(I open my notebook)

In the shadows, whispers call,

Of a place where secrets fall.

Eyes that watch, and hearts that bind,

Where love and danger intertwine.

This year holds a truth I'll find,

And in its depths, I'll lose my mind.

(I close it)

"To those who dare love in the shadows of these walls, beware. The academy does not forgive."

That's what I always hear in my dreams, though I can't quite understand its meaning. I think I'll find out this year; God, what a head of mine, I haven't introduced myself. Hello, my name is Dante. I'm 20 years old and from Crail, a beautiful coastal town in Scotland. Despite its charm, my mind has always drifted to Edinburgh; that's where I'm heading. Now, I'm on my way to a new university to study English Philology. This place offers only Arts and Philology programs, which feels like a perfect fit for me. People have always urged me to become a scientist, to "invest my life in something that matters," meaning something that pays well. But I couldn't imagine wasting my life on work that lacked meaning to me. My bags are stowed away in the compartment above, and this train, reminiscent of Harry Potter's Express, is old and ancient — I bet there's a wealth of history behind it. I've heard whispers that this university has been active since the 19th century, a thought that sends a shiver down my spine.

Oh, and I should probably describe myself, shouldn't I? After all, that's what everyone does when writing down memories. So, dear reader, if you're reading this, it's because I have a story to tell. Picture me: I'm around 180 cm — about 5'9" — and slim, though not too slim. I wear round glasses, which I proudly admit I think make me look more intellectual. My eyes are brown, as is my hair, which is somewhere between short and long. And while I may seem calm on the surface, I assure you my mind is anything but peaceful.

I have to leave you now; someone's knocking.

With that, I close my notebook and look up to see a boy approaching. He's tall, with pale skin adorned by tattoos that peek out from under his collar, hinting at more hidden beneath his sleeves. In one hand, he clutches a stack of books, while the other grips a worn briefcase. His long coat brushes the floor as he walks, exuding an effortless air of confidence.

"May I sit here?" he inquired, his voice smooth and almost teasing. "It seems this train has become a popular choice for the rebellious."

"What a rude boy," I thought, but I shrugged, "I guess the seats are as limited as our options."

He settled across from me, his gaze steady.

"I'm Elias," he said, offering his hand.

"I'm Dante," I replied, taking his hand, feeling an unexpected jolt of energy at the contact, and by the look in his eyes, I knew that he had also felt it.

The rest of the trip was enveloped in silence, which I didn't mind; I've always found comfort in quietude. Yet Elias exuded a different aura — a mysterious one. I wondered if it was simply the academy's effect or if there was more to him, something hidden beneath the surface.

Dante looked at Elias's briefcase, and he noticed a mark on the center of it. It was simple, a snake; looking at it gave me chills.

"What you said before, what do you mean by rebellious?" I broke the silence. He came close to me; I could feel his breath on my face, it was soft and smooth.

"Many people come here... to murder," Elias said with a deep voice, almost scary.

"Are you serious?" I said, feeling the fear invading my body.

"No, I'm teasing." He ruffled my hair with a smirk and teasing tone.

"Idiot..-" -I mumbled- Then what is it?

"This university is known because of its dark stories; my family is one of the founders of this school. I know everything about it, and I bet this year it's no exception," he said with indifference and pride of having a long family history.

"Cool," I said, and the silence returned.

I looked through the window; it was raining outside, and drops were falling across the window, making the scene cozier. I looked at Elias, and he was already looking at me; I felt a strong connection, probably produced by my mind, but there was something about this boy that was... different, mysterious; it was odd. Maybe he felt the same way, I don't know.

The steady hum of the train and the calm yet tense atmosphere were something I'd have to get used to. I come from a chaotic family, with problems at every turn and loud voices filling every corner. When I told them I'd been accepted into this prestigious university, the only thing I saw in their eyes was a pound sign — not a single "I'm proud of you," apart from my little brother, who was the only one genuinely excited for me. As for the rest… I can't shake the feeling that they're counting on me to get rich and fix the entire family tree. Or maybe, once again, it's just my mind playing tricks on me.

"You see... there are stories in this castle," Elias said with a smirk that hinted at secrets untold. "Just a piece of advice: the less you know, the better."

"What do you mean? Stop acting so mysterious!" I felt irritation bubbling beneath my skin, mixing with an involuntary curiosity.

"Calm down, boy," he replied, his tone playful yet somehow knowing. "You'll see soon enough. I'm just as eager to uncover the secrets of this university, and I think you and I could make a great team. Don't you think?" He tilted my chin up, a gesture both intimate and disarming.

I brushed his hand away, feeling a rush of warmth. "We just met, weirdo," I said, locking eyes with him. His dark green gaze felt intense as if he were peering straight into my soul. The realization of his effect on me sent a thrill through my veins, and I quickly averted my gaze.

Glancing out the window again, I watched the small villages blur past, their quaintness swallowed by the tall, shadowy trees that seemed to whisper secrets of their own. Then, rising majestically from the horizon, I spotted it—the castle that was to be my university. Its ancient stone towers loomed against the stormy sky, a living relic of history. No flying brooms awaited me here; this was real, and I was part of it now.

When I turned back to Elias, we locked eyes once more, a silent connection sparking between us. This year was sure to be interesting, filled with challenges, mysteries, and perhaps, a little danger.