Chapter IV: The Mark

Fire. For other people, it was nothing but a chemical combination of substances with oxygen from the air that produces heat, light, and various reactions to different things. But to me, it was more than the heat it releases or the light it gives to the world. Fire is something I refuse to get close to, something I fear the most and something that reminds me of that one haunting experience.

It reminds me of my weakness, and of my past. The past I badly wanted to forget.

“P-Please, let me go…” I uttered helplessly as his nails dug into my shoulders, creating a small wound as blood comes out of it. I closed my eyes as I swallowed hard, catching some air I badly needed.

“Leon Chaos! Let go of her!”

Professor Damaris’ voice filled the room and in a matter of minutes, the fire wielder fell to his knees.

“Ah, damn!” He winced in pain as the fire was slowly extinguished. I used this opportunity to run behind Professor Damaris and held her arms like a lost puppy.

Did I just face death on my first day of school?!

Still panting in fear, I let go of the Headmistress as she came closer to the fire wielder. “How many times do I have to remind you to not use your powers inside the school’s premises? You could have burned the whole academy for Pete’s sake!”

“I was just giving the new Seeker a hot welcome party. Did you enjoy the show?” The man turned his gaze to me, giving an annoying smirk as he pierced his bloody red eyes on mine.

Is this how you welcome new students in this place? Seriously?!

“Headmistress,” I peered above as two big guys walked past by and called Professor Damaris. They were wearing heavy suits like one for a warrior. Maybe they are the police or soldiers in this place.

Professor Damaris heaved a sigh of disappointment before pointing out the fire wielder, “Bring him to the detention room.”

“Yes, Headmistress,” The two guys went to him and tried to hold his arms, but he refused.

“I can go by myself.” He said in a cold and baritone voice.

He walked out but before he could even leave, he stopped beside me. I gulped as I glanced at his serious, intimidating face. To be honest, I have never seen someone who is gorgeously handsome as he is. But even though he is someone who wields fire, his presence is as cold as ice.

My brows furrowed in confusion as he changed his gaze on my wounded shoulder. He looked in front of him again before saying, “You’ve been marked, Patterson.” And then he walked away.

Even though I didn’t understand, his words were like ice that sent shivers up my spine. And how did he know my surname? Does it mean that my life is still in danger?

“Patterson, are you alright?” The Headmistress asked, which brought me back to reality.

“Yes, I’m okay now,” I replied.

“You’re injured.” She said as she noticed the wound I had from the fire wielder. “I’ll call Dr. Foster to heal you immediately.”

"No, it’s okay! I can pass by the infirmary after the orientation. I believe that it is right for me to know what should I expect here at the Academy of Olympus. You know, before I die.” I tried to spill it as a joke and laughed, but it seemed like the Headmistress wasn’t fond of jokes. As my laugh faded, I bit my lower lip in embarrassment.

“Sit down, child,” Professor Damaris commanded as she sat down on her office chair. I slowly sat down on the couch, waiting for what she was about to say.

“Blaire Patterson, are you sure you don’t really know your powers?” She inquired with scrutinizing eyes.

“Yes, I don’t know.” I truthfully said. Though the main reason that I don’t know what my power is is that I don’t really have one.

“I was raised in the woods, one of the uncivilized places here in Olympus. My parents, who didn’t know their powers as well, died a few months ago. It happens that Professor McLaren found me because he has to do his research on our place. He brought me with him, promising that I could find what I’m looking for in this place.” I lied of course, but I add a little bit of drama to my tone as I said those to make it look like the truth. It’s actually the story Professor McLaren made up for me. Dr. Foster was against it, but she had no other choice but to agree with it, or else, it would put us more to danger.

Professor Damaris’ expression changed as he hears my fake story. This time, she gave me a softer expression. It made me realize that maybe, she’s only putting on a facade because she’s the Academy’s Headmistress. But the truth is, she has a good heart and empathy for people, especially for the students.

“So, that’s the reason why I felt it that night. That you’re lost.” She suddenly uttered, making me shoot a curious glance toward her.

“What do you mean?” I questioned.

“I’m Lauren Damaris, from the fourth caste. And my power is empathy. I can feel the heart of people as soon as I touch them.” She confessed, which made my eyes widen in awe.

“That’s awesome!” I appreciated. How I wish I really belonged in this place.

“Anyway, Ms. Patterson. Since we’re talking about it, you must be aware of the Seven Caste of Powers here in Olympus. I presume that you already have ideas about it?” She explained, going back to her formal and authoritative aura. She must have noticed that she’s taking off too much of her mask.

“Yes, but not that much though,” I replied.

The orientation went on and I must say that the more I get to know Olympus, the more I wanted to stay here. It’s as if I don’t want to wake up from the dream I can make use of as an escape against the cruelty of the human world.

But of course, the fact that this place is also dangerous for a mere human like me brings height to my fears. Especially since I just received a death threat from one of the most powerful here in Olympus.

Speaking of powers, Professor Damaris told me that there is Seven Caste of Powers here in the Olympus, wherein people were ranked based on the level and contribution of their powers to the Olympus.

The seventh is considered the lowest rank of all, and it is called the Summoning Caste. These are the people who can summon any kind of animals, creatures, beasts, and other living things in the Olympus. Through the power vested in them, they can understand, talk to, and command them. Professor Damaris also said that every Summoner has a spirit animal who can protect and guide them.

The Healing Caste is the sixth caste in the Olympus wherein people like Dr. Foster have the ability to heal and revive someone from death. If not so, others from this caste can create different kinds of potions—good potions to be exact. Professor Damaris didn’t elaborate on it because she said that I’m able to know it soon.

Next to it is the fifth caste, or the Mechanical Caste. These are the people who are gifted either with extraordinary strength, stronger senses, durability, or superspeed. Usually, people from this caste were forced to work as the Olympus’ Warriors, who maintains peace and order within the whole Kingdom.

The fourth caste is the Psionic Caste where Professor McLaren and Professor Damaris came from. Powers such as empathy, foresight, psychic, psychometry, telekinesis, and telepathy belonged to this caste.

In conclusion, these four are considered the lower castes. They are common to every people here in Olympus, but not the next three upper castes.

The third caste was called the Forbidden Caste. It was originally called the Arcane Caste, where dark powers, black magic, and witchcraft completes the whole. However, because of its dangerous effect on Olympus, it was banned in the Olympus centuries ago. Those people who have this kind of power were brought to a place they called the Netherworld. A tragic place where they would be imprisoned to death.

The second highest caste is the Elemental Caste. It is the most important caste of all for it balances the Olympus. This is why only six people in every generation were chosen by the heavens to uphold every six elements: ice, lightning, earth, air, water, and fire. And just a few hours ago, I met the most dangerous of them all, the Fire Element holder.

And the most powerful caste of all, the Special Caste. Professor Damaris said that even the books have no idea what exactly it is. But no matter what it is, it will surely be the most powerful of all.

As I walked in the corridors of the Academy, trying to memorize every detail I got, I noticed how people looked at me with curiosity. Still, I did not bother to pay attention to them. It’s not like they’re going to kill me. Olympus is a dangerous place, but just like Professor McLaren said, I am much safer here in the Academy as long as I’ll be careful.

It’s only seven in the morning which is why Professor Damaris told me to take my time to wander and familiarize the place. Because I just got my schedule, I chose to take a peek at my classrooms.

Since I am a Seeker, I will have to study with the different castes to define what my powers are, except for the second caste. Since there are only six element power holders, it’s impossible for me to be in that caste, though the reality is whatever caste I study with, I don’t really have any powers.

For today’s schedule, I am supposed to be with the seventh caste. I looked at my schedule and tried to find their building. It wasn’t hard for me to distinguish what is it because the Summoning Caste’s Building screams like a home for the animals. There were different kinds of animals walking around together with their masters. There were even birds, foxes, elephants, and even dragons. And I can’t help but be in awe. That’s so cool!

“Wait for me, Sebastian!” A woman yelled from afar. I looked at the owner of the voice, and my eyes widened as I saw a fluffy, white dog running toward me.

“Ah!” I shouted as the dog went on top of me, causing us to fall to the ground. He started licking my face which made me chuckle before his master took him away from me.

“I told you to wait for me! You could have hurt her!” The short woman with beautiful black short hair scolded her dog but ended up hugging him too. I guess he is her spirit animal just like what Professor Damaris told me a while ago.

“Oh, hello! I’m sorry, did he hurt you?” She went to me and started inspecting my arms, finding if there was a scratch or whatever.

“Don’t worry. He didn’t—”

“Oh my gosh! Your shoulder!” She gasped and pointed his fingers at the scratch I got from the fire wielder earlier. “Wait, it’s familiar…”

I immediately shook my head, “No, it’s not like what you think. I got this from the fire wielder. The one named…” My nose scrunched as I tried to remember his name. What is it again? Lion, what?

“Leon Chaos,” A familiar, husky, baritone voice cuts in.

The Summoner and I turned our gaze on the man who just came in and I am right. It’s the fire wielder.

Fear started to creep on its way to my heart as his fuming presence gets closer to us. He stood an inch from me and a smirk escaped from his kissable lips.

“I love your tattoo.” He uttered in the most annoying way which made my forehead crease in confusion.

“What tattoo…?” I stopped as I glance on my shoulder he was looking at. My eyes widened as I saw how the wound turned into a tattoo—a red burning rose to be exact.

“H-How did you…?” I looked at him with questioning eyes, but he just gave me a devilish smirk.

“I told you, you’ve been marked.” He replied, not taking his eyes off me. However, his stares are too deep to know what’s on his mind.

“Then… what does it mean?” I said as I gulp in fear.

He took a step closer which made me take a step backward. I was about to fall but he immediately wrapped his arm around my tiny waist, pulling me closer to him and making me feel his hard, masculine chest.

He leaned his head forward, closer to my ear. I can feel my knees trembling but I feel like I have no strength left to defy what he’s going to do.

My eyes widened as Leon kissed the tattoo on my shoulder before he whispered the words that made me think that I bumped not just into danger, but with death.

“You’re mine now.” He declared in front of everyone.