, summoning a handsome young man who joined our little group.

"Alright, I suppose we're...going to my dorm," my words carried a sense of awkwardness, an unexpected companionship forming amidst the grandeur of the secret society.


Guiding them through the hushed hallways of the freshman college dorms, the atmosphere was strangely subdued. Yet, as we neared the double French doors that marked the entrance to my new room, the air grew thick with an unmistakable energy.

"I think my roommate might be getting over a breakup, so I should probably go in alone," my voice carried an undertone of desperation, a feeble attempt to veil the chaos that awaited beyond the door.

Colton's presence remained unmoved by my words, his stride unyielding as he marched ahead. The tension in his jaw did not go unnoticed, a harbinger of what was to come.

With a swift, assertive motion, Colton pushed open the door, and a wave of cacophony surged forth. The room had been transformed into a hub of jubilant activity, a boisterous gathering of students that clashed starkly with the notion of an esteemed secret society.

Stella, dancing on a table with abandon, managed to divert everyone's attention. Her voice rang out, carrying across the room in an unfiltered shout. "Isabella!! Hey!!! Oh HEYYY COLTONNN, you look HOT." My face flushed with embarrassment, the sudden spotlight leaving me flustered.

Awkwardly, I gestured toward the chaotic scene, addressing Colton, Spencer, and Peter. Their expressions registered a mix of horror and disbelief, an unexpected juxtaposition against the backdrop of Arkhaios' standards.

"This is my room," my voice carried a tinge of awkwardness, a feeble attempt to explain the situation unfolding before us. The reality was a far cry from the prestige Arkhaios upheld.

Colton's stern reproach broke through the revelry, his frustration palpable as he chastised, "Parties aren't a good idea; you can get into serious trouble." The intensity of his gaze and the severity of his words made it clear that he was not simply reprimanding me; his concern extended beyond my actions.

"I've been away the whole evening!" I retorted, a mixture of defensiveness and a desire for his approval evident in my response.

"Small parties might be permissible, but past midnight on a school night, and on THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES? This is a very bad idea," his words carried a weight that mirrored his disapproval, his frustration palpable as his gaze shifted elsewhere.

Spencer's presence offered a touch of comfort as she intervened, her hand resting on Colton's chest in an attempt to mitigate the tension. His agitation was undeniable, his anger a tempest that seemed to churn within him.

"You need to tell your friends to shut this down before you get into serious trouble," Spencer's voice was measured, a practical piece of advice that underscored the potential consequences.

Taking heed, I quickly relayed the message to my inebriated friends, Nora and Natalie, who managed to coax Stella off the table as she halfheartedly attempted to continue dancing. The group of freshman boys who had originally contested our claim to the room looked on, likely wondering how our freshman dorm had transformed into a raucous celebration.

Colton, a force to be reckoned with, pinpointed the source of the music and abruptly silenced it. His authoritative command sliced through the air, demanding immediate compliance.

"All of you, go to bed! You're fortunate that I'm the one shutting this down, and not a professor," his voice carried a sharp edge, met with collective groans from the students who scattered in the wake of his orders.

In the aftermath of the chaos, Colton approached our cluster. His aura was still charged, his demeanor retaining a harshness that matched his tone.

"Clean this up by tomorrow morning," his words carried a finality that left no room for argument.

Stella, seemingly undeterred by the gravity of the situation, fired back, "I'm sorry, the fuck?"

Colton's patience was clearly wearing thin, his response curt, "Do it or you'll be in trouble. Alcohol isn't allowed for first years."

Stella's defiance persisted, her voice tinged with bravado, "We're eighteen, you know. We're above the drinking age in this country."

"In this university, you are not," Colton's retort was firm, his jaw clenched as he held his ground.

"We'll clean it up, Colton. Thank you," my words carried sincerity, a nod of acknowledgment that seemed to resonate with him. With a final look, he left, his departure signaling the end of his intrusion.

Turning to my roommates, I took in the chaotic aftermath that sprawled before us – our once orderly dorm now transformed into a battlefield of discarded cups and remnants of revelry.

"Well, looks like we have our work cut out for us," I remarked, a sense of camaraderie forming among us as we faced the daunting task of restoring our space to its former state.

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