Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 83

Chapter 83: 83-Roommate With A Monster

Helanie:

As soon as I lifted my head, I watched the elevator door shut. The lights were on and I was still standing beside the bag like before. I quickly checked time and it seems like barely any seconds had passed.

Did I hallucinate or what?

"Of course I zoned out," I slapped my forehead. It has been a difficult time for me. I wasn’t able to hold food down either. After that night, I would get such weird hallucinations and nightmares. I stared at the 10th floor button and then fixed my posture.

The elevator was unlike anything I had ever seen. It felt as though I had stepped into a world of fantasy. The subtle blue and gray tones, combined with the intricate carvings on the walls and the ornate frames of the mirror inside, were breathtaking.

Every passing moment in this place reminded me that everything I had endured to be a part of this academy was worth it. Every minute of torment and sacrifice had finally paid off.

As the elevator ascended, I felt the weight of the bag Emmet had given me. It was heavier than I expected, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he had packed inside. I was excited, to be honest. No one had ever given me a gift before, and knowing Emmet, I was sure it would be something thoughtful—something I would use every day.

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped into a hallway that left me awestruck. The layout was simple but stunning. Rooms were positioned opposite each other in pairs, followed by an open stretch of hallway with tall windows on either side. This pattern repeated until the very end of the corridor, where a single room stood alone, its door framed by elegance.

The hallway itself was a masterpiece. The arched windows were almost ceiling-high. Each window was set between delicate columns that supported the arches above, casting soft reflections on the smooth marble floor in muted shades of gray and lavender. Warm light from chandeliers and wall sconces complemented the daylight, giving the hall a serene and welcoming glow.

Under one of the windows, a wooden bench with a teal cushion sat, with a small plant on the side. At the far end of the hallway, double doors of a single and last too caught my eye. My heart skipped a beat as I realized that the room at the end of the hall—Room R-56—is the room I will be sharing with two strangers.

The door was flanked by two lamps that matched the ambiance of the hostel perfectly. Yet, as I climbed higher through the building, I noticed it growing colder. The open windows likely allowed the wind to sweep through, carrying a crisp chill from floor to floor.

"Room number R-56," I read aloud, staring at the plate on the side of the door. Taking a deep breath, I inserted the key, ready to unlock my new space. However, to my surprise, the door was already ajar. My roommate was clearly inside.

Bracing myself, I pushed the door open, a small pang of dread creeping in. I hoped I wouldn’t find myself paired with someone difficult or unpleasant.

The moment my eyes landed on her, though, all my fears vanished. It was none other than Lucy.

Oh my fate had blessed me with her sight on the first day here.

A bright smile spread across my face as recognition hit me. She turned from her bed, her expression lighting up when she saw me. Without hesitation, she rushed toward me, wrapping me in a tight hug.

"Lucy!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with joy as she lifted me off the floor and spun me around.

"I can’t believe it’s you!" she squealed, setting me down only to pull me into another hug. We both laughed, our excitement bubbling over as we hugged again and again, cheering like maniacs.

I felt so incredibly blessed in that moment.

"I was so scared. I thought I’d end up with the two sisters," Lucy said, rolling her eyes as she held my hand. I glanced around the room, a wave of relief washing over me.

She was not wrong. I was frightened of being with a stranger or a bully myself.

We both had the same fear. I had dreaded the possibility of opening the door to find Salem and Sydney as my roommates. If that had happened, I might have walked right out. Ever since my win, I’d had a gut feeling they would do everything in their power to make my life here difficult.

"I’m so glad you’re here," Lucy continued, her smile widening, "but—you lost the last test, didn’t you? So..." Her hand moved to scratch her scalp awkwardly, and I realized she didn’t know what had happened after that.