This school just loves putting on a show. Nothing feels real when it comes to everything and everyone here. This is why it is one of my underlying missions to go against every concept the university tries to push on its students. It is kind of sad how much the students eat the faculty’s bullshit. Now, not all teachers and teachings are a waste of time, but majority is. The whole purpose of Sabbath University is to pair Beasts with their destined Channelers.

In our world you are either born a Channeler, a being that can channel magick as easy as taking a breath of air. Or you are a Beast, a being that can receive magick and amplify it with your abilities. Usually it is witches, warlocks, or fae that are Channelers, and very rarely are there other races with ability to channel magick on massive levels. Beasts are your shifters, vampires, shadows, changelings, and so on. Beasts can channel small amounts of magick to fuel their abilities enough to still be dangerous. Yet most Beasts never fully reach their true limit because they cannot channel enough magick from the earth. That is where Channelers come in. Channelers “connect” with Beasts and channel magick to Beasts so they go from dangerous to formidable. Making this connection is made out to be the ultimate goal in life. The High Council pushes this agenda relentlessly, so much so that Sabbath University was born just for it. What both entities fail to admit is the hidden messages that twist the meaning of the connection and the unspoken elitist ideology that is drenched in their teachings. Not that anyone here would have a serious conversation about this, but everyone knows on some level. In the way Channelers carry themselves as if they are better and can pick whatever Beast they fancy. The nasty side looks Beasts give their own Channelers for their mistreatment. Connection is now known as Chaining. A term not so secretly adopted by the elite since it is found more “fitting”. Channelers, in kind, became Handlers. Beasts are chained by their Handlers. Rage courses through my veins. This system is fucked and I hate having to play their disgusting game. Taking a few breaths to calm myself, I look around the auditorium that all third year students are gathering in for the announcement. I am heading towards a spot at the very top of the bleachers. The further away from everyone the less likely I have to worry about interactions.

“Hey Trav!” I hear someone call from behind me. I turn towards the voice just as Trav does. It comes from a tall built man that has short dark brown hair. He is standing slightly in the aisle with three others standing in the bleachers they claimed for themselves. I don’t spend any more time detailing them since I already know them well. Not on a personal level, but anyone who walks the halls of Sabbath University knows of the Sabbath Four. A group of four Beasts that have unheard-of abilities as well as being able to channel magick at unheard-of levels for any type of Beast. So says the University, but it is not as rare as some would think. My eyes roam from the group to Trav who is already looking at me. There is an unspoken conversation that has Trav moving down a few steps to talk with the man. Looking at Trav beside the other four, it is easy to mistake him as being a part of their little crew. Like them, he is a rare powerful Beast. I do not linger as their conversation starts. It is not missed that some of the other dark eyes follow my path as I make my way up. I am used to eyes following me around. Most looks are filled with judgement, disgust, or hatred. The last one always confuses me since I go out of my way to avoid my peers so there is not much to hate. In the end, it isn’t my problem, so good luck with that, weirdos. My gaze follows the rows and rows of heads as it finally starts filling up as I take my spot at the top bleacher by the back wall. The faculty on the ground are finding their own seats that are lined up behind a microphone stand.

“You could have stuck around and said hello.”

I scoff as Trav sits beside me. “They no more wanted me to stick around them than I did.”

Trav is looking at me with a knowing look but chooses wisely not to start this argument, again. Though we agree on a lot of the corruption in our society, Trav is a firm believer that connections need to be embraced. A flash of a memory crosses my eyes.

“You have to at least try!” Trav pleads with me.

“I’m here aren’t I! I am at this miserable place.” My arms are raised to highlight the dorm suite that the University provided for us.

“Yes, yes you are. But it means nothing if you refuse to even talk with anyone who may be a connection.”

“Who you think is a connection.”

“Yes, because you refuse to look for any!” Trav shouts, his cool and calm demeanor slipping.

“I never wanted one in the first place. Why push this?!” As the words leave my lips I knew this fight hit a line.

Trav’s face falls to a dangerous glare. “No. You didn’t. And you continue to choose to keep us vulnerable. Forgive. Me. If I decide I will no longer allow it.” He pushes off the counter in the kitchen and heads to his personal room down the hall. As I hear the door click shut I’m snapped back to the present.

I huddle further into my oversized hoodie as I lean back on the wall behind our seats. That fight was followed by a week of the cold shoulder. I knew I hurt him by voicing the truth but it wasn’t an unknown one. In fact I made it a point to always voice it to him constantly before we connected. Never seems to dim the sting that comes when I say it now. He is right with his worries, of course, though I’d never say those words outright to him. His ego is fine without the inflate. Channelers and Beasts can be left vulnerable with no connections for an array of reasons. Every Channeler goes through an awakening at the age of seventeen where they go through the Gods’ Trials. This trial wakens their full Channeler ability. It is believed that the Gods stem the ability in Channelers as babies so as not to cause premature burn out. As we grow, we train to handle the power and it is given back at the trials. Each society has their own customs and rituals but not many differences when you break it down. Most think it is a beautiful experience and perhaps theirs was. Not mine, it was a horrific one that left me scarred. Once a Channeler is unlocked, markings appear on their body. Channeler marks are unique in design but follow the same path as the others. It goes from the center of the lower back all the way to the shoulder, then wraps around the front of the shoulder all the way down the arm to a fingertip. Some Channelers have as few as two, and the highest ever recorded is five. When a Channeler and a Beast connect, a matching mark appears on said Beast. The design matches the Channeler’s, but the path is slightly different. It, too, starts at the lower back but goes up the spine and loops around the neck. This is where the term chaining came about. It has the resemblance of a collar where the Channeler’s mimics a leash. A horrible way of looking at what a connection is but that is where our society is. I hate it, always have. I pledged before my awakening that I would never take a connection. Just my own fuck you to this twisted idea.

My eyes travel to Trav who is surveying the crowd. Probably looking out for any potentials. A sigh leaves my lips at that thought. I obviously lost the no-connection battle once, and if he has his way I’ll keep losing it. I know in my heart it’s from a place of caring and the need to keep us safe. I am just a… what is the saying?

“An old dog who can’t learn new tricks.” Trav says with a little laugh.

“Spying on my thoughts now?” I squint at him with no real anger.

“Do not think it so loudly and it won’t come through the bond, Izz.”

I just answer with a humming noise. There is a clearing of a throat over the speakers. The Headmistress is now standing behind the microphone, patiently waiting for the crowd to fully settle. Which they do.

“Now what could be so important they needed a gathering?” I muse.

“Naev thinks it’s a new connection-making system they plan to implement.”

My eyes move back to the man Trav went back to speak to earlier. His dark messy hair easy to point out. Does he not own a brush? Anyway, it is a strange topic for that being the reasoning for the chat. But who am I to know what is strange or not in chats. I keep those to a bare minimum. Especially with those who can’t be trusted. I really wish Trav would stay away from them, but that is his call. My eyes are back on Trav to notice the roll of his own.

“We were supposed to meet up to practice some battle maneuvers we learned in class yesterday. Had to cancel it because they scheduled this gathering. Naev wanted to discuss when we could all get together and he mentioned it. Izz, you really need to learn to make some friends.”

“Why do I need friends when I have my best friend?” I smirk his way which only gains me a half serious glare.

“Anyway. It seems the University is getting pushed by the Council to produce more connections.”

“And they are announcing their plan. Great, cannot wait to hear it.” I fake excitement. By the look on Trav’s face, it is poorly.

Headmistress Shaylenne finally deems the room settled enough to her liking. She is a tall lanky woman who looks more like a spider than fae. Her inky black hair falls straight down to her hips and looks as if it has never heard of the word volume before. Her eyes are a bright yellow that seem to shift unnaturally fast across the room. She is so pale that one could argue she is as white as the moon. Headmistress Shaylenne is also a very powerful Channeler in the community. No one doubts her place at Sabbath. I wouldn’t either — she is the definition of an elitist sell out. A smile spreads from her lips as she looks out at us all. I never am able to tell if her smiles are truly genuine or her way of hiding.

“Thank you all for joining us today.” As if we had a real choice. “I know most of you had studious plans that were interrupted. This will not take long but is of the utmost importance.” She continues on and on about Sabbath’s goal to teach and then goes into the history of the school. I tune her out for most of her speech since it is the same one every faculty member gives before they give news they feel is going to give pushback. I don’t realize I am slightly banging my head on the wall until Trav nudges his knee against mine. I decide to tune back in. “… With those ideals in mind. Sabbath University has decided to bring Madame Sade in to help find connections within the Third years.” There is a very large amount of gasps heard throughout the large room. Some giggles and an eruption of whispers. There isn’t a soul in our world who does not know who Madame Sade is. She could be seen as a Channeler, but those who have met her usually describe her as being, Other. Not really fitting any real group or description. Trav’s hand is on my knee, giving reassuring squeezes. Where most of the attendees now seem to be filled with excitement, I am sure I am having a panic attack. “Quiet, now.” Headmistress firmly settles the room again. “At the showcase which will be next week when the moon is full. Madame Sade will join the University’s esteemed panel who will be marking your progress as a Channeler or an unclaimed Beast. Our hope is that Madame Sade will be able to point out strong connections to which the school can hone and strengthen into being completed. All of you have been working hard to demonstrate your talent, strength, and power. I am not worried that Madame Sade will be anything less than impressed with Sabbath.” That smile widens further, making her look ten times creepier. “Madame Sade has requested a few changes to the program.” By the sharp tone her voice just gained, it looks like it is an unwanted change. “Beasts will conduct their showcases first and Channelers will go after. Madame believes this will allow her to see the connections better. As well as, any claimed Beasts will not participate. This is due to the fact that a completed connection can confuse the reading of new ones. You are required to attend though.”

“Oh hell ya.” Trav exclaims from beside me. I don’t hide my cringe. He only laughs softly.

There are other cheers around the bleachers. Headmistress is quick to burst the bubble. “You will be first to showcase next quarter since you will not be this time. Now, that is all the announcements for today. I do not have to remind you to bring your best to this showcase. It is our duty to the Council and our lands to find our connections. To become powerful and defend our way of life against those of darkness who try to harm it. I am sure I will be proud of Sabbath that day. Do not disappoint.” With that lovely conclusion the Headmistress leaves her place and walks out of the auditorium with the rest of the faculty following shortly behind. Students begin to disperse but majority are too busy gabbing about the terrific news to leave. I, on the other hand, need some quiet to wallow in despair.

“Do not look so torn up. Nothing has changed. It’s still another showcase where the faculty will tell you to take the lessons more seriously.” Trav begins as I stand to make our way down the bleachers.

“Says the man that gets an out.” I quip.

“I still have to suffer and watch the circus.” He has the audacity to look distraught.

“This is different. Madame Sade is a powerful being that is rumored to see the threads of connections. Not just ones that are completed but ones that have yet to be. She has matched some of the most powerful connections our world has ever known. She so much as points to a connection and the University will demand it to be done.” I explain as we make our way down, only slowing when someone in front pauses or another cuts in to get down.

“I am not seeing the downside.” Trav calls from behind me. Of course he doesn’t — this is going to make his job all that much easier. I am about to say so when I am shoved from the side.

“Get the fuck out my way, stupid bitch.” As I lose my footing I feel my body flying forward. This is going to be a domino effect that will be very painful. Just as I’m about to make a descent, firm hands grab my upper arms, stopping whatever momentum I have. I look up into the lightest blue eyes I have ever seen. They are the color of a glacier and as cold as one. They are looking me up and down with some scrutiny. Unfortunately for him, one would have to care about his opinion for that look to be effective. I am not one to care. His eyes soften with whatever look he sees on my face though I’m sure it’s not a welcoming one. I find my feet under me once again, turning towards the asshat that pushed me.

“Bitch? You are correct. Let me demonstrate, shall I?” I grin up to the Beast who couldn’t wait for me to pass before exiting.

“Oh you plan to do something little thing?” He laughs and looks back at his friends who join in.

I take a step up the stairs towards him when I hear a low timber voice chime in. He stands just as tall as the rest of the Sabbath Four but is built stockier. He has dirty blonde hair that is shoulder length. He is standing off in the bleachers, glaring at my soon-to-be victim.

“Fuck off James. Only a weak Beast would start shit with a Channeler. Let alone a lady.”

I cannot help the scoff that leaves my mouth at the lady part. It is not often that I have anyone step up in defense of me. I never really need it and most who know me well enough know that. No one notices my sound since they are too busy sizing each other up.

“How about you get a Channeler before you start telling how to treat one, Felixon.” James snaps at him.

“As soon as you do. Given your track record with women though. I’ll have mine sooner than you.” Felixon deadpans.

“Fuck you.” It seems he wants to say more but his friends begin to push him down the steps past the gathered group. By my guess they do not want the trouble their friend is making.

I keep my eyes on them as they pass. Having to hold myself back from kicking him down the steps. Any other time, at any other place, his blood would have been spilling by my hand. Yet I have rules to follow, for now.

“Glare any longer and his head will implode.” Glacier snickers beside me. In answer I swing it on him.

Just then Trav wanders down with his hands in his pockets. He is giving a look of boredom but I know he is slightly annoyed. He makes it a point to encourage me to “stay out of trouble” with other Beasts. Don’t want to scare off any potentials prematurely. It wasn’t always like this. The constant need for other connections has grown more and more in Trav over the past years. I’d never voice it but it is beginning to put a strain on our own.

“You ok?” He asks more out of show for the others.

“Yes. I ran into a glacier.” I point a thumb to a large mass I can still feel at my back.

Trav arches his eyebrow at my description of the person behind me.

“I have been called worse things.” Glacier answers.

I turn ready to be back in our rooms and away from this encroaching crowd. I am met with the blockage of the two males Naev and Glacier. Each one must stand somewhat above six feet since they are Trav’s height and he is 6’5. Glacier also rocks dark blue hair that hangs over his ears and one eye. He is smirking at me as if I at least entertain him a tad. Naev has light brown eyes that make his brown hair look darker. He is looking at the group who is moving to the other stairs to make their escape. The fourth member of their group stands in the bleachers where they originally sat during the gathering. His black-eyed glare stays on me as I begin to walk down the stairs again. He is known to be the most menacing one out of the group. His ink black hair and eyes give him an evil look. That is what the women claim makes him give that dangerous air about him. I say it is the shadows that cling to him. They are darker than actual shadows so you can tell they are unnatural. None of these males feel intimidating to me. Though Trav would always argue that others have a reason to have survival instincts.

“Thanks for the catch.” I mumble as I pass between Glacier and Naev. I don’t need to look back to know Trav is following behind me.

“See ya, guys. I’ll catch you later Naev to discuss meeting up.” I hear Trav say as he too passes the males.

“Sure thing.” Naev answers but I catch the look he gives Trav when he turns. It looks almost pissed off.

“Nice meeting your lovely troublemaker, Trav!” I hear Glacier’s chilling tone yell.

I turn halfway across the auditorium floor with a glare as I now see all four standing together halfway up the bleacher stairs. Trav is right next to me as I stop. He doesn’t even have the decency to try to hide his laughing. That earns him an elbow in the stomach as I give my meanest look to the onlookers.

“You need to learn to make less friends.” I sneer at Trav’s bent form as he continues his laugh as I walk out the doors.