Zoey
I started down the corridor and took deep breaths. I've been back to the Tulsa House of Night since I announced the North American Vampyre High Council, I've made sure that my home was taken care of. I gave Nicole the title of High Priestess of the Tulsa House of Night under the eye of Shaylin. With the help of Shaylin's True Sight, Nicole's strong hand on discipline made the Tulsa House of Night very successful. But now it was my time to come back home and oversee my school.
I had visited all of the House of Nights on my journey across America to make sure that the my Council was in touch with all of the schools, and that all issues were covered. I smiled as I thought about the Chicago House of Night and Stark's enjoyment of when we visited. He took my everywhere and made me eat everything. From hot dogs, deep dish pizza, to Portillo's. He couldn't wait to take me around the city, and I did fall in love with Chicago. But we couldn't stay for long.
I turned into the backstage of the auditorium, I heard the low hum of students talking. It made me smile thinking about all of the young vampyres that I can help turn them into the Light of Nyx, the path of the Goddess. That's why I am here, to help Nyx. After that thought in my mind, I felt a warmth around me. It was assuring, loving, and it comforted me. I looked up and absorbed the warmth and whispered a, "Thank you Goddess" before I stepped on stage.
I, at first, was blinded by the spotlight, and I tried not to show it. I tried to gracefully walk to the podium, but I could barely see the students. Maybe that's better… I thought to myself. I've done plenty of speeches, but I always get so nervous. I swallowed my nerves and waited until the applause to die down, as I was waiting my eyes adjusted to the lights and I could see everyone.
I put my arm across my chest, and put my hand over my heart. "Merry meet my fledglings." I heard the students rise and mumble a 'merry meet' back to me.
"Hello students of Tulsa House of Night. I am Zoey Redbird, High Priestess and member of the North American Vampyre High Council. Many of you probably have not heard of me, but only a few short years ago I was here, as a student, as a fledgling, just like you. Although my time here was not normal, I still was passionate about my education and to learn the ways of the Goddess. I always came back to my House of Night for strength, protection, and guidance."
"That's why I am here, to provide that security for you. I will be teaching here, help with healing, and welcome the new students who arrive here into our family. I will also oversee classes, to make sure that you are getting the proper education. Not to undermine the professors." I looked over to my right to see a small smile on the face of a familiar teacher. She moved her hair blonde hair behind her ear and looked over to her Consort who put his hand on her lap. "
"Also, we have added a new course here. If you wish to take this course, you will learn how to fight in the name of the Goddess and train to become a Son, or Daughter, of Kalona. You will be taught by Professor Stark, who has trained over many years, has won in battle numerous times, and who I thoroughly trust to teach our future warriors. Thank you for being here today with me, and you may return to your classes."
I heard the half-hearted applause and then the hum of students get up and file out of the auditorium. As I watched all of the seats empty out, I felt a wave of relief, but then I felt a crashing feeling in my stomach. I wondered if I was teaching a student who could become a second Neferet, or an even more powerful one. I shook my head and walked off stage, I refuse to let that happen again. I will teach these students the path of Light….