Gold University was centered in the middle of the city yet it seemed just as remote as the countryside. Large, gilded gates surrounded the entire university grounds. It enclosed about a fifty-mile radius and was enchanted to keep out the pesky city sounds. The main building was structured to resemble a castle fortress with large, stained glass windows. There was an insurmountable number of balconies located all over the castle.

The stone was a rich, gold color and stood out against the black metal used to outline the windows and doors. Bright flowers popped against the stone in odd splashes, causing the eye to wander to and fro. A large clock tower rose above the castle, demanding to be seen.

A long and winding path of crushed pebble snaked its way toward the university doors and branched off to delve further into the heart of the university grounds. Students and professors were making their way to various parts of the university, heading off to much smaller, but still just as grand, buildings located at random intervals behind the main building.

Aidan took all of this in as the university gates swung open to let them pass.

 “Student I.D.’s work as a keycard to the university gates. Should you need to leave the grounds for any reason, remember to take your I.D. There aren’t any restrictions or curfews you need to worry about. Gold University believes in letting its students decide what experience they want and how they want it.

“Some don’t use their heads and end up expelled. Others utilize this place to its full potential. The university uses this method as a way to weed out those that aren’t serious in their education and training. It doesn’t happen as often as it did when I was a student here. But there is the odd one every now and again.” Gerelda finished speaking after she pulled into a tight parking spot.

Aidan glanced at his watch and couldn’t help the smirk that covered his face. “We’re exactly twenty minutes late.”

“No shit.” Gerelda spat before opening her door and getting out. Aidan quickly followed and hurried to grab his things from the trunk. Once he had everything, he turned to find Gerelda climbing the grand staircase leading to the university entrance.

Letting out an annoyed sigh, he jogged up the steps and reached Gerelda just as she opened one of the doors.

“Tardiness will not be tolerated.” A hard voice stated when the door had shut behind Aidan and Gerelda.

“My apologies, Director.” Gerelda responded as she dipped her head in a slight bow. “I miscalculated and scheduled the wrong train.”

“Hmm.” The Director turned her hard-blue eyes on Aidan. “Don’t let it happen again.” 

Aidan bowed his head before allowing his gaze to wander freely over the grand hall. It was just as spectacular as the outside. Gold was the prominent color and it didn’t fail to be magnificent. The ceiling was arched high. The stain glass windows would have provided a beautiful array of light had the sun been shining.

There were other grand doorways and stairs leading to who knew where. Aidan was sure he’d get lost when left on his own.

“My name is Aridella Thame. I’ve been director of this university for thirty years. You need to fill out the last bit of documents, look over your course schedule, and be shown your new home before you can attend your first class of the day.” Aridella stated in a hard voice as she turned on her heel and strode toward an open door. “You are dismissed, Gerelda.”

Aidan met Gerelda’s black eyes and returned her intimidating stare before following Aridella into a side office. She was a woman to be reckoned with. She had long black hair and piercing blue eyes. She was shorter than Aidan by about seven inches, but he didn’t let that fool him into ignorance.

He could feel a powerful wave of magic coming off her. It felt even more powerful than his own, which was saying something.

When he entered the office, he expected there to be more grandeur than what he found. Rather than gold and black, sharp blue and off-white greeted his eyes. Aridella situated herself behind a desk and pulled out a thin file.

“You need to sign a few forms regarding classes, policy and procedure, housing, as well as a life waiver should you find training to be more difficult than expected.” Aridella’s tone was cool as she calmly placed a stack of documents in front of him.

Aidan quickly scanned through the first few, saving housing for last. His forehead crinkled in confusion when he scanned through his housing information. “I’m living in a house?”

Aridella pursed her lips. “It’s much smaller than you’re imagining. You’ll be sharing it with another student; Fabian Zale. I’m sure you two will meet before the day is out.”

Aidan forced himself to sign the papers without mouthing off. He had been expecting less of a house and more of a slightly larger room than the one he had recently vacated. Perhaps the rich expected others to want the same things they did.

Once Aidan signed the last document, Aridella pulled out a silver key and set it down in front of him. “I don’t have time to show you around. The house you will be living in is located thirty minutes from this building. I had it fully stocked last night. Should you need more food, there is a store located in the center of campus.

“I’ve included a map along with a list of your classes. Work starts once you finish class. You will meet at the designated building no later than ten minutes after class ends. Ravick, your boss, will further create your work schedule.”

Aidan stared at Aridella once she had finished, expecting her to continue. However, when she glanced at him with steel in her eyes, he got the feeling that he was dismissed.

“I just have one question.” 

“Go on,” Aridella all but growled. 

“How do I find my house?” 

The look Aridella gave him could have curdled milk. “We don’t hold hands, Mr. Aleta. You find it on your own.”

“Right.” Aidan grabbed his course schedule along with his house key and left as soon as he could.