Cora found herself once again ensnared in the same haunting dream—a vivid replay of two figures dragging a mermaid through shadowed corridors. This time, she dared to step closer, determined to unravel the enigma presented before her.
"What do you have there?" a woman dressed in servant's attire inquired, her voice cutting through the silence. The guards halted, their gazes shifting toward Cora, though they seemed oblivious to her presence. She stiffened, noting the unsettling crimson hue of their eyes—vampires, creatures she had only encountered in tales and films.
The woman emerged from the shadows, her beauty ethereal and haunting. "This is the princess's gift to the Queen for her birthday. You are not to speak of it until it is presented," one of the guards instructed before they resumed dragging the unconscious mermaid toward the forbidden west wing.
Cora intended to follow but paused, her attention captured by the servant's sorrowful expression. The woman touched her abdomen, eyes glistening with unshed tears, before vanishing into the darkness.
Awakening with a start, Cora stared at the ceiling, the remnants of the dream clinging to her consciousness. The vividness was unsettling, as if she had witnessed a fragment of reality. She pondered the possible connection between the dream and her mysterious mask, a sense of foreboding settling over her. The existence of vampires and mermaids seemed less fantastical now, but their relevance to her remained elusive.
Later, as she and Amelia prepared for their first official day of classes, Cora couldn't shake the unease from her dream. Entering the lavishly adorned classroom, she felt the weight of curious gazes upon her. Amelia, ever the protective friend, squeezed her hand reassuringly, casting warning glances at those who stared too openly.
Among the new arrivals was Jaffet, who offered Cora an arrogant smile before joining his companions. Her thoughts drifted to Damien, whose absence she keenly felt, though she couldn't fathom why his presence—or lack thereof—affected her so profoundly.
After the morning lessons, Cora excused herself to the library, seeking solace and perhaps answers within its vast collection. The library's timeless ambiance provided a brief respite from her swirling thoughts. As she wandered through the towering shelves, she found herself in a secluded, eerily quiet section.
Turning to retrace her steps, she nearly collided with Jaffet, who stood blocking her path. A chill ran down her spine as she tightened her grip on her bag, attempting to sidestep him, but he mirrored her movements, effectively trapping her.
"What do you want from me?" Cora demanded, striving to keep her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her.
Jaffet's eyes bore into hers, a predatory gleam within them. Leaning closer, he whispered, "You'll not remember what happens after this."
Confusion knitted her brow as she took a step back. "What do you mean I won't remember anything after this?"
His expression shifted to one of surprise, as if he hadn't anticipated her resistance. "Who are you—no, what are you?" he questioned, his curiosity piqued.
Before she could respond, Jaffet's eyes darkened to a deep crimson, his fangs elongating with a menacing glint.
Cora's heart pounded in her chest, a primal fear taking hold as she realized the true danger she was in.
In a desperate bid to escape, she summoned every ounce of strength and courage, her mind racing for a way out of the perilous situation.
As Jaffet advanced, intent clear in his predatory gaze, a sudden, commanding voice echoed through the dimly lit library.
"Step away from her, Jaffet."
Both Cora and Jaffet turned to see Damien emerging from the shadows, his expression a mask of controlled fury.
Jaffet sneered but took a step back. "This doesn't concern you, Damien."
"It concerns me when you prey on students," Damien retorted, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Leave. Now."
With a final glare at Cora, Jaffet melted into the darkness, leaving her trembling and breathless.
Damien approached her slowly, his demeanor softening. "Are you alright?"
Cora nodded shakily, unable to find her voice.
"You're safe now," he assured her, his presence both comforting and unsettling.
As the reality of the encounter settled in, Cora couldn't help but wonder about the world she had become entangled in—a world where nightmares walked in daylight, and the line between dreams and reality blurred beyond recognition.