Chapter 03
Hello everyone. For those seeing me for the first time, I'm Zephyr Nightshade, a warden in the academy.
"A warden? He's a warden?" a male vampire from House Nightshade said among the crowd. "He's only below the headmistress."
"Yeah, it's true," his friend added. "But he's not the only warden in the academy though."
"How many are there?" the vampire asked.
"There are four wardens," his friend, Sebastian Nightmoon, replied.
Nightshade House Warden: Warden Zephyr Nightshade, a powerful and enigmatic witch with expertise in dark magic and shadow manipulation.
Silvermist House Warden: Warden Elwes Starweaver, a wise and insightful wizard with a talent for celestial magic and divination.
**Emberwood House Warden:** Warden Thorne Blackwood, a charismatic and confident wizard with mastery over elemental magic, particularly fire and earth.
**Windsong House Warden:** Warden Aria Moonwhisper, a gentle and empathetic witch with a deep connection to nature magic and the whispers of the forest.
"And there's a rumored fifth warden," Sebastian added. "I heard he's a student with authority no less than the wardens, but it's just a rumor," he said, turning to stare at Jake Silvermoon, who was sweating buckets.
Jake calmed down after hearing it was just a rumor. If it were true, it would have been absurd.
Jake sensed someone staring at him. He turned and traced it back to the source, only to find a pair of obsidian eyes staring back at him.
He looked at the girl with fiery red hair, pale skin, wearing a top that barely covered her shoulders and a black skirt that stopped at her thigh. She was beautiful, and he could see her clearly even though they were kilometers apart. No students in the academy were mediocre, after all—they were the best of the best.
Elena smiled at him and turned away. She had heard everything that was said between the two boys. "A rumored fifth warden?" she said, amused. "Things are getting interesting. Do you have any idea who it might be, Sia?" she asked, turning to Anastasia.
"I don't really know, Elena, but we might find out soon enough," Anastasia replied. "So, Zephyr... how strong is he really?"
Elena turned back to the stage, looking at the man in question in a new light. "How strong are the wardens really?" she thought.
"You all are welcome to Verneville Academy of Magic. You were all called here today to be informed of what is expected of you as students of this academy. Let me start with our history," Zephyr said, addressing the crowd.
Founding (1250): The academy was founded by the powerful wizard Malyster Verneville, who sought to create an institution dedicated to the study and mastery of magic. Verneville was a renowned magical theorist and practitioner who believed in the importance of magical education.
Early Years (1250-1500): During its early years, the academy focused on teaching the fundamentals of magic, including spellcasting, potion-making, and magical theory. Students came from all over the world to study under the guidance of experienced wizards and witches.
Growth and Expansion (1500-1800): As the academy grew in reputation, it expanded its curriculum to include specialized courses in magical disciplines such as elemental magic, transmutation, and enchantment. The academy also established its four houses: Silvermist, Emberwood, Nightshade, and Windsong.
Challenges and Triumphs (1800-2000):Throughout the centuries, the academy faced numerous challenges, including wars, magical threats, and internal conflicts. However, it also achieved many triumphs, such as the discovery of new magical principles, the development of innovative spells, and the production of talented alumni who went on to shape the magical world.
Modern Era (2000-present):In recent years, the academy has continued to evolve, incorporating modern technologies and magical advancements into its curriculum. It remains a premier institution for magical education, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and fostering a community of talented young witches and wizards.
Notable Events:
- The Great Fire of 1750, which destroyed parts of the academy and led to a major rebuilding effort.
- The Magical Wars of the 19th century, during which the academy played a significant role in the defense against dark magic.
- The discovery of the ancient spellbook, "Verneville's Compendium," which contained powerful and forgotten magic.
"This brief history barely scratches the surface of Verneville Academy's rich and complex past. There are countless stories waiting to be uncovered and explored," Zephyr said, smiling.
"There are also four houses in the academy, which all of you should know by now. I will introduce you all to some of the notable members."
"You can be a member of any of the houses, for those asking," he said, smiling. "Fuck! He can really read our minds, can't he?" Jake whispered to Sebastian.
"I don't think he can read minds—maybe a few, but not all. I guess he just looks at our reactions and makes conclusions with frightening accuracy."
"Oh, what a young lad," Zephyr said, smiling. He heard everything Sebastian had been saying. He could hear all their conversations but only focused on the important ones, letting the rest go.
Zephyr could read minds, but not everyone's. Some minds were too protected by their families. Even though he could bypass such minor restrictions, to Zephyr, those restrictions were trivial. The wardens were that strong. But why go through the trouble when he could simply read their reactions? Their emotions and thoughts were like an open book to him.
"Each of the four houses is more favorable to some of you, depending on your decisions. So choose wisely."
Silvermist House
Values:Intelligence, creativity, and wisdom.
Personality:Silvermist students are known for their analytical minds, love of learning, and innovative thinking.
Notable members:
- Elara Vex, a brilliant inventor and magical theorist.
- Professor Orion Nightingale, a renowned expert in magical astronomy.
- Lyra Flynn, a talented young witch with a passion for magical engineering.
Emberwood House
Notable members:
- Kaida Redblade, a fearless warrior-mage and leader of the academy's dueling club.
- Professor Thorne Blackwood, a charismatic teacher of elemental magic.
- Arin Vexar, a passionate and driven young wizard with a talent for pyromancy.
Windsong House
- Notable members:
- Lila Earthsong, a gifted healer and mediator.
- Professor Aria Moonwhisper, a gentle and wise teacher of nature magic.
- Finnley Swiftfoot, a charming and agile young wizard with a talent for wind magic.
**Nightshade House**
- **Notable members:**
- Warden Zephyr Nightshade.
- Kaelin "Kae" Darkshadow.
- Lilith "Lily" Bloodrose.
- Cassius "Cash" Darkfire.
- Sabine "Sab" Bloodworth.
"So he is the leader of the Nightshade House all this while," Sia said, looking at Elena, who suddenly went quiet.
"Ahh, I guess I should have known from his name," Elena replied, looking at Sia, who couldn't stop laughing.
"You better start giving him the respect he deserves—you are not your mother," Sia said, chuckling.
Elena smiled bitterly. "I know, Sia. It's not like I disrespected him in any way."
"But you were planning to," Sia replied, "and it's off the table now. It's his house, after all," Elena said, looking at Sia, who laughed even harder.
Zephyr looked at them and chuckled. He had heard everything. "Anyway, it doesn't really matter as long as she didn't act on it," he thought.
"Everyone, stand up! Let's welcome the Student Council members and president."
Student Council Members:
President: Elara Vex (Silvermist House) - A brilliant and charismatic leader, known for her innovative ideas and diplomatic skills..
Vice President:Kaelin "Kae" Darkshadow (Nightshade House) - A cunning and resourceful vampire, with a talent for strategy and negotiation.
Secretary: Lila Earthsong (Windsong House) - A gentle and organized witch, with a gift for communication and mediation.
- **Treasurer:** Arin Vexar (Emberwood House) - A passionate and driven young wizard, with a talent for finance and magical economics.
Historian: Odessa "Odie" Windsong (Windsong House) - A quiet and meticulous witch with a passion for history and archiving.
The Student Council members walked to the stage with their president in front. She took the center stage with Zephyr by her side. There was no need for a microphone, as the stage automatically amplified voices loud enough for all to hear.
"Hello everyone, I'm Elara Vex, your Student Council president, and I look forward to working with every single one of you." Her voice was soft, calm, and confident. She was a dhampir, born of a human and a vampire.
"That will be all for today," Zephyr said, taking back the stage.
"Let's go, Sia," Elena said, standing up to leave. They left the lecture hall, heading straight for their car.
"Elena," a masculine voice called. She turned back to look at the owner of the voice. It was Aiden Ravenhood, her childhood friend and now mate.