With measured calm, Mel approached, his breathing steady and controlled. He knelt beside Draven and effortlessly lifted the book from the ground. "Now I've passed," Mel said with a quiet confidence, his gaze steady as he met Draven's astonished eyes.
Draven stood up, rubbing his hand with a grimace. "What on earth was that? It felt like my arm was shattering through the armor!" He glared at Mel, who was already pocketing the book.
Mel shrugged, his expression calm. "This is the only thing I was left with as a baby. It's blank on the pages but whenever I touch them I can feel the knowledge of spells and hexes, ect. I've never used any of it since magic doesn't work in the Bastille."
Draven nodded, a wry smile touching his lips. "They'll probably want to put that in a museum," he said, gesturing to the book as he began tapping a series of buttons on his arm. "I'm summoning a carriage to take us to Solstice City." His tone was practical and efficient.
Mel's gaze was fixed on the device, his curiosity evident. "I've never seen anything like this. And what's a carriage?" He reached out tentatively to inspect Draven's arm but pulled back with a start as a mild shock jolted him.
Draven raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "You don't know what a carriage is? Right, you grew up in captivity," he muttered as the carriage materialized before them, drawn by two silver horses with amethyst-colored manes. "A carriage is a vehicle pulled by horses. Royalty use it to travel in comfort. Now, come on. The first day of school is tomorrow, and you don't want to show up in that ragged robe, do you?"
He stepped into the carriage, and Mel followed, his eyes wide with wonder. "What's wrong with my robe?" Mel wondered.
Draven shrugged, settling into his seat. "Keep it if you want, but you'll still need the uniform. I won't let you disrespect Headmaster Thaddeus." With that, he crossed his arms, and the carriage began to warp. Mel's eyes widened as the scenery outside blurred into streaks of color. "Whoa…"
They arrived on a bustling platform where carriages lined up and people were disembarking from their luxurious rides. As their own carriage vanished into thin air, Mel stumbled slightly and landed on the ground. Draven, unfazed, headed toward a grand door. Mel quickly picked himself up and followed him.
As the door swung open, Mel's eyes widened in awe at the sight of Solstice City. Before him lay a panorama of grandeur and elegance—towering spires reaching for the sky, vibrant streets bustling with life, and architecture that seemed to weave dreams into reality. For the first time, Mel was utterly captivated by the dazzling splendor of a world so different from Caldara Bastille.
As they strolled through the city, the sheer diversity of royalty and nobility was like a fantastical dream to him. Everywhere he looked, opulent carriages and elegantly dressed figures moved with a grace and sophistication he had only imagined.
Draven handed Mel a sleek black card, its surface gleaming with authority. Mel took it with a mix of curiosity and reverence. The card read:
Name: Melanthius Shadowbane
School: Arcanum Royal Institute
Age: 15
Role: Freshman
Magical Status: Merlin's Blood
Mel looked up at Draven in confusion. "Why do I need this?" he asked.
Draven continued walking, his tone matter-of-fact. "That's your ID. It has everything you'll need for school. By the way, I know I said we'd get your clothes and supplies, but I forgot that freshmen with black cards have to meet with the king and queen first. There are 15 white, yellow, and red cards in each grade, but only three black cards in each grade."
As they approached a huge castle, Mel looked up, feeling increasingly self-conscious. "I feel underdressed. I don't even have shoes," he said, glancing down at his bare feet.
Draven grabbed Mel by the collar and pulled him along. "It doesn't matter. They know where you come from."
Inside the castle, Mel marveled at the opulent interior. Suddenly, a girl bumped into him, spilling tea on her dress. She looked furious and disgusted. "Ugh! My dress! What is this homeless person doing here?" she yelled at Draven, who rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"I'm bringing him to your parents, Rue—Sorry, Princess!" Draven corrected himself.
Mel, captivated by the girl's appearance, stared in awe. She noticed and made another disgusted face. "What are you gawking at, homeless boy?"
Mel tilted his head in confusion. "I'm not old, we're about the same age..."
"Hah, same age? That facial hair screams creepy old perv!" Rue sneered at Mel and strode past him. "I don't care what you are. I hope my parents give you a punishment suited for you!" She cackled as she left. Draven growled and pulled Mel upstairs. "That girl is the definition of spoiled, crazy, and narcissistic. Just don't tell the king I said that."
"Who was she?" Mel asked.
Draven sighed. "That's the daughter of King Percival and Queen Ruecrix. She's a red card but a tech wizard—figuratively, not literally." They reached the top of the stairs, and Draven pushed open the door to a grand hall. Inside, the king and queen stood flanked by guards, with the headmaster and two students kneeling before them. Royal guests lined the room's sides.
Headmaster Thaddeus cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Everyone, this is our final guest, young lord Melanthius Shadowbane, son of the former king Merlin of Noctara. He is the last black card of the freshman class this year." He gestured to Mel, who was awestruck by the mix of technology and magic in the room. "Ooh, what's that?" Mel said, walking toward a wall with a mirror.
Draven approached the king and queen, only to hear a man snickering. "Really, Thad? I'm paying this school to surround my child with this homeless man?" The man's cackle caused others to laugh.
Draven grabbed the man by the shirt. "Show Headmaster Thaddeus some respect!" he snarled, silencing the laughter.
"Draven, release him," Thaddeus commanded. Draven complied, and the man clutched his throat, trying to catch his breath. "I'm just stating facts! You brought the son of a devil here, for all we know, he could destroy the school!"
A crash and the sound of shattering glass interrupted them. Everyone gasped and turned to see broken glass. Mel stood beside it, nervously brushing shards off his robe. "I wanted to open it…"
Draven sighed, snapping his fingers and pointing to the other two students. "Sit!" he commanded. Mel, feeling embarrassed, walked up to the students and sat between them.
To his right, he saw a boy with a hooded cape, red eyes, pale skin, and fanged teeth. On his left, a girl in golden armor caught his eye. She had long blue hair, and her eyes were striking—one golden, the other black.
"Alright, everyone, now that the black cards are here, it's time for introductions," Thaddeus announced, drawing the room's attention. The boy and girl rose to their feet with an air of pride. Mel, feeling a bit dwarfed by their confident stature, stood as well.
Thaddeus gestured toward the boy first. "This is prince Dorian Dracula, son of Vlad Dracula, the reigning king of Bloodthorn Dominion." The boy hissed softly, his cape swirling dramatically, prompting a wave of applause from the gathered guests.
Next, Thaddeus directed attention to the girl. "And this is princess Elowen Pendragon, daughter of Arthur Pendragon, king of Camelot." With a graceful flourish, she drew Excalibur, her legendary sword, and performed a mesmerizing sword dance. She concluded with a deep curtsy, eliciting gasps of admiration and enthusiastic clapping from the audience.
Thaddeus then turned to Mel and nodded with a gesture. "And finally, we have young master Melanthius Shadowbane, son of the late King Merlin of Noctara." He paused, his voice trailing off as he cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, Mel does not hold a prince's title, as Noctara was destroyed in the events of—" Thaddeus hesitated, clearly uncomfortable.
Mel stood there, feeling the weight of every gaze in the room. The silence was heavy with anticipation. Dorian, sensing the pressure, leaned in and whispered urgently, "Do something!"
Realizing the crowd was waiting for him to respond, Mel offered a quick, awkward bow and straightened up. A hesitant applause followed from the queen, the king, Thaddeus, and Draven, but it was faint and solitary.
Percival cleared his throat and rose from his seat. "As you all know, the black cards are awarded to the three most powerful progeny. Each card color represents a different realm of expertise: white signifies intelligence, yellow denotes mastery of technological magic, and red is reserved for those directly in line for positions of power, including kings, queens, and knights. Black cards, like the ones held by our esteemed guests, signify potential unparalleled power. Our mission here is to guide you in harnessing that power for the greater good." He smiled warmly, but Mel's gaze fell to the floor, feeling the weight of everyone thinking he's some kind of evil warlord or something.
"So, children," Draven began, addressing Mel, Elowen, and Dorian, "it seems you're missing a few essentials: clothes, shoes, and of course, your school supplies." He gestured toward the trio. "I'll be your personal escort for today. First, we'll head to a clothing store to get you outfitted. After that, we'll pick up your books and assign each of you a small mythical creature as a companion."
With a wave of his hand, Draven signaled for the children to follow him. As they walked through the bustling streets of Solstice City, they entered a grand store dedicated to school uniforms.
Elowen, eyeing Dorian with curiosity, asked, "Aren't vampires typically sensitive to sunlight?"
Dorian, visibly irked, hissed softly and replied, "My mother was a half-vampire. I inherited her ability to tolerate the sun from her human side." His tone was both factual and defensive.
"What about you?" Dorian sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "I figured only Arthur's son would be the heir, not... you."
Elowen's eyes narrowed with anger, and she swiftly drew her sword. "Don't bring up my brother," she hissed, her voice laced with venom.
Dorian, unfazed, unsheathed a sharp dagger and taunted, "Uh-oh, looks like the princess is upset."
Mel stepped between them, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "You're only supposed to fight if you're struck first," he said, his gaze shifting between the two. Their hostile glares softened slightly as they looked down at him, momentarily diffused by his intervention.
Elowen gently pushed Mel out of the way, her hand lingering on his face as she examined the clothing. "Melanthius, I have to admit, I expected you to be some kind of vengeful villain, ready
to strike as soon as we met. After all, my father killed yours. We're supposed to be enemies, aren't we?"
Mel shrugged, dusting off his robe. "I was taught that vengeance isn't the way." Elowen and Dorian exchanged puzzled looks.
"Alright, how about some icebreakers?" Dorian suggested. "If we're going to be the black cards of the freshmen, we should get to know each other."
Elowen nodded reluctantly. "Fine, I guess so."
"In Bastille, we used to break ice over each other's heads and then share our names and stuff about ourselves," Mel said, slipping on the shoes Draven handed him.
Elowen raised an eyebrow. "That's… unusual. But I guess it's a start. Let's do something a bit less, uh, cold."
Dorian smirked. "Alright, I'll go first. I'm Dorian Dracula, son of Vlad Dracula. I like exploring dark places and studying ancient spells. And just a heads up, I usually sleep upside down, so if we bunk together, don't freak out. My goal for school is to become the most powerful vampire in history."
Elowen rolled her eyes but followed suit. "Elowen Pendragon, daughter of King Arthur. I enjoy sword fighting and strategizing. I have an older brother, and I also have a goal when I get to school: to uphold my family's legacy and become a legendary knight."
Mel smiled and nodded. "I'm Melanthius Shadowbane, son of Merlin. This is my first day outside of Caldara Bastille. I've never used any spells, but I know a lot about them from the men who taught me everything as a kid. I'm not sure if I have any siblings, and I usually sleep on the ceiling. My goal? Just to live life and see what it has to offer."
Draven handed each of them duffle bags filled with clothes, books, and school supplies. "I'm Draven Stormclaw. I'll be your teacher and trainer this year. You three might be the most interesting black cards I've ever had. And that's saying a lot. And I mean, a lot."
He walked out of the store, and they followed him down the bustling streets of Solstice City. They soon arrived at a modest-looking storefront.
"Be really careful in this pet store," Draven warned. "I can't stress this enough."
The three nodded and entered the store, their eyes widening as they stepped inside. Despite its small exterior, the store was vast on the inside, filled with a dazzling array of mythical creatures—small dragons, purple foxes, cats with glowing eyes, and more.
"Whoa," they whispered in unison, captivated by the enchanting scene before them.
A salesman approached Mel, holding a small bottle. "Hey kid, special offer just for you. This fox fragrance will make you irresistible to the ladies," he said with a wink and a smirk.
Mel hesitated, checking his pockets. "I don't have any money, maybe I can ask—"
Before he could finish, Draven grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him away. "C'mon, that guy's just selling fox pee. You can smell it from here." Draven said annoyed.
As they walked away, Dorian approached Draven, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "I was wondering, since we're black cards, what are we supposed to do in the sports field? Like if we want to do sky jousting or something. Wouldn't that be super unfair?"
Draven chuckled, shaking his head. "Not necessarily. Black cards are expected to excel, but we also have special challenges designed for you. Sky jousting, for example, will pit you against other black cards or specially trained opponents. It's not about being unfair; it's about pushing your limits. Trust me, you'll find it plenty challenging."
Elowen turned to Draven, her eyes wide. "Whoa, we'll have to go up against the three black cards from the sophomores, juniors, and seniors?! I wasn't planning on joining any sports anyway, but isn't that super unfair?"
Draven smirked. "It's intense, I'll give you that. But think of it as a chance to prove yourselves and grow stronger. The competition is fierce, but it's also an incredible opportunity. Besides, black cards are chosen because you're the best of the best. You're meant to handle these challenges."
The three nodded as Mel studied a purple fox behind the glass. The fox, seeming to sense his gaze, walked up to the glass and stared back, as if analyzing him in return. "I want this one," Mel said decisively.
A store worker approached him with a smile. "Ah, the fae fox. Their fur color changes with their emotions, and they have short-distance teleportation and invisibility abilities." The worker put on gloves, opened the glass cage, and reached for the fox. The fox hissed, its fur turning a vivid red as it moved back.
"It's okay, little one," the worker said soothingly. The fox calmed down, its fur returning to purple, and allowed the worker to gently lift it out of the cage.
Mel reached for the fox, but it immediately teleported to the top of his head and nestled in his curly hair. "Whoa, this is weird. I've never had a pet before. Well, I was born around mythical creatures, so this isn't much of a change," he noted.
The store worker smiled and handed him a bag of fox food, a collar, and nail clippers. "These are all the things you'll need to take care of her. You can pay over here," the worker pointed to the register, and they walked over. Mel looked uneasy. "I don't exactly have money," he admitted.
The worker crossed their arms, annoyed. "Well, how are you going to pay for this?"
Mel stepped back, trying to come up with a solution. "A real man always pays what he owes. I'll give you my life in exchange for—" Before he could finish his idiotic dramatic offer, Elowen pulled Mel's black card from his pocket and swiped it at the register. "You do know that black and red cards have special benefits, right?" she said, raising an eyebrow while holding a snow white snake in her arms. "Thank you so much princess Elowen!" Mel thanked and Elowen folded her arms proudly. "As the potential queen of Camelot I aim to tend to anybody in need!"
"You're taking advantage of his naivety," Dorian remarked, walking past Elowen and placing a caged red bat on the counter along with some food. Elowen growled and got in his face. "Stop ruining my moment!" she snapped. Dorian merely smirked as he swiped his card and paid for the items.
The store manager emerged from the back room and bowed deeply behind the students. He cleared his throat, causing them to jolt and turn around. "The three black card freshmen? All in my store at the same time? I must be blessed!" The man exclaimed, dropping to his knees and kissing their shoes in a display of reverence.
Dorian and Elowen quickly pulled their feet away in disgust. "Keep your weird foot fetish to yourself, old man!" Elowen snapped, but Mel knelt down and gently helped the man up. "We don't need the praise, sir, but why are you so excited to see us?"
The manager straightened up, looking a bit embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his head. "Apologies, young lad. Ever since the… incident with the last senior black cards, I've been on edge." He mopped the sweat from his forehead with a towel.
Mel's expression grew concerned. "What happened to the last senior black cards?"
Before the manager could respond, Draven stepped in. "Alright, kids, you've got everything you need. It's getting late, so let's head back to the school. You need rest." He rubbed his eyes and headed for the door.
Mel glanced back at the manager, still curious. "But what happened to the last seniors?" he asked again, but the others remained silent. Whether they didn't know or simply couldn't tell him, he got no answers. With a sigh, Mel followed the group out of the store and towards the carriage, letting the mystery linger.
As the carriage sped through the bustling streets of Solstice City, the students inside sat in reflective silence, their new companions nestled by their sides. The rhythmic clatter of hooves against cobblestone faded as the carriage entered a glowing portal, the outside world blurring into streaks of light.
Within moments, the carriage emerged on the other side, revealing the majestic Arcanum Royal Institute. The school's towering spires were a stunning blend of amethyst and silver, glistening under the evening sky like a fortress from another realm.
The massive doors, adorned with intricate carvings of ancient symbols, slowly opened, welcoming them into a world where magic and technology intertwined seamlessly. The grandeur of the institute was undeniable, its architecture a perfect fusion of regal elegance and arcane mystery.
As they approached the entrance, the air buzzed with an energy that made the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end. This was a place of power, of ancient secrets and untold potential, and it would soon become their home.
The three students marveled at the school's interior as they followed Draven through the grand hallways, each step echoing on the polished floors. The walls were lined with ancient tapestries and glowing crystals that pulsed with a soft, magical light, casting an ethereal glow over everything. Finally, they reached their dorms. Draven stopped and turned to them, his expression stern.
"Dorian and Mel, you'll be sharing this room. Elowen, yours is across the hall," he said, handing them their keys. "Now, listen closely: you're not to leave your rooms after curfew, no wandering the halls, absolutely no using magic, and for the love of all things sacred, do not wet the bed—I'm not cleaning it. Are we clear?"
They nodded and bowed. "Understood! Good night!" They all said in unison and went into their rooms.
Draven watched them disappear into their rooms, the heavy doors closing with a soft click. He lingered in the hallway for a moment, his sharp eyes scanning the quiet corridor. The soft hum of magic in the air was comforting, but it also served as a reminder of the responsibility he bore. With a sigh, he turned and walked away, the weight of his duties pressing down on him like a shadow. The school had many secrets, and these three students—especially Mel—would soon find themselves entangled in them, whether they were ready or not
Mel and Dorian stepped into the dorm room, their eyes widening at the sight. The room was deceptively large, far bigger than its exterior suggested. The walls were adorned with intricate patterns of amethyst and silver, glowing softly with an otherworldly light. Two grand four-poster beds stood on either side of the room, draped in luxurious velvet curtains that matched the school's colors. Between the beds, a large window framed the night sky, offering a breathtaking view of the city below, bathed in the moonlight. On one side of the room, there was a large wooden wardrobe, carved with ancient symbols, and a desk that seemed to hum with latent magic, its surface filled with enchanted quills and parchment. The air was thick with the scent of old books and fresh parchment, a blend of history and magic that made the room feel both welcoming and mysterious.
After showering, Dorian stepped out of the bathroom, only to find that Mel was nowhere in sight. He glanced around before looking up and groaning. There was Mel, sprawled out on the ceiling as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "No, no, no! The ceiling is my spot! I specifically said during the ice breakers that I sleep upside down!" Dorian protested. He reached up, grabbed Mel's leg, and yanked him down with a sharp tug, making Mel yelp in surprise.
Mel landed with a thud and rubbed his head, glaring up at Dorian. "What'd you do that for?"
"Because this ceiling isn't big enough for the both of us," Dorian retorted, effortlessly perching himself upside down on the ceiling with a satisfied sigh.
Mel made a small, disappointed noise. "I've never slept on a real bed before," he muttered as he crawled over to one of the plush beds. He shrugged off his robe, hanging it on the coat rack, and lay down on the bed, sinking into the soft mattress. "Wow… this is—" But before he could finish the thought, sleep overtook him. Dorian glanced down, scoffed, and shook his head before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep as well.
The next morning, Elowen burst into the room, her presence as sharp as the snap of the door hitting the wall. Dressed in the school uniform—a purple plaid skirt paired with long socks, and a silver buttoned sweater layered over a crisp white shirt—she cut an imposing figure. Her eyes fell on Mel and Dorian, still deep in sleep, completely oblivious to the start of their day.
"For the love of—wake up!" Elowen barked as she stormed into the room. She grabbed Dorian by the ankle, yanking him down from the ceiling with a single, fluid motion. Before Mel could fully process what was happening, she had already dragged him off the bed, leaving him sprawled on the floor with a thud.
"Whoa, Elowen?" Mel mumbled in surprise, blinking up at her.
"Yeah, it's me," she said, crossing her arms, clearly annoyed.
Dorian chuckled as he jumped down from the ceiling, landing with a soft thud. "He probably forgot you were a girl under that suit of armor you wore yesterday!" He laughed, then added with a grin, "But seriously, why are we up at six? School doesn't start until eight."
Elowen rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. "Idiot, freshmen have to be introduced to the school at this time. And for the love of God, Mel, put on a shirt!" she exclaimed, eyes widening slightly as she noticed his muscular build.
Mel groaned, reaching for his clothes. "You're the one barging into our room—we expect some privacy!" Dorian shot back, gathering his uniform.
Elowen huffed but nodded, her irritation barely contained. "Just hurry up!" she demanded, turning on her heel and storming out, slamming the door behind her.
"That girl's got a real mean streak," Dorian chuckled from the bathroom.
Mel stood up, brushing off the dust, and changed into his uniform—silver pants, a crisp white button-up, a tie, and an amethyst blazer with his shoes. He hesitated for a moment before throwing his ragged robe over the whole ensemble.
"This is so weird," he muttered, adjusting the robe, which felt completely out of place against the polished uniform.
Dorian emerged from the bathroom, fully dressed in his uniform. He eyed Mel's robe with a mix of distaste and amusement. "You're really going to wear that ragged robe over your uniform?" he said, scrunching his nose. "It ruins the whole look. And it's so old-fashioned."
Mel fumbled with his tie, glancing up at his reflection in the mirror. "Should I wear it?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Dorian, shrugging as he headed for the door, replied, "I wouldn't. Especially with everyone thinking you're a criminal. And your clothes are a mess."
Mel studied his disheveled appearance and hesitated before slowly removing the robe. He draped it over the coat rack and took a deep breath. "It'll be fine. This is what I wanted," he reassured himself. He grabbed his bag, then hesitated once more before pulling the robe off the rack and stuffing it into his bag. "Just in case," he muttered, closing the bag tightly.
As Mel walked out the door, he found Dorian and Elowen waiting for him. "Took you long enough," Elowen grumbled as they headed outside together.
As they descended down the stairs they saw Draven and Headmaster Thaddeus standing in front of a limo. Thaddeus smiled and introduced everybody, "How'd everybody sleep? I hope the dormitories were up to your standards."
"Dormitories? I thought that was the school." Elowen raised her eyebrows then the headmaster and Draven began laughing and covering their mouths. "Sorry, but that's just the sleeping grounds where students, staff and teachers sleep. The real school is there." He pointed at the huge amethyst and silver castle, similar to the place they slept but it was incredibly bigger and better that was behind them where cheerleaders were celebrating, students holding a banner that said "welcome new students!"
"This place will forever be amazing." Mel thought to himself as he looked up at the towering school. "I'm going to live the rest of my life as a normal person."