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The cafeteria was never Amani’s preferred spot; it was always too bustling, too raucous for her liking. She usually swung by for breakfast, swiftly grabbing her meal before retreating to the library or joining her friends elsewhere. Lingering in the cafeteria, especially alone, was not her norm. Yet today was different. Today, she sought out the clamor, craving the disruption amidst the din. The chatter served as a welcome distraction, as if the people were divulging secrets straight out of middle school.
"Did Dimitri and Galianda really fck"
"Not only that but apparently the Greek club had an orgy that they attended"
"is that allowed on campus?
"Well it’s not illegal, besides it’s a Greek class"
“Don’t be stereotypical, Siv”
“Not stereotypical, but realistic”
As Amani flipped through her book, absorbing the key details, the murmur of conversation enveloped the cafeteria. The background noise served as a welcome distraction, allowing her to concentrate on her studies while momentarily escaping the whirlwind of thoughts swirling within her mind. The gossip floating around also made the food more enjoyable, enhancing her nourishment as she delved into her reading.
Always prepared, Amani kept snacks close at hand to ensure she never missed a meal. It was essential, not just for her own well-being, but also for the creature that depended on her blood. If she skipped meals, it would weaken her, albeit not significantly enough to cause harm. Still, Amani couldn’t bear the thought of neglecting the creature, treating it almost like a cherished pet despite its obvious origins. It was a peculiar symbiotic relationship, one that had developed over time. While Amani acknowledged its strangeness, she had grown accustomed to it, much like many of her unusual magical gifts, all of which stemmed from her parents, particularly her father.
Speaking of her father, Amani hoped fervently that he remained unaware of the recent events or that no one had reported them to him. Because what if he- No, Amani pushed those ideas behind her, for after all, she could always rely on her ability to spin a convincing tale if need be. Her father had always placed his trust in her, and she intended to uphold it.
Pursing her lips in contemplation, Amani resolved to address any concerns about Azriel later. For now, she refocused her attention on her studies, flipping to page 145 to jot down some notes. However, her concentration was interrupted by the presence of someone nearby. Closing her book, she looked up to find a familiar figure passing by—a figure from her past, a former “friend” whose acquaintance she had not encountered in quite some time. A smirk danced across her lips as she observed the familiar sight.
Ayra Sellova Amani had greeted, following the greeting with a snarky remark, to which Arya had simply greeted her back.
“Interesting or over the top?” Amani queried, her gaze sweeping over Arya’s attire from head to toe. “Though,” she added, drawing back slightly, her lips curving into a small smile, “I suppose Wyndham College thrives on the extravagant, does it not? A touch of the dramatic to fuel the flames of academic fervor. It is what makes the magic school, so magical and enchanting, do you agree?.” She inquired, her slender fingers tapping rhythmical against the spine of her book, the sound echoing faintly in the cafeteria, looking down at her book, before looking back up at Arya, “First impressions are paramount, after all,” she continued, her voice taking on a somber timbre. “They lay the foundation for what is to come—a year shrouded in mystery, success or excitement perhaps.”
Amani opened her book again, flipping through the pages, looking down at it, though she was not reading it, instead she was awaiting Ayra’s words. Amani stood straight, turning her gaze back to Ayra, an unreadable expression on her face, “Do you believe you will have a successful year, Sellonova?” Her words carried a weight of expectation, mingled with a subtle undercurrent of foreboding, as though she were peering into the shadows of the future, seeking answers that lay beyond the realm of ordinary understanding.
It was then that Arya’s gaze shifted, her eyes alighting upon Amani’s signature shade of green. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she took note of Amani’s steadfast adherence to tradition, to the familiar comfort of the past. Her gaze lingering on the black leather jacket Amani had on, before she commented on Amani’s adherence to tradition, a playful glint in her eyes, and a smirk to which Amani had matched with a smile, “I’m hoping for a successful year, a year unlike the first day.” Amani said, taking a sip of her latte, “Successful people tend to have a signature style, something to make them stand out.” Amani commented, “And emerald, bless the color, is said to be the color of abundance, prosperity and growth within all aspects of life. I don’t tend to believe in spiritual bullshit, I find it corny,” Amani said, “But it has worked so far, so perhaps I’m just a skeptic, wouldn’t you say?” Amani playfully said, with a flick of a her wrist, Amani pulled a chair, for Ayra to sit, “It’s better to drink while seated, allows you to taste the flavor better.” She commented as Arya took a sip of her drink, asking Amani what has been going on with her life lately.
A lot
Amani thought, A lot, had been going on with her life, that made her come back to Ninth house, instead of another college closer to home that her siblings suggested she could transfer too, so they could spend more time together, before- Amani tapped her fingers on the desk, before that and perhaps they had also suggested it to keep watch on her, just like her father, her siblings could be a little overbearing- lovely, Amani loves them with all her heart truly, but overbearing, and they never failed to at times report ‘strange’ actions to her father. There was also the events of yesterday, and day before she came back to Ninth house that occurred, and Amani could talk about all of those things, she could go on rants about them, and she would, if she was not in the cafeteria, and Ayra and her well still as close as before, “A lot,” Amani said, "And I would love to talk about it, but a little birdie had once told me that centering conversations about yourself is not kind, and I’m feeling like Saint Theresa right now, " Playfully, Amani had continued, “You know I’ve really had a change of heart, and I’m ready to give love and appreciation to the world. That is of course, what I would say if I was a liar,” Amani smirked, “And I am, but that not much, but do tell, has everything been exciting with you or has it been awfully boring? Hanging out with Gardens can lead to that, sorry.”