Sunlight streamed through the intricate stonework of the academy's weathered facade, casting dancing patterns on the cobblestone lane. A sleek Tesla, its obsidian paint reflecting the golden light, pulled up to the grand archway. The car seemed like a discordant note in the symphony of ancient stone and ivy that whispered secrets of centuries past. Melissa, perched on the balcony above, her sapphire eyes glinting with disdain, watched the car with a sneer.
Natalia, her crimson gaze locked on the emerging figure, nudged Melissa with a playful grin. "Any clue on her species, Blue?" The morning mist swirled around their feet, carrying the faint scent of honeysuckle and damp earth.
Melissa shrugged, twirling a wavy azure lock. "No clue. But rebellious and probably poor, judging by the wheels."
"You're no help," Natalia sighed, her fangs flashing briefly. The newcomer, with her raven hair and confident stride, was definitely intriguing. "Maybe a werewolf?"
Melissa's frown deepened, her perfectly manicured nails tapping a rhythm against the stone railing. "Ugh, they smell awful," she muttered. "Guess that explains the chariot."
Their gossip was interrupted by a silky voice, as smooth as the polished marble floor beneath their feet. "Dissecting your next meal already, troublemakers?" Athena's presence was as soft as her words, her eyes like molten gold reflecting the morning sun.
Natalia grinned, a playful glint in her crimson eyes. "She seems... delicious, Princess."
Melissa's scowl intensified, already disliking the newcomer. "How'd she get in?"
Athena chuckled, amusement dancing in her golden eyes. "Human, surprisingly. Crypto-millionaire dad."
"New money," Melissa scoffed. "Predictable. Let's see how long this one lasts."
Athena, her golden hair catching the sunlight, strolled towards the balcony, her eyes fixed on the enigmatic girl conversing with the headmistress. "Are you truly human?" She asked, her voice a purr, a hint of fangs glinting through her smile like sunlight on a blade. "Or are you something... more, darling?"
Theo's voice, a low rumble vibrating the air like an approaching storm, joined the conversation. "Already vying for her attention, Princess?" His silver eyes held a hint of possession that mirrored the morning frost on his hair.
Athena laughed, a tinkling sound that sent shivers down his spine. Her hand, cool and smooth, found his, lacing their fingers together. "Jealous, perhaps?" she purred, her voice laced with playful amusement, yet her golden eyes never left the newcomer below.
Theo leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "Just a touch," he murmured, his voice so low it was almost inaudible.
Athena's reply was a whisper, barely audible even to Melissa. "Rest assured," she said, her golden gaze flickering back to Theo before meeting his icy silver eyes again. "You'll always be my favourite... for now."
Melissa rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. "Get a room, you two."
Athena's lips curved into a sly smile. "Perhaps we will," she purred, before disappearing with Theo into the shadows, leaving Melissa and Natalia on the balcony.
**
Golden light bathed the polished mahogany corridor, casting long shadows that danced with the insistent click of the supervisor's heels against the pristine floor. "We pride ourselves on fostering a diverse student body," the woman announced, a hint of self-importance tinging her voice.
Callista, already half-tuned out, mumbled a distracted, "Species or bank accounts?"
The supervisor's lips tightened, gears grinding in her mind before she forced a smile. "We cater to all preferences," she continued, her voice clipped, "including… dietary restrictions."
Callista stopped, eyebrow raised. "Dietary restrictions, huh?"
A form materialised in the supervisor's hand, offered with a practised smile. Callista scanned it, a wry smile playing on her lips. Male blood. Female blood. Raw liver? Raw...everything? Even...Female Menses?! GROSS!
This was definitely not in the brochure.
Maybe a career change was in order. With a growl, Callista ticked the "cooked food" box, her frustration simmering. A metallic click, a rustle of hinges, and the oak door swung open to reveal a cozy bedroom. Two beds, opposite ends, a private bathroom, and a study area. "Even the elites can't afford a single room, huh?" she muttered.
"Did you forget already, Astra?" the supervisor's voice turned sharp. "This academy champions diversity and equality! Roommates are mandatory, and of different species, of course. Isn't that why you're here?"
Callista inwardly kicked herself for the slip-up. What did Indigo write in that 2,000-word essay? Determined not to blow her cover, she swallowed her retort. "Apologies, please continue."
"Consider yourself forgiven," the supervisor said curtly, turning to leave. Just as she reached the door, she added, "Just be warned, your roommate is...unconventional. Please-"
A booming voice cut her off. A fiery girl with flaming ponytails, a hurricane of scarlet hair and laughter, burst into the room, nearly slamming the door on the supervisor's face. With lightning reflexes honed by her werewolf heritage, the woman barely dodged the assault.
"Natalia!" the supervisor hissed, teeth bared. "Manners!"
Undeterred, the girl – Natalia – flashed a grin as infectious as wildfire. "Roommate! And a human!" She ignored the supervisor entirely, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Very nice to meet you, I'm Natalia!" She thrust out a hand, her fingers drumming an impatient rhythm.
Mentally adding "obnoxious roommate" to the ever-growing list of why this academy was a personal hell, Callista reluctantly shook the offered hand. "Ca- Astra," she mumbled, the lie already sour on her tongue.
"Castra? What an interesting name!" Natalia's eyes flickered with curiosity, and her fingers lingered on Callista's wrist, tracing the rhythmic pulse beneath.
Snatching her hand back with a glare that could freeze magma, Callista gritted her teeth. Loudmouth or not, she needed this walking info-bomb to find the Queen. "Astra," she hissed, emphasis heavy. "Could you... maybe introduce me to your friends? I'm new here."
Natalia, momentarily stunned by the icy glare that contradicted the soft request, stammered, "S-sure."
"Great idea," the supervisor chimed in, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Let's leave these two ladies acquainted." With a final glance, she shut the door, leaving Callista alone with the human hurricane.
'Fire and ice,' the supervisor mused. When would they clash?
**
Beneath the spring sun, the academy garden bloomed like a vibrant oasis unlike the concrete jungle Callista was used to. Towering oak trees, their branches heavy with emerald leaves, cast dappled shade on manicured lawns, where students clustered in groups, their laughter echoing through the air. Exotic flowers, unseen in Callista's city upbringing, bloomed in vibrant hues, their fragrance mingling with the sweet scent of freshly cut grass.
Natalia, her fiery ponytail bouncing with her enthusiastic chatter, pointed towards a group of figures with emerald-green hair and ethereal glints in their eyes. "See those nature enthusiasts? Shapeshifters from Sylvanwood House, they can morph into any animal they fancy. Plant whisperers and animal lovers, they'd rather hug a tree than fight in the coming conflict." Callista nodded, these botanists held no interest for her mission.
They moved on to a group radiating elegance despite the casual setting. Their hair shimmered with an ethereal blue glow, and their eyes held a glint of arrogance tempered by grace. One girl, her sapphire eyes narrowed, met Callista's gaze with disdain.
"Oh, hello Melissa," Natalia chirped, dragging Callista into the conversation. "This is Astra, my...roommate." The tension between Callista and Melissa was thicker than the summer air.
Natalia, oblivious, gushed, "Melissa is an Azurean Nymph. Her healing power is unmatched!"
Melissa, appeased by the praise, softened slightly. "Coffee after school?" she offered.
Natalia waved her hand dismissively. "Can't, failing Math. Speaking of, Astra, any good with numbers?"
Callista shrugged, "Average at everything."
Melissa's sneer drew an elbow nudge from Natalia, but Callista barely noticed. She remained transfixed, her crimson eyes locked on a figure gliding through the vibrant throng like a phantom amidst fireflies. Molten gold eyes glinted beneath windblown blonde hair, radiating an aura of power that hushed the playful chatter around them.
The Queen? But… blonde wasn't right.
"Princess Athena," Natalia murmured, her voice laced with something akin to awe. "Vampire royalty."
Callista's breath hitched. Vampire. Apex predators. Absolute power coursed through their veins, and royalty held even tighter reins. Could she be the key to find the enigmatic Queen shrouded in shadows?
A name, a whisper on the wind, echoed in Callista's mind: Eydis..
Their gazes collided across the sea of faces. Crimson met gold, a molten clash in the dappled sunlight. No words were exchanged, but the tension crackled in the air, heavy and charged. A silent challenge, a shared awareness of the hidden game they were both playing.
The hunt had begun.