The final bell of the day echoed through the halls, a sound that felt like freedom to most students but meant little to me. They poured out of classrooms in groups, laughter and chatter filling the air as they moved with a purpose I didn't share. For them, it was another day in their carefully constructed worlds. For me, it was just… another day.
I walked through the grand hallways of Blackridge Academy, my steps steady and unhurried. The ornate carvings of feathers and crowns on the walls seemed to follow me, their cold, stony eyes watching my every move. Outside, the late-afternoon light filtered through the tall windows, painting everything in muted gold.
As the crowd thinned, I noticed my reflection in one of the glass panes. It was sharper than I remembered—almost too sharp. My black hair fell in soft waves, a little tousled but neat enough to pass as intentional. My jawline was strong, clean-cut, and my cheekbones gave my face an angular quality that often drew attention I didn't care for. My eyes, dark and unreadable, stared back at me with an emptiness I couldn't quite place.
I was tall, taller than most of the other students, and my frame was lean but defined. The uniform fit me perfectly, almost like it had been tailored to my exact measurements. I couldn't help but think it looked better on me than on anyone else I'd passed that day. People often said I was handsome, striking even, but I'd never found much value in the observation. What was beauty to someone who couldn't feel?
The campus was more like a small city than a school. As I followed the path lined with immaculate stone tiles, I passed countless facilities—cafés, libraries, gyms, and even a small cinema. Blackridge wasn't just a place to learn; it was a world built for its students to thrive in comfort and luxury.
The supermarket was tucked near the edge of the central plaza, its sleek glass doors sliding open as I approached. Inside, it was a strange blend of the ordinary and the extravagant. Shelves lined with essentials like bread, milk, and pasta stood next to aisles stocked with imported chocolates, rare spices, and organic produce.
The air smelled faintly of citrus and freshly baked bread. The lighting was warm, designed to make everything look appealing. Students moved through the aisles, chatting or quietly comparing prices on their phones.
I grabbed a basket and began picking up what I needed—bread, eggs, a few snacks, and some bottled water. My movements were automatic, almost mechanical, until I overheard a conversation near the frozen section.
"They say you can earn prestige points for extra privileges," one boy said, his voice hushed but excited.
"Yeah, but it depends on your rank," another replied. "The higher your rank, the more points you can earn. And don't forget that you can just offer a challenge."
The first boy scoffed. "Like I'm going to risk losing my privileges in some stupid challenge. It's not worth it."
I didn't look their way, but their words stayed with me. Ranks? Privileges? Challenges? I'd heard whispers about the school's unique system, but no one had explained it outright. It seemed like something I would have to piece together on my own.
After paying at the self-checkout, I left the supermarket with a bag in hand and headed toward the dormitories.
The dormitory was a towering building, its exterior as polished and imposing as the rest of Blackridge. Inside, it was just as luxurious—marble floors, high ceilings, and plush rugs that muffled my footsteps. The walls were painted a deep navy blue, accented with gold trim, and the faint scent of lavender lingered in the air.
My room was on the fourth floor, at the end of a long hallway lined with identical doors. When I pushed it open, I was greeted by a space that was both modern and cozy.
The room was divided into two sections, each with a bed, desk, and wardrobe. The beds were neatly made with navy blue comforters, and the desks were stocked with basic supplies. A large window overlooked the sprawling campus, the setting sun casting a warm glow over the polished wood floors.
My luggage was already there, placed neatly beside one of the beds. The other side of the room was already occupied.
"Yo!"
The voice was energetic, almost startling. I turned to see my roommate standing by his bed, playing games on his phone. He was about my age, with messy brown hair and bright hazel eyes that seemed to light up the room.
"Name's Aaron," he said, flashing a grin. "You must be Noah."
I nodded. "That's right."
Aaron set the box down and crossed the room in a few quick strides, holding out his hand. "Good to meet you, man. Looks like we'll be stuck with each other for a while. It was lonely without a roommate thank god your finally here"
I shook his hand briefly. His grip was firm, his energy infectious.
"Nice to meet you too."
Aaron didn't seem to notice my reserved tone. He went back to gaming.
"First day, huh?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder. "How's it been so far?"
"It's… fine," I said. "Still getting used to everything."
"Yeah, it's a lot to take in," Aaron said, laughing. "Blackridge is basically its own world. But don't worry—you'll figure it out. If you need any help, just ask me. I've been here some weeks already, so I know my way around."
I nodded, appreciating the offer even if I didn't plan to take him up on it.
Aaron turned back to me, his hazel eyes curious. "So, what's your story? Where're you from?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to share. "Here and there," I said vaguely.
He raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "Mysterious, huh? I like that. Keeps people guessing."
He moved to his wardrobe, pulling out a few shirts and hanging them up. His style was casual but sharp—graphic tees, dark jeans, and a leather jacket that looked well-worn but expensive.
"You into sports?" he asked suddenly.
"Not really."
"Video games?"
"Sometimes."
Aaron grinned. "Well, we'll find something. Trust me, I'm not the kind of roommate who lets things get boring."
He was a stark contrast to me—lively, talkative, and effortlessly friendly. Where I preferred solitude, he seemed to thrive on connection. It wasn't annoying, though. If anything, it was… refreshing. This way I would be able to study and learn how other humans act
As he continued gaming, I sat on my bed, staring out the window at the darkening sky. The campus lights began to flicker on, casting a soft glow over the manicured lawns and stone paths.
Aaron's voice broke the silence. "Hey, Noah?"
"Yeah?"
"We're gonna get along great. I can already tell."
I glanced at him, his grin as genuine as it was unrelenting.
"We'll see," I said
My roommate was about to start living with something that looked human but was far from it. He could feel the echo lurking, My urge to kill growing even stronger. My silent cravings becoming uncontrollable.