Obsidian Eyes Read Online Free Page A

She stood, eyeing the unexpected situation.
    In front of her were three sullen youths of similar age to herself. Two were the same height, the third taller. All three shared the pallid unhealthy complexions of those who lounged around inside, instead of pursuing outdoor activities. They dressed completely in black, stark white shirts the only break in total darkness.
    Someone’s read too many gothic horror novels.
    The tall blond one set the tone for the other two; a sneer of distaste curled the corner of his lip. “There’s only one reason the school has accepted the likes of you here,” he said.
    Allie hid an eye roll behind dropped lashes. “For an education like everyone else.” She went to brush past them, unwilling to indulge their social prejudices but the blond snaked out an arm, stopping her.
    “No, you are here for our entertainment, a spot of sport whenever we require diversion.” He reached out a hand and traced a finger along her collar bone.
    Revulsion shot down her spine at the uninvited contact.
    Feminine laughter filled the corridor. Allie’s gaze flicked over the boy’s shoulder to see the willowy blonde in blue velvet from calculus class.
    “Your sort is meant to serve. You should be on your knees before us.” He leaned closer into her space, using his height to intimidate. The other two boys stood to either side, caging her against the wall.
    Allie kept her breathing even and slow. They picked the wrong girl to try to frighten. She turned her gaze to his arrogant face. “I’m a student, not a scullery maid.” She pronounced each word slowly, in case he didn’t grasp the distinction.
    The tall youth stepped back as the noble girl moved closer.
    “Look at her, so drab and plain in brown. Just like a servant.” A sneer turned the girl’s beautiful face into something base and ugly.
    Allie remained composed, used to pushing all emotion to one side. Her gaze locked with the other girl. “In Egypt only whores wear blue. It makes them easier to spot when men want to buy their time.” It wasn’t true but Allie needed to make her own strike. These nobles had to learn she wasn’t defenceless or intimidated.
    The girl hissed, drew back a hand and then lashed out. Surprise registered on her face when the slap missed its mark. Allie’s fingers wound tight around her wrist, halting forward momentum inches from her face.
    “Problem?” A soft burr inquired from behind.
    “Nothing I can’t handle.” She met the other girl’s cold blue gaze and released her grip, pushing the arm away.
    The noble girl narrowed her eyes. “Stay away from me, little scullery maid.”
    Allie screwed up her nose and then shook her head. “No, I’m no good with boundaries. I think I will continue about my day however I want, and you will stay away from me.”
    Tension crackled in the hallway as the two girls eyed one another. Allie would not budge, refusing to show any sign of weakness to the bully.
    “Madeline, I thought you wanted to ride this afternoon?” Jared’s Scottish lilt cut through the strained atmosphere.
    Cold blue eyes flashed and the girl’s nostrils flared. “She insulted me, she should be made to apologise.”
    Jared eyed the assembled group, ranged around the new student. “Four to one is hardly how we welcome new students at St Matthews. I’d say Allie was holding her own.”
    Allie flicked her gaze to the floor to hide her confusion while she assessed Jared. Why does he defend me to his fellow nobles?
    “The school should never have admitted a commoner.” Madeline stuttered as though the word commoner leeched an unpleasant taste in her mouth as it passed over her tongue.
    Jared moved closer, putting himself next to Allie as he spoke. “You don’t have to like the school’s position, you just have to abide by it.”
    “You shouldn’t side against your own.” The other boy moved as though unable to stand too close to Jared. His friends shifted further away, distancing