WebNovels

Chapter 6 - Chapter 6: Love At First Sight?

"Good morning, everyone." Felicity smiled, her voice carrying a steady warmth. "I know the first day can feel overwhelming—new faces, new classes, and way too many rules to remember. But don't worry, you'll figure it out. We all did. Think of today as the first page of your own story here, and trust me—it'll be a story worth telling."

Felicity is continuing her speech in the background.

"So," Josh leaned closer, lowering his voice, "do you have any special abilities?"

"No, I don't."

He raised a brow. "So you didn't take the practical exam?"

"Nope."

Josh chuckled. "Pure smarts. Respectable."

"What about you?" I asked.

"I do," he said, his lips quirking into a grin. "Cryokinesis."

"Like… manipulating ice?"

"Precisely."

"That's awesome."

"Wanna see?" He held up his hand, and from the bottle by his chair, he flicked a drop of water onto his fingertip. It froze instantly, a faint mist of frost curling into the air.

"Though I'm still not adept at it," Josh admitted, "I have to be in contact with water—or at least something I can easily freeze."

"You can't freeze air?" I asked.

He shook his head. "No. I don't even know if I can. I do know some cryokinesis psions who can freeze anything from a distance, but even they need to see it… and they're limited by range."

"Is it mentally taxing?" I asked.

"It sure is," Josh said, "especially with bigger volumes."

"What about the President?"

"Oh, him?" Josh hesitated, then swallowed. "He has chlorokinesis. You know what that means?"

"The ability to manipulate plant matter," I answered.

"Correct." He leaned in a little. "What's scary about him isn't just the power—it's how natural it feels, like he was born with it. He can shape plants to his will, anywhere, anytime. Of course, he's still bound by plant biology… but his range?"

Josh lowered his voice.

"I'd say he could cover the entire island if he wanted."

"Not only is he smart and popular, but strong too?" I asked.

"Yes—and add 'righteous' to that list," Josh replied.

"He's highly respected and admired."

"You're friends with him?"

Josh chuckled. "You could say that… but I don't stick too close. He's a bit much to bear sometimes."

"Also," Josh remarked, "I wish I could be as good as him at cryokinesis."

I smiled. "Don't sell yourself short—you literally froze water out of thin air just now."

"I guess you're right."

Everyone clapped in unison. Josh and I joined in. Felicity must have finished her speech.

"You'd make a great spokesperson, Felicity!" Cassandra called.

"You'd make a great clown, Cassandra—since you're hilarious," Felicity shot back with mock sweetness.

She flicked a glance my way before turning back to her group.

"Faith," Josh whispered, smirking, "I think Felicity likes you."

I shook my head. "No way. We just met."

"Ever heard of love at first sight?"

"Yes," I said flatly. "I don't believe in it."

Josh laughed. "Fine, fine. You do you. Look—even the cat agrees. It's coming here."

Sure enough, Fae padded over, tail swishing as if she owned the place.

"By the way, what's the cat's name?"

"Her name's Fae," I replied.

"Like… Fae from Faith?" Josh curiously asked.

Josh's smile widened, like he knew something I didn't.

"What?" I pressed.

"Oh, nothing."

As Fae came closer, she purred and leapt straight onto Josh's lap.

"Did I ever tell you I'm good with cats?" he asked.

"No?"

"Good, because I'm actually—" He sneezed abruptly. "—allergic."

He tried to nudge Fae off, but she clung stubbornly. I reached over and scooped her up instead.

"Thanks, Faith."

"No problem."

I shifted Fae in my arms. "Oh, by the way, what's the name of this 'President' you mentioned earlier?"

"Romeo Astor Devereaux," Josh replied.

I raised my brows. "Such a complicated name, don't you think?"

Josh chuckled. "Maybe, but it fits him. Like his parents already knew what he'd become—even before he was born."

"Yeah… I'll give you that."

I leaned back. "Felicity mentioned there was supposed to be a fun part of the ceremony. When's that?"

"Right after the Master of the College gives his speech."

"And that's… when?"

"After about three other speeches."

"This college really loves their speeches."

"Couldn't agree more. Honestly, I think they do it just to wear out the first-years before the fun part."

I narrowed my eyes. "You're just teasing me."

"No, really," Josh grinned. "These three speeches before the Master? They drag. You'll see."

I stared at him, unconvinced.

"You don't believe me, do you? Just wait. By the end, you'll be begging for the 'fun part.'"

More Chapters