The sky above Hell was unusually clear that morning. No smoke, no glowing lava—just the soft red glow of the eternal twilight that permeated this world. Zuri stood before the academy's great gate, feeling insignificant. Not just because of her size—the massive black onyx gates loomed high above her—but because the place itself was intimidating. The most famous school in Hell: The Infernal Academy.
"Seriously now?" Akarie's annoyed voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He was already a few steps ahead and turned to look at her. "Could you stop staring like a lost rabbit? We're late."
"It's Not my fault, we're late! It's your job as my big brother to show me around the school anyway." Zuri retorted, though she felt her ears droop slightly—a telltale sign of her insecurity. Since she actually didn't want to be late on her first day. She just wanted to be normal without standing out or anything.
Akarie was quite the sight, not just because of his height but because of his charming smile that seemed to win over everyone he met. With his snow-white hair and striking eyes, an pair of diamond blue–– he constantly drew attention.
"I'll show you the school," he finally said, rubbing the back of his neck, "but not if you keep getting on my nerves. Besides—" He leaned down, his rabbit ears hovering just above her head. "You're old enough not to get lost all the time."
Zuri swatted his shoulder, which,even tho given their size difference, fekt pretty hard since she has quite a bit staight. "Don't act like you're perfect! I remember your first weeks here. You kept complaining that the library was too big."
"That's called research," Akarie replied dryly, leading her toward the stairs. "Some of us have big plans. You, on the other hand, should focus on not failing your first day."
Zuri snorted softly but was secretly grateful he was accompanying her. The school was enormous—a blend of gothic architecture, flickering red lamps, and living shadows that seemed to move along the corridors. It was hard to imagine ever getting used to a place like this.
---
Akarie led her through the endless hallways, frequently stopping to greet people. A friendly wave here, a charming "Good morning" there. Zuri rolled her eyes, noticing how often girls watched him as he passed, but in reality beeing a bit jealous.
"You're a walking love letter," she muttered.
"What?"
"Nothing."
When they finally arrived at the grand door of her grade, Zuri felt nervous. "So… thanks for bringing me here."
Akarie raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you think I'm leaving you alone now?"
"Yes?"
"No." He grinned, crossing his arms. "I want to see you embarrass yourself."
"I hate you."
"I hate you too."
With a wink, he disappeared down the hallway, leaving Zuri to take a deep breath. She opened the door… and found herself staring into the hall filled with doors.
"What?" She at the corridor. Not a single student was there. "This can't be right, which room is it? Did I get lost?"
---
It turned out: yes, she had gotten lost. Her class schedule had been confusing, and she apparently hadn't listened properly when Akarie explained it. After wandering the maze-like hallways for a few minutes, all of which looked identical, her ears twitched at every small sound, her footsteps echoing against the cool stone floors.
"Can't there be just one student to help me?, I know I'm already late and class already started but jeez I need help!?"
"Why is this place so ridiculously huge?" she muttered under her breath, trying to steady her breathing.
Turning her head she suddenly saw someone smoking in the hallway looking at her with strange eyes, obviously cause she just yelled at a wall. The guy looked down at her with demon red eyes, without saying a word. Which made Zuri uncomfortable.
The boy in front of her was tall, with black hair that lightly fell across his forehead on which were two horns to find and an air of elegance that instinctively made Zuri feel small. His gaze was cold, almost condescending, as though analyzing every inch of her. After a long time Zuri decided to talk.
"Uh, Hi, I- my name is Zuri and I got lost," Zuri stammered, feeling her cheeks heat up.
"Of course you did." A hint of mockery flickered in his eyes.
Zuri opened her mouth to respond, but he spoke first. "What class are you in?"
"Uh… B. First year."
He raised an eyebrow. "Class B? Okay follow me I'll guide you, I have to go that way anyway."
She stared at him. "Thank you I guess." And closed the gap between them
He turned and started walking down the hallway. "Just follow me quietly. You're already late enough."
Grinding her teeth, Zuri followed him, trying her best to ignore his arrogant demeanor. But there was something about him that was oddly fascinating—something she couldn't quite place.
---
When they finally arrived at her classroom, Erebus glanced back at her. "Try not to get lost again. I'm not your babysitter."
"I didn't ask you to find me!" Zuri snapped, placing her hands on her hips. Even tho she technically did ask for someone and was quite grateful to him.
But he seemed unfazed by her protest. Instead, he walked down the hallway, his black tie loosely knotted, his long shadow stretching behind him.
While zuri looked after him he suddenly raised his arm and waved without looking back
Zuri growled softly. What an idiot. Not knowing what she should think of him.
But she'd be lying if she said his gaze didn't linger in her mind.
When she knocked on the door another student opened it and she slowly walked in feeling all the gazes on her.
The teacher started "and you are?"with an kind of annoyed look.
"Zuri.. miss." Zuri stated
"Why are you so late?" The teacher asked
"I got lost miss." Zuri Sayed looking at the floor
"Anyway you're akaris sister right? Then it really isn't an suprise. Just take a seat."
"yes miss." Zuri Sayed while going to the back of the class taking the last free seat."