The Academy Full Of Special Abilities

Chapter 1: Titan Academy

I looked at the massive castle atop the hill. A castle surrounded by tall walls with only the towers visible. The hill where it stood was encircled by forest and a river. This castle measured almost half the size of our town. It had stood in our town for thousands of years. It was the castle where those with special abilities like us, who had potential in life, studied.

"Someday, I'll set foot there."

I turned to Lucas beside me. I snorted. "Yeah, right. You'd have to go without food for a month just to afford a pair of that school's uniform."

All of us in this place, in the town of Hesperia, were born with special abilities. But not everyone gets to study or even step foot in that place. Only the fortunate ones who can afford to spend two million silver coins, or half a million gold coins, can enter Titan Academy.

"You're such a dreamer, Shia. Is it wrong to have dreams?" Lucas replied.

He lay on the grass next to me and gazed at the azure sky above. We were on one of the hills at the edge of town, facing the castle school on the opposite side of town.

Since we were kids, Lucas had dreamt of studying in that place. I still remember, ten years ago, he started saving so that when he turned fourteen, he could enter Titan Academy. But after two years of working every afternoon after classes, or every weekend, and even early mornings delivering newspapers, he realized that no matter what he did, he couldn't save half a million gold coins.

Lucas had super speed. He moved fast. Sometimes you wouldn't see him, just a gust of wind when he passed by. He easily finished any job given to him. So, I thought maybe he could save up and get into that school.

But then there was the reality of his many responsibilities. He had four siblings and a sickly mother. His father passed away when we were twelve. That was when he stopped saving and focused on providing for his younger siblings.

Me? I never dreamed of going there. Honestly, I have no dreams. I'll turn eighteen next month. I'll be legal. I could leave this town if I wanted. But the problem is I don't know where I'd go or what I want.

I have no family. It's been two years since my grandparents, who raised me, passed away. Since then, I've been living alone in the house they left. Sometimes I'll go to Lucas' place. Sometimes, especially when I have money, they'll eat at my house.

I have the special ability of enhanced senses and control. I can shut down any of my senses if I want to. I can tolerate pain, blinding light, and extreme noise. But mostly, I can sense danger even kilometers away.

In reality, my ability is pretty useless. It has its uses, but not the kind that can sustain a living. I wish I had an ability like Lucas'. I want an ability I can use to work and earn money.

After you finish the basic education system here in Hesperia, you're on your own. Education is free from seven to fourteen years old. From seven to ten, you need to learn how to read and write. Eleven to fourteen is dedicated to studying your special ability.

If you have the money, you can continue your education at Titan Academy. That's where you hone the power or ability you have. The Ministry favors graduates from there. They have guaranteed jobs in the future.

If you're like us, who only had free education, you settle for extra odd jobs. We're part of the informal workforce. No specific job. Only Titan graduates have the right to permanent positions. You only get a permanent position if you have connections higher up. Sometimes, it's even a struggle.

At fourteen, you can start working. But it's limited to Hesperia. When you turn eighteen, that's when you can leave the town to find work. The town doesn't care what you do.

"I wonder what they're doing at this hour," Lucas asked, yawning.

I snorted. "Probably showing off their wealth. That's where they excel. As if the rich kids really know how to fight like they pretend."

Lucas sat on the grass. "Whoa. You seem personally offended there."

I rolled my eyes. The way he talks, you'd think he's exempt from what I'm talking about. "I just don't like the way they look at us. Remember when they visited the town? The way they look at us, it's like they've seen dirt on their shoes. When in reality, they're the ones who look dirty."

Lucas laughed. "Maybe they're just not used to seeing kids their age working. You know some of them have been in there since they were seven."

"You're right," I muttered. "They're the kind of people who don't know reality. They have all these fancy clothes, soft beds, delicious food, none of which they worked for."

"Are you jealous?" Lucas raised an eyebrow.

I gave him a sharp look. "Jealous? Ha! I'm just annoyed. In this world, things aren't fair. But because they're surrounded by their own kind, they have no idea how lucky they are."

The wind gradually picked up on the hill. The sky's color changed. It went from blue to gray. In the distance, a few dark clouds started to rumble with thunder and lightning.

I stood up. "We better head down. I still need to finish my job for Mrs. Cello before going home."

I glanced at Lucas. He wasn't there anymore. I rolled my eyes when I heard his voice from below.

"Hey, Shia! You're really slow. Come on!" He waved with a smile. He really gets cocky about these things.

I dusted off my old pants before hurrying down the hill to catch up with him. I had no idea that that afternoon might be the last time I'd see my best friend smiling.

***

Chapter 2: The Golden Crest

That rainy midnight, I couldn't sleep. While the rain poured outside, I stared at the broken ceiling of my room, observing the cracks where the water seeped through.

I liked the rain. I liked the calm it brought, as if time stood still and all you could hear was its sound. But that night, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't fall asleep. It was as if my mind was already warning me about something. Something it rarely did, except when it came to work.

It was well past midnight when I realized I was slowly closing my eyes. I was already on the verge of falling asleep. But I abruptly stopped when I felt someone approaching my house. They weren't just passing by, they were heading straight to my door.

I opened my eyes and waited. I could feel the footsteps getting closer in my front yard. They were in a hurry, and I could hear the heavy breathing of the person. It was as if they had run a long distance. I only let out a sigh of relief when I felt that the person was familiar. My danger reflexes instantly eased once I recognized who it was. Lucas.

I got up from the bed and put on the old coat hanging on the wall. What was he doing here at this hour? Didn't he realize it's dangerous outside in this weather? I went to the living room, where there was hardly anything to see. I had sold some of the stuff when I needed money.

"Lucas, what the hell?" I greeted him as I opened the door.

He was in the middle of knocking, so he was taken aback when he suddenly found me in front of him. I looked him up and down. He was soaking wet, and his face-

"What's happening?" I immediately asked when I saw his expression. His face was a mix of intense fear and anxiety. And if it weren't for the rain, I would have thought tears were flowing from his eyes.

"Sh-Shia..." His voice was trembling. I've never seen him this terrified.

"What? Tell me what's going on!" I demanded. I was starting to get nervous. I wished I could read his mind because I really didn't like the way he was acting.

He pulled me inside the living room. He sat on the only sofa there, covered in dust. He rested both his elbows on his knees and ran his hands over his face.

"Shia..." he said again. In that moment, I wanted to slap him to bring him back to his senses. I was about to do so when he fumbled in his pocket. He placed the gleaming object on the table, and my eyes widened when I realized what it was.

"Shit." I gasped. "How did you get this, Lucas?" I took a step back, as if not believing it. "Why do you have the golden crest of Titan Academy?!"

"I didn't know how many minutes passed as I stared at the round object on the table. This can't be. That crest is inside the Academy and heavily guarded. It's the symbol of the school. It's like a crown compared to a king.

I stared at Lucas. 'Why aren't you speaking? Where did you get this?'

He wiped his palms on his face again before answering. His voice was hoarse. 'Flin and Karl, they're the ones who snuck into the Academy to get it. I don't know how they did it. But it was too late when I found out I had the Titan crest-'

'You joined them?!' I exclaimed. 'You joined their plan?!'

I really want to slap Lucas this time. He is better than this. Flin and Karl, those two have never done anything good. I never imagined he would join them to do this!

'Calm down, Shia,' Lucas said, seeming frustrated. 'I didn't know it was illegal when I agreed. I thought it was just a simple job that needed my ability.'

'Oh, come on!' I blurted out.

'Shia, you know that even if I starve, I would never do something that would tarnish my family's honor. It's all we have left.'

I fell silent. He is right. He has never done anything like this, even when they were almost starving.

'We agreed that I would only do the delivery. The three of us met at the town border, and that's where they handed me the bag. I needed to give it to the man waiting at the pub. I should have been suspicious just by looking at their faces. They were covered in bruises and wounds. I was in the middle of the journey when I opened the bag to see its contents. That's when I saw the crest.'

I cursed softly.

'I don't know what to do. I went back to where I saw Karl and Flin, but I didn't talk to them. The place was already surrounded by Titan's men.'

Shameless Flin!

'I wanted to return the crest, but I'm sure I'd be caught. I sped up to the pub to find the man they were talking about, but he had already escaped. I'm stucked with the crest, Shia!'

We both fell silent. I started to pace back and forth in the living room. The only sounds I could hear were the rain outside and the creak of the floor where I was walking.

'Did Flin mention your full name?' I asked, breaking the silence.

'He only said the last name. That's all they know to call us, right?'

That's what I thought. Sheridan and Tyler are the only names they know for us. We're not that close to be on a first-name basis.

'Does it even matter? We're the only Tylers here in Hesperia-' Lucas suddenly stopped. 'My family. I need to go to them.'

Lucas picked up the crest from the table and stood up quickly. But I took the crest from him.

'What are you doing?!' he exclaimed.

I looked straight into his eyes. 'I'm the Tyler Flin was referring to,' I said. 'I'm the one who took the crest.'

He looked at me as if I were crazy. 'What are you talking about?'

'Lucas, bring your family here to the house. You're coming with them. I'll stay in your house to greet them. I'm the one who took the crest.'

Lucas swallowed. 'Shia, I can't agree to-'

'Listen to me!' I demanded. 'You can't afford to get imprisoned. You're not at fault. You have a family relying on you, Lucas. You can't just leave them hanging.'

'But Shia-'

'That's the easiest way. Once the crest is returned and the guilty party is punished, they'll easily forget about it. Besides, I won't die. I'll just be in jail.'

I can tell that Lucas is weighing the choices. 'No,' he suddenly said. 'I won't allow you to go to jail.'

'Oh, shut up!' I snapped. 'Can't you see? I have nothing to lose if I go to jail. But you, five people could die right away if you're gone.'

'Shia-'

"We don't have time, Lucas. Let's go."

I pulled him out of the house, and we rushed into the rain. From a distance, we could see some lights from people scattered along the hillside where Titan could be seen. Lucas remained quiet. I didn't know what he was thinking, but I knew he had no other choice.

His siblings and mother were unaware of what was happening when we arrived and told them they needed to leave. His younger siblings looked at me with sleepy eyes, but they still managed to smile.

"Ate Shia," they greeted me.

"What's happening, Lucas?" his mother asked her son.

Lucas didn't answer. He grabbed the shawls hanging on the wall and helped his siblings and mother put them on. When everything was ready, he looked at me. I still had the crest in my hand.

"Shia," he started.

"Hurry, Lucas," I said. "They could arrive here at any moment."

"I'll find a way. I'll prove I have nothing to do with this, and you'll be free. Please wait for me."

Lucas's family looked back and forth between me and him. I took a deep breath and forced a smile.

"Just promise me you won't let them down," I addressed his family.

For many years, I treated them as my own family. Because of the Tylers, I never felt alone. I found a sense of purpose in this world when I thought there was none.

Lucas suddenly hugged me. "Shia, promise me you'll wait for me. I'll do everything to set you free."

I nodded as he held me. "Promise, Lucas," I replied. My eyes started to sting, and I couldn't help but feel the stupid tears rolling down my face. I quickly wiped them away so he wouldn't see.

"Shia," Lucas whispered. "Shia, I want-"

I froze. I felt several people approaching Lucas's house. There were four of them, and they were coming from the direction of the Titan Academy.

"Lucas, they're here. You need to leave. Hurry."

Lucas let go of me. He managed to lead his family out of the house through the back door. His family still looked puzzled, especially his mother. She glanced at me, and I could almost feel that she knew what was happening. Once they were all outside, Lucas looked at me for the last time.

"Take care," I said.

He just nodded. "Shia, I'll get you out of there. Just wait for me."

I forced a smile. "Now go," I ordered.

A few minutes later, I was alone in the Tyler's house.

I looked at the golden crest in my palm. It was a small circle, twice the size of a gold coin. Engraved on it was a lion with wings on either side of its body, and two swords crossed in front of it.

I could feel the four pairs of feet getting closer every second. They were talking, but I couldn't hear what they were saying. I could only sense them-their positions, their heights. One of them was a woman, two men were conversing, and one man was at the back, remaining silent.

They stopped in front of the door. They exchanged glances. The woman knocked. I took a deep breath and went to the door. This time, I knew there was no turning back.

Their faces showed surprise when I opened the door. The two men exchanged glances. One had blonde hair, and the other had a somewhat brownish hue.

"Dude, you didn't say they were chicks," the blonde one whispered. He earned a glare from the girl with them. The girl had shoulder-length black hair and fair skin.

They were almost my age. They were wearing expensive coats made of black leather with the golden Titan Academy logo. They looked completely out of place in a place like Lucas's house. They seemed to shine because of their cleanliness and neatness. The way they stood exuded superiority and confidence. They were indeed students of Titan.

The girl assessed me from head to toe as if sizing me up. After a while, she spoke.

"Is this the Tyler residence?" Her voice was too precise, too perfect; it was almost as smooth as silk and remarkably angelic.

"It is," I replied in my usual voice. Compared to hers, I sounded like a frog's croak. I noticed that both of them glanced around the house.

"Are you the only one living here, or are there others?" the girl asked again.

I tried not to sound intimidated. "Just me," I answered.

The girl raised an eyebrow and went inside. She accidentally bumped into my shoulder. I wasn't sure if it was intentional. The two men followed her, while the fourth member of their group stayed in the doorway. It seemed like he had no intention of joining. He just watched his companions.

"We are from Titan Academy," the girl said as she started to move things around in the house. "We need to find something."

I couldn't help but stare at the man. He was tall, with raven black hair and intense gray eyes. There was no expression on his face, but his aura conveyed something else. I could sense danger. He exuded authority to the point of being alarming.

"Team Captain." The man with brown hair turned to face me. "We're about to start."

I was abruptly brought back to reality by what I heard. I faced the three of them. "It's not necessary," I snapped.

They stopped and looked at me. The Team Captain raised his eyebrow as if I had said something intriguing. I swallowed hard, but I still managed to meet their gazes.

"You're looking for something, and I have it," I announced.

A ghost of an amused smirk crossed the Team Captain's lips. It was as if he didn't expect me to confess. It took a whole minute before the woman with them spoke again.

"And what would that be?" she asked seriously. Any trace of amusement had now vanished from her face.

I opened my palm for them all to see. And that's when my worthless life started to unravel.

***

Chapter 3: The Group

We were currently walking. Both of my hands were handcuffed behind my back. On my sides were two men, one named Ethan with brown hair, and the other was Cain. In front of me were the woman Victoria, along with the Team Captain Ethan referred to as Gin.

"Why did they have to assign us this task? The palace guards could have handled it just fine," Victoria said, sounding irritated as we walked.

I heard Cain snort beside me. "Come on, extra training," he replied.

"As if I need it," Victoria retorted. "It's so muddy here." She complained while trying to rid her shoes of the clinging mud as we walked.

We reached the edge of the woods that separated the hill and the town. I tried to move my wrists, but the handcuffs tightened when I tried to force them. The Team Captain remained silent at the front. It seemed he wasn't fond of speaking. But I saw how angry he got earlier when Cain and Victoria were arguing; he was quite terrifying. Very serious.

"Aren't you really cold?" Ethan asked me as we entered the woods. The surroundings grew darker here, and Victoria was still complaining about the bugs.

"I'm fine," I answered shortly and avoided his gaze. As if he really cared whether I froze to death here. I looked at their fancy coats; they seemed comfortable. I wonder how many months I'd have to go without food to afford those.

"Is Corrine still not getting better?" Victoria suddenly asked. I noticed the Team Captain briefly stop. It was only for a moment, but I knew there was something about what Victoria said that affected him.

"I'm not sure," Ethan answered this time. "All I know is she won't be able to return."

Victoria scoffed. "So what do we do now? It was said-"

Victoria stopped when she noticed Gin turn to us.

"Just let me know if you plan on gossiping," he said in a cold tone that even Victoria seemed frightened. "I'll give you a chance to talk."

I felt the wind grow darker and stronger within the forest. Cain made a tsk sound, as if he was used to scenes like this. Who are they? What can they do? Especially Gin. Why are they afraid here?

"Can you calm down?" Victoria suddenly shrieked. "I'm just wondering!"

"Chill, bro," Ethan said to me. He looked at me. "We have someone else here."

Gin suddenly looked at me. I didn't know why, but I was suddenly scared. I took a step back. His eyes were too penetrating, too intense for my comfort. He turned away from us and continued walking. My companions followed suit.

"Be careful this time," Cain warned Victoria. "You're putting us in danger."

After almost an hour of walking through the forest, we reached a massive gate. The gate was made of thick wood and black iron. The walls were high and looked too heavy for my liking. It felt more like a prison than a school entrance. Well, I didn't have to wonder. This school covered almost an entire town. I even heard they had their own dungeon where I'd be imprisoned.

While Gin was talking to some guards scattered outside, I couldn't help but think of Lucas as I stared at the gate. I remembered how he longed to enter this place. The joy on his face when he gazed at the Titan Academy gate from a distance. You can see it. I'm the one who will enter ahead of the two of us. Me, with no intentions.

Gin returned to the group. The guards immediately exchanged glances. They weren't wearing fancy black cloaks like Gin. But in some way, they looked tidier than us town folks. The gate slowly opened, and we entered the Academy.

The first thing I noticed upon stepping inside was the dimly lit corridor. It was wide but dark, like a highway with no lights. But when one of the guards led the way, the lights illuminated from where we stood to the end of the path in front of us.

Whoa. Movement activated.

That's when I realized the look of the entrance. There were woods on either side of the path, blocked by tall and thin metal fences. There were small gates every few meters with signs like BEWARE. DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION, and others. I also heard some strange noises that weren't in the ordinary forest we passed earlier.

As we walked, now with our numbers doubled due to the guards, I couldn't help but feel anxious for the first time. This is not a school for me. This looks like a huge torture chamber. Maybe I will die. Maybe they don't care if I'm of legal age or not. Maybe everyone who has committed a crime here gets killed. I will surely die.

Ethan looked at me as we walked. He noticed how I stiffened and couldn't breathe properly.

"Are you okay?" he asked with concern. Is he really asking me that? I'm probably fine. There's a huge chance I'll die in this place. Yes, I'm perfectly fine.

I didn't respond. Goosebumps ran down my arms and spine as we got closer to our destination. The path slowly widened as we walked. It was like opening up for something huge and significant. And minutes later, I saw it.

The castle of Titan Academy. The actual school. A lump formed in my throat as I stared at it. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. It's huge. And it's looming in front of us. It covers the dark sky in front of us. And it stretches for miles on both sides. I can tell we're on our way to the main chamber. But the palace itself is so vast that the main chamber in front of us looks like a mere lobby.

I heard the guards bid us farewell and head to the right side of the palace. Maybe that's where their quarters are. Only a few lights were on in the palace. The path we walked earlier had returned to its dark state. There were a couple of warm golden lights from some windows and towers. But other than that, it was dark around us.

The door opened when one of them approached it. The lights lit up, just like when we passed by. My mouth hung open the moment I saw the inside of Titan Academy. HOLY SHIT. Is this a school or a palace for the noble? Who studies in a place with carpeted hallways and chandeliers every few meters of ceiling?

"Finally," Victoria muttered with a sigh. I couldn't help but notice how well they blended in with their surroundings. How they belonged here. Their faces, how they stood, their clothes, even though they were wet and muddy, still looked elegant and sparkling in the chandelier light. This can't be the real world. This is a stupid made-up world where false people live.

We walked through the carpeted hallway. My shoes felt ashamed against the expensive carpet. I wonder if it's self-cleaned. There's never any dirt left here. The place was very bright. I was enveloped in warm golden light. It was far from the yellowish, flickering light bulbs at home. I felt like even if all the lights in town were turned on, it wouldn't be as bright and beautiful as this place.

"We're going to the Headmaster's Office," Gin's deep voice said.

"Fine," Victoria replied. She looked at me for the first time since we left my house. "Tough luck, isn't it? People should learn to be content with what they have."

I gritted my teeth but didn't say anything. Ethan just gave her a warning look. "Quit it, Victoria," he warned.

Victoria just rolled her eyes. We reached a hall with a high ceiling and large windows. At the end of it was another corridor narrower than the one we passed through earlier. It was darker and quieter. We saw a few people, mostly in service. Some of them looked like they had just woken up or had recently and were starting their duties. I checked the clock. It was three in the morning. We reached the end of the corridor, now standing in front of a large double door.

"Wait here," Gin instructed the others. He looked at me and I suddenly felt nervous. "Come with me," he added.

I took a step towards him. I noticed Cain was trying to force a smile, as if bidding farewell. Ethan heaved a sigh. "Good luck," he whispered as I passed by them.

Gin showed no expression as he looked at me. He simply opened the door and entered. But before he could take two steps, he stopped. I furrowed my brow and peered inside. That's when I saw a beautiful woman.

She's beautiful, almost surreal looking. She looked like an angel in a cream-colored nightdress. Her face was so gentle, and her skin so smooth. Her hair was brownish, long, and wavy. Her eyes were stunning.

"Corrine, what are you doing here?" Cain spoke up. They both approached the entrance of the office.

Corrine? Where have I heard that name before?

"I just talked to Principal Bins," she answered in a sweet and gentle voice. Why are these people so damn perfect? Corrine looked at Gin. "Hey, Gin," she greeted.

I could feel Gin tense up. "You shouldn't be out at this hour," he said in a monotone voice. But this time, I sensed something in his tone other than coldness. Worry?

"I'm worried about you too," Corrine replied with a soft smile. "That's why I'm here."

An awkward silence fell over the place. Even Victoria couldn't speak. Then it hit me. She's the girl Victoria mentioned in the forest earlier. Corrine looked at me and I was taken aback. It was like an angel looking down at filthy-looking people. I suddenly became self-conscious. She raised an eyebrow slightly, as if curious. I could immediately tell what she was thinking. Did she take the crest?

I felt Gin sigh next to me. He then took my arm and gently pulled me. "We need to go inside," he told me. Everyone looked at us because of his sudden change in mood. He suddenly turned cold again. I glanced back at Ethan's group, who were left behind. I saw Corrine looking at Gin's hand on my arm.

When we entered, there was a common room. There were sofas, a mahogany table, carpeted floors, a beautiful chandelier above, and a fireplace. It was warm and bright inside. There was another door open, and I could see the inside of a room that looked like a study. After a while, I heard the door we entered through close. Right on cue, two people came out from the door in front of us. An elderly woman and a man in his mid-fifties.

"Good evening, Gin," the elderly woman greeted as she sat on the opposite sofa. The man beside her didn't speak. "Please, have a seat," the elderly woman said.

Gin sat down and I remained standing. Is this some kind of meeting? Aren't they going to take me straight to the dungeon?

The elderly woman had a kind face, but I could still feel the authority in her aura. The man seemed strict and didn't speak much. He looked like an older version of the guy sitting beside me. Gin pulled me to sit down.

"Where is the crest?" the man asked.

Gin took the circular object from his pocket and placed it on the table. It gleamed under the lighting of the room.

"How old are you?" the elderly woman asked me.

"Seventeen," I choked out. I suddenly lost my voice.

The woman looked at the man beside her, as if passing on the information. "And what special ability do you have? How did you get the crest?"

"I didn't take it," I replied. "It was just given to me."

The old woman raised an eyebrow. "But your companions said you were with them when they entered here. They said you took it."

Damn Karl and Flin. If I see them in prison, I'll kill them.

"I can't do that. I have enhanced senses and control. Those can't be used for theft." I almost yelled. Damn. These people.

The two elderly people in front of me were taken aback. "Enhanced senses and control?" the woman asked with interest. "I thought you had special speed. That's what your companions said."

I cursed softly. She was referring to Lucas. "They are lying," I answered. "That's not my special ability. And even if it were, you can't prove that I entered this place."

I stood my ground firmly. They have no evidence that someone with special speed entered this place. Because no one did. Lucas wasn't with the group that came in here.

"Very well said," the woman said with a smile. Why is she even smiling? Didn't she hear what I just said? They have no proof.

"And you are Tyler?" she asked again. "Let's see, what's your whole name?"

"I'm Shia Sheridan," I replied, my face resolute. "I'm not a Tyler. I just live there, so Karl and Flin thought I was one."

The old lady seemed entertained. "Really?" she said, seemingly amused. "Well then, who is Lucas? He is a Tyler, yes, and he has the super speed."

I suddenly felt a chill. SHIT. Do they know I'm lying? I tried to calm myself. So what if they know? They can't catch Lucas. I'm the one with the crest. They have no evidence against him unless I confess.

"Are you planning to apprehend him too?" I challenged. "Are you going to waste your time arresting someone who has nothing to do with this when the real culprit is right in front of you?"

The room fell silent, filled with apprehension. After a while, the woman let out a soft laugh.

"Why would we do that?" she asked, seemingly amused. "As you said, you're already here. And I'm going to take your word, Miss Sheridan. This time, I'll believe you more than your two companions. After all, it has been proven that they were the ones who entered the palace."

I clenched my fists. So they knew all along? Why did they bother asking me all those questions if they already knew? Are they playing with me? Fuck.

"Miss Sheridan, I have a proposition to make."

I turned to the older man. It was the first time he spoke. He looked at me with a watchful expression. Even Gin, who had been quiet all this time, suddenly seemed interested in the conversation.

"I'm interested in your ability," he said bluntly. No beating around the bush or introductions. "We need someone like you."

I furrowed my brow. Need? For what? What is he even talking about?

"I'm willing to set you free. Go back to your old life." He looked at me as if he was challenging me. "But of course, all of this comes with a price."

I mentally scoffed and rolled my eyes. What did I expect? That's the motto of the wealthy, isn't it?

"I want you to be part of a group. A group that will be joining the Linus Cup."

My jaw dropped at what he said. WAIT, WHAT?!

***