Lucian stood in front of the mirror, trying to adjust the academy uniform Arthur had given him. It was his first day of class ever, and honestly, the feeling was a strange mix of excitement and irritation. The black pants, crisp white shirt, and black blazer were all way too tidy for his usual style. He tugged at the collar, feeling like it was choking him.
Knock knock.
"Come in," Lucian called, half-expecting Arthur. It was about 8 a.m., after all.
The door opened, and in walked Arthur, as casual as ever, with that usual smirk on his face.
"Yoo, kiddo! You actually look... presentable. Yesterday, I swear I thought you crawled out of the jungle or something." Arthur's eyes swept over Lucian from head to toe, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
Lucian, standing there in his tidy outfit, shrugged. "Yeah."
Arthur walked up to him, still smirking. "Well, it'd be better if you cut off that bird's nest on your head. It's like a wild animal set up camp in there. Have you ever, you know, tried going to a barber?"
Lucian scratched the back of his head, his messy grey-white hair falling over his fingers. "Uh, not really... it looks fine to me."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? You look like a runaway prince who took a wrong turn in a forest."
Lucian grumbled. He never cared much for his hair. Most of the time, he just hacked off chunks with a knife whenever it got in the way. What was the big deal?
Arthur, clearly having other plans, snapped his fingers. In an instant, Lucian felt a breeze sweep over his scalp. His hair, which had once been a shaggy, unkempt mess, disintegrated into thin air. What was left behind was a shock of ash-white hair, stylishly cut short on the sides and left a little longer on top. The transformation was... startling.
Lucian blinked at his reflection, hardly recognizing the badass staring back at him. His chiseled jawline something he hadn't noticed much before was more pronounced. His ash-colored eyes, framed by long lashes, seemed to pop even more, and the small scar on his eyebrow gave him a dangerous, rebellious vibe.
"Daaaaamn," Arthur whistled, rubbing his chin in approval. "You look good, kiddo. Handsome enough to scare off some competition. You could get a girlfriend easy now... though, obviously not as handsome as me, but you'll manage."
Lucian's face flushed slightly, but he quickly brushed it off. "I'm not looking for a girlfriend."
Arthur grinned. "Sure you're not. That's what they all say... till they see the fan clubs forming."
Lucian looked back in the mirror, still getting used to his new look. For the first time, he realized just how much his vampire awakening had changed him. His features were sharper, more defined, and frankly, intimidating. He could probably scare off a crowd with just a glare.
"Well," Arthur clapped his hands, pulling Lucian from his thoughts, "looks like you're ready to head to class. You know, looking like this, no one's gonna believe you've never been to school."
Lucian stuffed his hands into his pockets and shrugged again. "Let's just get this over with."
Arthur chuckled and motioned for him to follow. "Alright, kiddo. We'll walk to your classroom. I could teleport you, but it's better you know the way."
Lucian trailed after him, quietly observing the grand academy around him. The place was massive. Students in similar uniforms to his moved in groups, chatting and laughing. He noticed the way some of them glanced his way whispers following him wherever he went.
"So, kid, excited for your first day of class?" Arthur asked as they walked side by side.
"Uh, kinda? I mean, I've never been to a school before, so this is all... new."
Arthur nodded. "You'll be fine. Just try not to... break anything."
Lucian's eyes wandered again, taking in the academy's sprawling courtyards and intricate architecture. The students milling about all seemed so... rich. He could see expensive accessories glinting in the sunlight bracelets, necklaces, watches. His hands twitched instinctively, the urge to grab something almost overwhelming.
He gulped. Control yourself, Lucian. Don't make a scene on your first day. But man, the temptation was real. These kids were practically walking targets. It felt like they were flaunting their valuables just for him.
Arthur glanced at Lucian, chuckling softly to himself. He figured the kid was just nervous about seeing so many new faces and the grandeur of the academy. If only he knew what was really going on in Lucian's head.
Meanwhile, whispers among the students grew louder as they passed.
"Hey, who's that kid walking with the principal? I've never seen him before," one student whispered.
"Yeah, and it's not like there's time for new admissions. He's getting special treatment," another added, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.
"Do you think he's some bigshot from a famous family?" a third chimed in, scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"I dunno, but he's definitely important. The principal doesn't personally escort just anyone."
Another student, clearly caught up in his wild imagination, leaned in close and whispered, "Maybe... maybe he's the principal's secret love child from an affair!"
His friends immediately covered his mouth, eyes wide in panic. "Shut up! Do you want to get killed by the Vice-Principal?! She'd freeze you in an instant,
Arthur's lips twitched as he overheard the conversation. Love child? With her? He shivered involuntarily. The very thought of having an affair with the Crimson Queen,sent chills down his spine. Whoever Lucian's father was, Arthur had newfound respect for the man. He must've had nerves or balls of steel to deal with that demoness literally.
Eventually, they reached a classroom door with a large sign that read 1-A.
Arthur stopped and turned to Lucian. "So, are you ready, Lucian? This is your new life from now on."
Lucian eyed the door, then glanced back at Arthur. "First off... stop calling me 'kid.' I have a name now. Use it."
Arthur raised his hands in mock surrender, a grin spreading across his face. "Heh, alright, Lucian. Got it."