Starlight Academy Part 2 - Diana

The tense silence became unbearable, and Juliana tried to fill it. "So," she said, "is this a good school?"

He looked at her, as if he was surprised that she should speak. "Oh, yes. It's the best in academics, and the faculty is wonderful."

"But what about the students?"

He paused, considering the question, before answering carefully, "The students are of admiral breeding."

"Oh, okay."

They continued on in silence, until they reached a large, flawlessly white building. It had a huge, wrap-around porch and towering pillars that reminded Juliana of a colonial-style house. She could hear the faint rush of water, and she assumed that there must have been a pond in the back.

"Here you are," said Gerard, gesturing at the building. "I'm sure you can find someone to help you to your room. I'll see you at dinner." He nodded, turned, and walked off, back toward the court.

"Thanks," she said, and went inside.

The inside was almost more impressive than the outside. There were huge velvet chairs and couches, a fountain in the center, and two hallways leading away from the lobby.

Jade wandered toward the fountain, hand held out to catch the water, when a sharp voice stopped her.

"Don't touch!" someone snapped from behind her. She turned to see a girl her age, her arms folded angrily over her chest. Her hair was as black as coal, and her eyes were just as dark. She had a black overcoat held together with strings over tight, leather clothes. Her nails were crimson red to match her lips.

"Oh," Juliana said. "Sorry. I didn't know."

"Whatever. Just don't do it again."

"Okay. Um... I'm Juliana. Could you help me find my room? I'm new."

She sighed, as if it was too much to ask. "Fine. What's your last name?"

"Paramour."

"Follow me." Then, they were off down a long, brightly-lit corridor that made Juliana's guide look out of place.

For the second time that day, Juliana had been forced to start a conversation. "What's your name?" she asked.

"Diana," she said without looking at her. "Diana Millennium."

"Cool."

They passed door after door with pairs of names written on small signs bolted to the doors, all in alphabetic order. At last, they reached a door bearing the names, "Juliana Paramour," and, "Marlo Patterson."

Diana nodded. "Here's your room. Dinner's at six. Be in the dining hall by then or don't come at all." She nodded again, and walked off.

Juliana watched her for a moment, then, after taking a deep breath, went inside.