Edmund's return to the Vampire Academy had not gone unnoticed.
"Did you hear? The crown prince is back!"
"I heard he finally unlocked his essence. Took him long enough."
"Yeah, but the rumors say got something special. Bi essence!"
"Please, he's still behind. No essence is going to make up for all the lost time."
Edmund walked through with his senses keenly aware of the hundreds of eyes following his every move. He kept his head high, a calm but firm expression on his face. He had expected the buzz—it was only natural after the spectacle of his awakening.
As he made his way past a group of students, he heard a familiar voice call out to him. "Well, well, look who decided to finally grace us with his presence."
Edmund turned to see Victor, one of the academy's most popular students, leaning casually against a stone pillar.
