Fifteen minutes after their encounter with Maria, Laura and Aurelio arrived at the principal's office, concluding their tour of the school.
Aurelio bowed humorously, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "It was my pleasure, milady. May the rest of your day be as enchanting as your company."
As he turned to leave, Laura grasped his hand, her touch sending a jolt through him. He spun back, surprise etched on his face.
"Thanks for showing me around," Laura said, her voice softened. "I really enjoyed walking with you."
Her flirtatious smile caught Aurelio off guard, and his confident facade crumbled. His cheeks flushed crimson as he struggled to hide his face.
"N-no problem," he stuttered, his shy side unexpectedly exposed.
Aurelio walked away, but his mind betrayed him. A forgotten memory resurfaced, and he was transported to a painful past.
A raven-haired girl's words echoed in his mind: "You're not worthy of love." The memory stabbed his heart, and sorrow washed over him.
Laura's smiling face suddenly replaced the painful vision. Aurelio's expression faltered, and he forced a smile, uneasy.
Meanwhile, Laura entered the principal's office, taken aback by its grandeur. Lavish furniture adorned the spacious room.
Her gaze shifted to the principal, slumped in his chair, glasses askew. Paperwork clung to his pale face, and his peaceful expression belied the truth.
Laura focused her X-ray vision. The principal's heart remained still, his veins empty. No blood flowed through his lifeless body.
Her mind racing, Laura classified him as a vampire.
Laura examined the principal's neck, confirming her suspicions. The bite marks were unmistakable – he was infected.
She snapped her fingers, and the principal jolted awake, startled.
"Good afternoon, Principal," Laura said, her tone respectful.
The principal's eyes locked onto hers, recognition sparking. "Welcome, Laura. Your brother informed us of your expected late arrival."
Laura's brow furrowed, trying to recall any previous school experiences. But her memory remained blank.
The principal handed her a key and a schedule. "Your dorm key and class timetable. Familiarize yourself with the school's layout."
Laura thanked him and turned to leave, but the principal's words halted her.
"Be cautious, Laura. This school is more treacherous than you think, even for someone of your... caliber."
Laura's smirk hinted at her confidence. "I like danger," she said calmly, her eyes glinting with anticipation.
Here's a rewritten continuation with suggested improvements:
Laura stepped out of the office, concentrating on trying to understand her timetable. Her phone rang, breaking her concentration. She pulled it from her pocket and smiled at the caller ID.
"Hey, Michael!" she exclaimed, answering the call.
"You weren't in today," Laura said, concern creeping into her voice.
Michael's response was laced with a faint cough. "Oof, yeah... Got a call from H.A.O. A mystic-ranked demon emerged from a portal. They said I was the most powerful hero available to take it down."
Laura's eyes widened in astonishment. "Mystic-ranked? They must have been desperate to call you."
Michael's tone turned serious. "This demon's different, Laura. Its power signature is off the charts. I'll be gone for a while."
Laura's grip on her phone tightened. "Be careful, Michael. You know I can handle myself, but..."
"I know, little sis," Michael interrupted. "Just keep an eye on things at school. Something feels off.
"What do you mean?" Laura asked, her curiosity tinged with unease.
"It looks human," Michael replied, his tone measured.
Laura's response was swift. "They're demons with human characteristics – vampires, necromancers, or spell users."
Michael's pause was palpable before he spoke. "This one's different, Laura. It's... unpredictable."
His words sparked a mix of emotions in Laura.
Michael's tone softened. "I know you're anxious and hot-headed, sis. You're incredibly powerful, but there are still those who can hurt you – even me."
Laura remained silent, Michael's words sinking in.
"I know," she said finally. "I'll stay out of trouble, promise."
Michael's gentle smile was almost audible. "Alright, sis. I need to go. Talk to you later, okay?"
The call is ended leaving Laura lost in thought.