Elena's POV

"Wake up, wake up," Lila said, shaking me awake.

"Can you just wait a few more minutes, please? Let me sleep a little longer," I mumbled.

"You are going to be late, Miss Elena. I'm sure you don't want to be late, especially on your first day at the academy."

The sleep disappeared from my eyes immediately. "Yeah, how could I be so stupid?! It's today, after all. Thanks, Lila," I said, jumping out of bed to take my bath.

Lila has been with me since I was a child—like another mom. She's my nanny, the very best I could ask for.

I'll be eighteen this year, and today is my very first day at the most famous, prestigious, and powerful academy in the world: Verneville Academy of Magic. It's an academy for common folks, paranormals, supernaturals, and even monsters. But they only accept the best of the best. I need to hurry up—can't let my thoughts run wild. Not really my fault, though—I'm just that excited.

After cleaning up, I stepped out of the bathroom and saw a red gown laid out on the bed. I picked it up and walked to my mirror to check it out. It stopped just above my knee, with the hem brushing close to my thigh.

It was perfect. I left my room and headed downstairs. "Good morning, Lady Elena," the maids greeted in their black-and-white uniforms.

I nodded at them while descending the stairs and made my way to the dining table for breakfast. There, I saw my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Grey.

My dad, Lucas Grey, and my mom, Luna Grey, sat at the table. As I sat down, I noticed Mom staring at me. I knew right then she was about to say something.

"I told you to sleep early last night, didn't I, baby girl? I guess you were too excited to sleep. Even Lila had to wake you up."

"You know, for a hybrid like yourself—a witch and a werewolf, the first of your kind—your senses are too dull," she said, looking amused.

Of course, that was a lie. My senses were anything but dull. I was able to hear Lila's footsteps as she climbed, but she wasn't a threat to me in any way, so I didn't react. And this house is big—too big, actually. What was I expecting? I thought, chuckling. It's the Grey family home, of course it's large.

"You can't blame me, Mom. I got these dull senses from you. I guess Dad should have done a better job, you know, during the... sexual activities, to give me more werewolf genes."

My mom laughed so hard, while my dad almost choked on his wine. I guess he deserved it—how could he let his wife tease his baby girl like that?

"Alright, Elena, you win," Mom said, while Dad just smiled at me.

"Mum, Dad, I'm off," I said, standing up and giving them both a peck on the head before leaving the dining table.

"Let's go, Raymond," I said as I entered the black car. I'm finally going to the academy—I can't wait!

Raymond has been with my family since the day I was born. He's a werewolf, an alpha, and part of my father's pack, the Grey Wolf Pack. He's strong, for sure, but I don't know how strong. I guess no one has been foolish enough to attack me, so I won't be finding out anytime soon. What a shame. I just hope things are different at the academy.

I've never fought for real, only during training with Mom and Dad. And they always hold back, even when they say they won't. Sigh, I thought, looking out the window.

"Wow! What's that, Raymond?" I exclaimed.

"It's the academy, Lady Elena," he replied, looking at the massive structure.

It was enormous. I knew it was going to be big, but not this large. I said to Raymond, who smiled bitterly. But no one could blame him—the academy was too big.

We drove in, approaching an enormous signboard.

The signboard stood an astonishing 50 feet tall and 75 feet wide, covering the entire facade of the castle's entrance. Its massive size was awe-inspiring, making it visible from over a mile away. The golden letters were 10 feet tall, with magical symbols and flourishes adding an additional 5 feet to the overall height.

To put it into perspective, the signboard was roughly the size of a small house, with a surface area equivalent to a basketball court. Its enormity was a testament to the academy's grandeur and prestige, making a bold statement to all who approached the castle.

At night, the signboard was illuminated from within, casting a warm, magical glow across the surrounding landscape, making it an iconic beacon of wonder and enchantment.

At this point, I was speechless and embarrassed. My neck was craned out of the car window as I tried to get a closer look. It wasn't until Raymond called out to me that I had to put myself in order. My mouth had been wide open in awe. I quickly sat down properly inside the car, glanced at the other cars, and sighed.

What a relief—I'm not the only one gawking foolishly.

"I guess so, Miss Elena," Raymond replied, smiling. We finally entered the academy and parked the car. I stepped out, looking around. Wow, how can this place be so beautiful and majestic? Now this is love at first sight.

"The young miss will surely love this place," Raymond said, laughing. Oh, he turned and saw a man walking towards us. He was wearing a black suit, with a badge pinned to the left side of his chest.

"Hello, Miss Elena. Mr. Raymond," the warden called out to us. "I'm Zephyr, the warden in charge of showing you the important places around the academy."

"You know me?" I asked, facing him.

"Yes, Miss Elena. Your mum told me you were coming to the academy today. I've been waiting."

"My mum sent you?" I said, shocked. I knew my parents attended this academy, but to send a warden—that's a bit much. What kind of influence do they have here?

"I know what you're thinking, Miss Elena. I'm only here to show you around. Your life here will be no different from the rest," Zephyr said, smiling.

Elena broke free from her thoughts. "Thanks," she said.

Raymond smiled. The young miss has always sought adventure since he first met her, so he was anything but surprised.

Elena looked at the warden after calming down. He was good-looking—not too handsome, but not average either. With his fair skin and the suit covering his physique, he was quite decent. Her eyes stopped at the badge. She knew the Warden's badge was a symbol of their authority and office, a distinctive emblem that reflected their role and responsibilities. The badge was a circular, ornate pin made of polished silver, adorned with intricate engravings depicting magical symbols, runes, and mystical creatures. At its center was a raised, gleaming silver eagle, its wings outstretched and its eyes gleaming with a subtle, inner light.

Surrounding the eagle were seven pointed stars, each representing one of the seven magical disciplines taught at the academy: Elemental Magic, Transmutation, Enchantment, Illusions, Healing, Divination, and Shadow Magic.

The badge was encircled by a ribbon of deep blue, embroidered with the academy's motto in silver thread: "Sapientia et Magia" ("Wisdom and Magic").

The badge served as a visible reminder of the Warden's authority, wisdom, and dedication to the well-being of the academy's community.

"It's beautiful," she thought.

"Yeah, I know," Zephyr replied, smiling. "And I can't read your mind," he said, chuckling. "It's just written all over your face."

"I should be careful," she thought. "Who knows if he can really read my mind?" She smiled and replied, "How big is this academy? I want to know."