The Apollo Academy Read Online Free Page A

past few years, she hadn’t been sure if he really knew she existed.
    “Thank you,” she whispered. She awkwardly hugged her dad. “It’s perfect.” She touched the necklace that was now secure around her neck and knew that her mother would be with her every step of the way. She missed her mom, even if she never got a chance to know who she was. Aurora had only been two when she died. She’d stolen the autopsy report a few years back and the words still haunted her. A myocardial infarction of her atrial fibril valve that collapsed in the closed position.
    The necklace was the perfect goodbye gift. Her dad usually only gave gifts as an apology. Aurora was ecstatic to begin her new journey but sad to leave her father behind when he was acting like this.
    “I wish your mother were here to see this. She would be so proud of the woman you’ve become.” His brown eyes began to tear up.
    Oh, please, no. Aurora fidgeted with the little airplane. Now was so not the time for all the feelings to come pouring out of her father. Was he trying to guilt trip her into staying?
    “I’m going to miss you too, Dad,” she finally admitted, realizing her words were true.
    Beep. Beep.
    Aurora looked down at the expandable glass screen on her techiwatch, thankful for the distraction. It was finally time.
    Her dad pulled her luggage behind him and hesitantly touched the elevator screen for the lowest level.
    When the elevator began its rapid descent, the usual flickering of lights and people that sailed by was so disorienting that Aurora touched the elevator’s clear door to opaque them. Aurora and her father didn’t speak on the quick ride down; too busy trying to deal with the emotional rollercoaster he seemed to be on.
    The doors opened on the lower garage level floor, and Aurora spotted Kaylana and her family waiting off to the side. Kaylana lived close enough that it made sense for them to share a hovercar to the Academy.
    To her horror, she also saw a small crowd of reporters had been allowed into the building. Aurora’s mouth dropped open as she turned to look at her dad. “Dad,” she hissed.
    He shrugged unapologetically. “You may as well get it over with.” He put his arm around her shoulders and escorted her in front of the reporters as if this were an everyday occurrence.
    Despite the fact that her father had been wonderful to her a few moments before, she hated him for dragging her into the spotlight. She was so naïve. Did her father know that he only bestowed gifts on her when he felt guilty for something? Guilty for his extended absences and now guilty for this betrayal. He knew she hated being the center of attention, but that didn’t seem to matter when it came to publicity.
    “How are you feeling about today’s initiation test?” A young female reporter with light brown hair and green eyes boldly stepped forward.
    It felt like someone was squeezing her chest. Aurora wasn’t sure she could speak, even if this were a life and death situation. She looked to her dad, hoping she could get out of this, but he handed off her luggage and grabbed her arm.
    “Aurora, you’re going to have to face this at some point,” he whispered.
    “Dad, not right now. I’m already too nervous about this.”
    He pressed his lips together. “This is great publicity. You’ve hidden from the spotlight long enough.”
    “Please.” Aurora’s voice cracked.
    Her dad shook his head, frowning. “You’re going to have to get used to it at some point. You’ll always be a Titon. I guess I’ll take a separate car and handle this for now. I’ll see you at the Academy.” He stepped in front of her, blocking the reporters’ view.
    “All right, everyone. Aurora has a test to pass. Let’s let her concentrate.”
    Aurora turned and ran to the hovercar. She felt, like a physical blow, every snap of a camera. Kaylana hurried after her and slammed the door shut. The reporters followed and surrounded the hovercar, but with the windows