CHAPTER 2
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Artemis College was a breathtaking place — a serene learning environment cradled by nature's beauty. The campus was even more enchanting in the summer, when the landscape exploded with color. As if sensing their arrival, the massive wrought-iron gates stood wide open, welcoming them in.
Christine, Dune, and Aunt Cathy sat frozen in awe as the car rolled through the entrance it looked even better than it did in the pictures. The long pathway to the main building was lined with tall, elegant trees, their branches heavy with pink, green, and golden leaves. Beneath them, rainbow-like bushes bloomed with roses, sunflowers, lilies, marigolds, jasmine, and countless other flowers. The sweet, earthy scent drifted through the air, blending with the quiet hum of student chatter. People bustled back and forth, adding a lively rhythm to the ethereal scenery.
Yet, their admiration deepened when the school building finally came into view.
The structure loomed like an ancient castle, its towering stone walls draped in ivy and clusters of flowers. It was massive — large enough to house up to 20,000 students — and the sprawling landscape surrounding it only amplified its grandeur. The entire campus pulsed with life, the blend of nature and human presence making it feel like something out of a fantasy novel.
Christine and Dune were so captivated they didn't even flinch when their names were called. They only snapped back to reality after Aunt Cathy gave them each a light smack on the head, sending them into a chorus of childish whines.
But their sudden awareness made things worse.
They finally noticed the relentless stares.
Whispers swirled around them like an invisible storm. People glanced their way with thinly veiled curiosity, their eyes flitting back and forth between the pair. Aunt Cathy, despite her striking presence, was entirely ignored. The attention zeroed in on Christine and Dune, their unique appearances making them stand out like characters torn from a storybook.
One had fiery red hair cascading down her back and warm cinnamon-brown eyes that almost glowed when the sun hit them right.
The other had curly white hair and eyes that shifted between pale pink and blood red, depending on the light.
It didn't take long for the whispers to start.
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"Okay, Dune, is it just me, or are these stares seriously starting to piss you off? Because I swear, since we stepped out of the car, they've been staring and whispering stuffs I don't even wanna know."
Dune instantly replying to Christine "Tell me about it. Makes me wanna dig a hole and bury myself in it." He slouched lower, tugging at his shirt collar. "I hate being the center of attention."
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Aunt Cathy chirping in "Alright, you two, be good. Sit here and wait while I head to the director's office to finalize your admission. And please — I'm begging you — don't cause any trouble. I'll be back before you know it."
Christine & Dune
(In unison)
"Yes, ma'am."
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The moment Aunt Cathy disappeared into the building, Dune stretched his legs and sighed, running his fingers through his freshly combed hair.
"So, Christine... have you thought about what school's gonna be like? Because I have. I keep wondering what kind of people we'll meet, what kind of drama we'll get caught up in —"
He turned, expecting a snarky reply. But Christine was gone.
A sudden burst of noise echoed outside the building.
Students gathered like moths to a flame, voices rising in an excited din. Dune pushed himself off the bench, squinting through the glass doors.
And there she was.
In the middle of a growing crowd.
Talking to some guy.
Dune pressed his forehead against the door, muttering under his breath.
"Oh, for the love of — Christine, what the hell are you doing? So much for not wanting attention. Bravo."
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