ed up at the unfamiliar ceiling, feeling disoriented and confus

BloodMoon

still neatly made, luggage absent.

It took her nearly a full minute to figure out the shower controls.When s

simple then laid down on her bed staring at the ceiling h

She had arrived at noon the day before but hadn't eaten a thing since. She hadn't left her room since she arrive

to bed hungry was normal. There was never enough f

k her food or share theirs, no matter how little it was. The thought of them

muttered, pushing

the others were still asleep, or mayb

ed. A girl emerged, looking about Ivy's age. Ivy knew she was new

"Hi," she said. "I heard your door open

ngry to stay in bed. Do you... do y

teria is downstairs. During orientation, they'll give us studen

expression. "Thank

ed. "I'm Sophi

vy

brightly. "Let's go eat bef

stepped into the cafeteria. The scent of freshly baked bread and s

bove gave off a soft golden glow that made everything look warm and inviting. A few early students

ns that looked almost too luxurious for kitchen staff. One woman handed Ivy a tray

a polite smile before follo

ables. As soon as they sat, Ivy didn't wait, she

e whispered. "T

ed softly. "

e. This was the best food she'd ever had. The eggs were fluff

hem wore casual outfits like Ivy and Sophie s

inally waking up," Sophi

at," Ivy replied, mouth half-ful

soft, the eggs perfectly seasoned, and the sausage melted on her tongue. This wasn't just the best meal she'd had in

she noticed Soph

g on my face?" Ivy asked

you just look like someone

toast still in her fingers. H

reminder that this was a school for the elite. For Sophie

and stood quickly

r the orientation," she m

's go," Sophie said, s

aw the food Sophie was about to throw away. She watched with a dull ache i

the remaining food and keep

asked, noticing the

" Ivy repl

nto her pillow. Then she stood in front of the mirror, checking her appearance. The tear in her top

she whispered to her refl

ady gathering, she followed

ll groups had already begun to form, friends whispering and exchanging theories about what t

eps echoed across the courtyar

ut. A boy and a girl. They didn't speak, but

pped with a sleeveless navy cardigan that bore a silver crest over his heart. A dark blue tie lay flat unde

and her white shirt was tucked in with care. She too wore the silver-crested cardigan, and her matc

but their presence alo

uldn't look away. It was just a uniform,