Mina woke up to the soft, pale light of dawn creeping through the heavy curtains of her dormitory room. For a moment, she lay still, the events of the previous day swirling in her mind. The invitation, the strange encounter with Viktor, and the unsettling feeling that seemed to linger around every corner of Blackwell Academy, it all felt like a dream, one she wasn't sure she wanted to continue.
With a groan, she pushed herself up, her hair a wild, tangled mess that seemed even more unruly after a night's sleep. The room around her was dimly lit, the shadows still heavy in the corners. Dark wood furniture with intricate carvings filled the space, and an ornate mirror hung on the wall, its surface gleaming faintly in the low light. Everything about this place was grand, old, and just a little bit creepy.
Mina sighed as she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her hair was a disaster, sticking out in every direction like she'd been struck by lightning. The strap of her tank top had fallen off her shoulder again, and she could feel the familiar dread of another long, awkward day settling in her stomach.
"Day two at Blackwell Academy," she muttered to herself, voice thick with sarcasm. "Let's see if it can top yesterday's disaster."
She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet touching the cold, polished wood floor. The chill made her wince, but it was enough to shake off the last remnants of sleep. As she trudged over to the mirror, she attempted to tame her hair, though it seemed determined to resist any efforts at control.
"Fantastic," she said, addressing her reflection. "I look like I just crawled out of a horror movie."
Just as she was contemplating the futility of fighting her hair, the door to her room burst open, and Eliza bounded in with the kind of energy that should be illegal so early in the morning.
"Good morning, sleepyhead!" Eliza chirped, her voice as bright as her smile. "Ready for our big day?"
Mina turned to face her new friend, barely awake and already overwhelmed. Eliza was fully dressed in her academy uniform, looking immaculate and cheerful, as if she'd been up for hours and not just rolled out of bed like Mina.
Mina attempted a smile, though it probably looked more like a grimace. "I don't think I've ever been ready for a big day in my life."
Eliza just laughed and skipped over to where Mina's uniform was draped haphazardly over a chair. "Come on, we've got to get you dressed! The House Selection Ceremony is today!"
Mina's stomach twisted at the reminder. "Great," she mumbled under her breath. "Let's see which house I'm doomed to embarrass."
Eliza didn't seem to notice Mina's reluctance as she handed over the uniform. Mina took it with a resigned sigh and began to change, trying to shake off her anxiety. But the moment she tried to tie the knot on her uniform's tie, she was met with another challenge. The fabric slipped through her fingers, twisting and knotting in ways that made no sense.
Seeing her struggle, Eliza giggled and stepped in to help, her hands moving quickly to fix the tie with ease. "There you go! Now you're ready to face the day."
"Thanks," Mina said, smirking. "I'd probably end up strangling myself with this thing."
Eliza chuckled, and for a moment, Mina felt a little more at ease. There was something comforting about Eliza's bubbly personality, something that made the looming day ahead seem a bit less terrifying.
The Grand Hall of Blackwell Academy was even more intimidating in the daylight. Its high, vaulted ceilings stretched above them, adorned with intricate stained glass windows that cast colorful patterns across the stone floor. The gothic chandeliers hung like dark jewels, their light flickering as if uncertain whether to illuminate or obscure the room.
Mina stood alongside Eliza among the rows of students, all dressed in their crisp academy uniforms. The air was thick with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, whispers and nervous laughter floating through the hall as the students awaited their fate.
Eliza, ever the optimist, leaned closer to Mina and whispered, "I heard the houses here are super prestigious. Which one do you think you'll get?"
Mina tugged at the hem of her skirt, a nervous habit she couldn't quite shake. "Honestly? I'm hoping for the one with the least amount of public humiliation."
Eliza gave her a reassuring smile, but before Mina could say anything more, the headmaster stepped up to the podium at the front of the hall. His presence commanded silence, the room falling into an uneasy hush as his stern, hawk-like gaze swept over the assembled students.
"Welcome, students, to Blackwell Academy," the headmaster began, his voice echoing off the ancient stone walls. "Today, you will be placed into one of our four esteemed houses, each with a long and storied history within these walls."
Mina listened, her anxiety growing with each word. The headmaster continued, introducing the houses: Owlbeak, for the wise and studious; Lionheart, for the brave and bold; Serpentis, for the cunning and ambitious; and Wolfshade, for the loyal and determined. Each house had its own unique qualities, its own legacy, and Mina couldn't help but feel like she didn't belong in any of them.
The selection process was as mystical as the academy itself. An ancient, glowing orb was placed on a pedestal, its surface swirling with colors that seemed to shift with every movement. One by one, students were called to stand before the orb, their house revealed by the color it emitted.
When Eliza's name was called, Mina watched as her friend stepped forward with confidence. The orb glowed a bright, fiery red, signaling her placement in *Lionheart*. Eliza returned to the crowd with a proud grin, giving Mina a thumbs-up.
"Okay, Lionheart seems cool," Mina thought, her nerves only slightly soothed. "But I've got a bad feeling about this…"
As more names were called, Mina's anxiety grew. Finally, it was her turn. The headmaster's voice boomed through the hall, sending a shiver down her spine.
"Mina Tanaka."
Mina hesitated, her heart pounding as she stepped forward. The walk to the front felt like an eternity, her legs shaky as she approached the orb. The room seemed to hold its breath as she stood before it, the silence almost suffocating.
The orb glowed, its light shifting and swirling until it settled on a deep, mysterious blue. The light cast eerie shadows across the hall, the atmosphere growing heavy with an unspoken tension. The headmaster's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he hadn't expected this outcome.
"Owlbeak," he announced, his voice tinged with intrigue.
There was a ripple of surprise among the students. Owlbeak was known for its enigmatic members, students who often harbored secrets and possessed hidden talents. Mina felt a shiver run down her spine as she stepped back, trying to process what had just happened.
"Owlbeak?" Mina thought, her confusion growing. "What does that even mean? Why do I feel like I've just been put on a path I can't turn back from?"
As she returned to her place in the crowd, Eliza waved her over, her smile still bright, though Mina noticed a hint of concern in her friend's eyes. Mina forced a smile in return, though her mind was still reeling from the experience. She couldn't shake the feeling that something unusual had just happened, something she couldn't yet understand.
The Owlbeak common room was as grand and mysterious as the house's reputation suggested. The room was circular, with dark wood paneling and shelves filled with ancient tomes that seemed to whisper secrets to those who dared to open them. Plush armchairs were arranged around a massive stone fireplace, the flames flickering and casting long shadows across the room. The ceiling was a domed masterpiece, painted with images of owls in flight under a starry sky.
Mina entered the room, her eyes wide as she took in her new surroundings. The other students in the room were quiet, their eyes sharp and observant as they moved with an air of secrecy. Some were reading, others engaged in hushed conversations, but all of them seemed absorbed in a world that Mina felt she was only just beginning to glimpse.
She tried to make small talk with a few of the students, but their responses were cryptic, their gazes distant. Mina felt a pang of loneliness, wishing Eliza were there to make things less awkward.
As she wandered deeper into the room, something caught her eye, a figure sitting by the fireplace, his features half-hidden in the shadows. Viktor. He was reading a thick, leather-bound book, but as she approached, he looked up, a slight smile playing on his lips as if he'd been expecting her.
"I see you've been placed in Owlbeak," Viktor said, his voice calm and smooth. "Fitting, for someone with your… potential."
Mina felt her cheeks flush, recalling their awkward encounter the day before. She fidgeted with her hands, unsure of how to respond.
"Potential?" she echoed, her voice betraying her nerves. "I'm not sure what you mean. I'm just… normal."
Viktor's smile deepened, a knowing look in his eyes that made her stomach flip. "There's nothing normal about Blackwell Academy, Mina."
Mina felt a chill run down her spine as Viktor's words hung in the air. There was something about the way he looked at her, as if he could see right through the façade of normalcy she clung to, as if he knew something she didn't.
"There's certainly nothing normal about you," Viktor finished, his voice soft but loaded with meaning.
Mina swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. She'd spent her whole life believing she was just an ordinary girl, no special talents, no hidden potential, nothing that would ever make her stand out in a place like Blackwell Academy. But now, standing in front of Viktor, she couldn't help but feel like there was more to her story than she realized.
She forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, if you figure out what my 'potential' is, let me know, because I'm pretty clueless."
Viktor's smile remained, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Some things are better discovered on your own. But be careful, Mina, curiosity can lead you down dangerous paths."
The warning in his words was unmistakable, and Mina felt a knot of unease settle in her stomach. Before she could ask what he meant, another student, a tall, stern-looking girl with sharp features and icy blue eyes, appeared beside Viktor. She glanced at Mina briefly before turning her attention to Viktor.
"Viktor," she said in a tone that was both respectful and commanding, "we're going to be late for the meeting."
Viktor nodded, his gaze lingering on Mina for a moment longer before he stood, closing the book with a soft thud. "I'll see you around, Mina," he said, his voice carrying an air of finality.
As Viktor and the girl walked away, Mina couldn't shake the feeling that she was being pulled into something far bigger than herself, something that she wasn't prepared for. The atmosphere in the Owlbeak common room suddenly felt stifling, the whispers of the other students pressing in on her from all sides.
She needed to get out, to clear her head and figure out what the hell was going on in this place.
The corridors of Blackwell Academy were like a maze, each one leading to another that looked exactly the same. The walls were lined with portraits of past headmasters and notable alumni, their eyes seeming to follow Mina as she passed by. The air was cool and damp, carrying the faint scent of old stone and candle wax.
Mina wandered aimlessly, her mind racing with thoughts of Viktor's cryptic warning and the strange vibe that seemed to permeate every inch of the academy. She was so lost in her thoughts that she almost didn't notice the tapestry hanging on the wall to her right, a massive piece of fabric depicting an ancient battle between creatures she couldn't quite recognize. Something about it caught her eye, and she slowed her pace, her curiosity piqued.
The tapestry seemed oddly out of place, as if it didn't quite belong with the other, more stately decorations in the corridor. As Mina reached out to touch it, she noticed a slight movement in the fabric, a ripple that shouldn't have been possible without a breeze.
Mina frowned, her heart beating a little faster. She glanced around, making sure no one was watching, before carefully pushing the tapestry aside. Behind it was a narrow, dark passageway that seemed to disappear into the depths of the academy.
Every instinct told her to turn back, to leave this place alone, but the same curiosity that had gotten her into trouble countless times before urged her forward. Taking a deep breath, Mina stepped into the passageway, the tapestry falling back into place behind her, cutting off the light from the corridor.
The passage was cold and silent, the walls close on either side, making her feel as though she were being swallowed by the academy itself. She could barely see a few feet in front of her, the darkness pressing in on all sides. But something about this place called to her, pulling her deeper into the unknown.
After what felt like an eternity, the passage opened into a small, hidden chamber. The room was filled with strange artifacts, an ornate, dusty mirror stood against one wall, its surface cracked and warped. Shelves lined with old, leather-bound books towered over her, their titles faded and unreadable. And in the center of the room, resting on a pedestal, was a crystal that glowed with a soft, pulsating light.
Mina approached the crystal, her breath catching in her throat. The light it emitted was hypnotic, drawing her in with every pulse. She reached out, her fingers trembling, and just as she was about to touch it, a noise behind her made her jump.
She spun around, her heart pounding in her chest, and saw Viktor standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable. He stepped into the room, his presence filling the small space, and gently took the crystal from her hand.
"You shouldn't be here, Mina," Viktor said softly, his voice carrying a note of concern. "There are secrets in this academy that even I don't fully understand. It's best if you stay away from places like this."
Mina's mind raced as she tried to process what was happening. "I-I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice shaky. "I didn't mean to… I was just… exploring."
Viktor's eyes softened, and for a moment, Mina thought she saw a hint of something like worry in his gaze. "Exploring is dangerous here. The academy is full of shadows… and not all of them are friendly."
Mina nodded, still too stunned to form a coherent response. Viktor held her gaze for a moment longer before turning and leading her out of the chamber. The passageway seemed even narrower on the way back, the walls closing in as they walked in silence.
When they finally emerged back into the corridor, Mina felt a rush of relief, as if she had narrowly escaped something far worse than she could comprehend. Viktor stopped just outside the tapestry, turning to face her.
"Mina," he said, his voice serious, "I know you're curious, and I know you want answers. But be careful. This place… it's not what it seems."
Mina swallowed hard, nodding again. "I'll be careful," she promised, though she wasn't entirely sure what she was agreeing to.
Viktor gave her one last, unreadable look before disappearing down the corridor, leaving Mina alone with her thoughts.
As she stood there, staring at the spot where Viktor had vanished, Mina couldn't help but feel that she was on the brink of something huge, something that would change her life in ways she couldn't yet imagine.
But whether that change would be for better or worse… she had no idea.
Later that night, Mina lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. The room was dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of the moon through the curtains. The events of the day played over and over in her mind, each moment leaving her with more questions than answers.
What was that room she had found? Why did Viktor seem so protective of it? And what did he mean when he said the academy was full of shadows?
Mina turned over, pulling the covers up to her chin as she tried to quiet her racing thoughts. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, that something, or someone, was lurking just beyond the edges of her consciousness.
She closed her eyes, forcing herself to take deep, calming breaths. It was just her imagination, she told herself. This place was old and creepy, sure, but that didn't mean there was anything to be afraid of.
Just as she was starting to drift off, a soft noise outside her window jolted her awake. It was a rustling sound, followed by a low, almost imperceptible growl.
Mina's eyes flew open, her heart leaping into her throat. She sat up slowly, straining to hear if the noise would come again. The room was deathly silent, the kind of silence that made her skin crawl.
Holding her breath, Mina slid out of bed and crept towards the window. Her fingers trembled as she reached for the curtain, pulling it aside just enough to peek outside.
The night was dark, the moon hidden behind a veil of clouds. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their branches casting long, eerie shadows on the ground. But there, just beyond the tree line, Mina saw it, a large, shadowy figure with glowing eyes that seemed to be watching her.
Mina's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst. The figure didn't move, its eyes locked on hers, as if daring her to step outside.
For a moment, she was frozen with fear, unable to tear her gaze away from the creature. But then, as if sensing her panic, the figure took a step forward, its eyes never leaving hers.
Mina gasped, stumbling back from the window, her mind racing with a single, terrifying thought: she wasn't alone.
And whatever was out there… it wasn't human.