The following days at Eryndale were nothing short of a whirlwind.
Seraphina had walked into the academy expecting chaos, and it certainly delivered. The students, all of them supernatural in some form or another, had a strange aura about them. They were dangerous, alluring, and each of them carried their own brand of power be it physical, mental, or otherwise. But as much as they thought they were above her, she had no intention of staying in the shadows. She wasn't about to be the underdog again. Not in this lifetime.
Today was no different.
As she walked through the crowded courtyard, her boots clicking on the cobblestone ground, she could feel the stares that followed her every step. Some were curious, others judgmental, and a few were downright hostile. But Seraphina wasn't the least bit bothered. In fact, she reveled in it. Being the center of attention had never been a problem for her it was all a game, and she was already five moves ahead.
But then, there was Damian Blackwood, always lurking in the background like a shadow, watching her with that cold, unreadable gaze. He wasn't like the others. His eyes didn't burn with jealousy or desire, but with something far more dangerous: calculation. He knew exactly how to read people, and Seraphina wasn't sure if that was a threat or a challenge.
She felt his eyes on her as she passed him, her pace unbroken. But as she reached the steps leading into the main building, she couldn't resist glancing over her shoulder.
"Don't you have somewhere better to be?" she asked, her voice cutting through the silence between them.
Damian didn't flinch. His lips curled into a faint smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "I could ask you the same question, Caldwell. But I'll save my curiosity for later."
The subtle tension between them buzzed like static in the air, but she didn't linger. Instead, she turned and entered the grand hall, her head held high.
Inside, the academy was as grand as ever its gothic architecture giving off an intimidating vibe. It was strange how the walls seemed to hold secrets, as if they whispered to each other when no one was around. There was something almost alive about this place.
Seraphina had learned quickly that every corner of Eryndale held a mystery. And every student, every faculty member, had their own personal battle to fight. Even those who appeared to be untouchable.
Her first class had been… interesting.
The History of the Supernatural Realm, as it was called, was supposed to be a boring lecture on ancient creatures and long-forgotten wars. But it turned out that the professor, an ancient vampire named Professor Lucian Draegon, had a rather... hands-on teaching style.
He was tall, with pale skin and eyes as dark as the night. His voice was smooth, like silk, and when he looked at Seraphina, she could feel the weight of his gaze all the way down to her bones. There was something unnervingly sensual about the way he looked at her like he knew exactly how to make her squirm without even touching her.
"Miss Caldwell," he said one day, his voice laced with amusement, "You seem... out of place here. Tell me, what does human history have to offer the supernatural world?"
The entire class fell silent, all eyes on her. Even Damian, sitting across the room, watched her intently. But it was Lucian's piercing stare that held her captive.
She straightened in her chair, every inch the rebel she'd always been. "It offers the truth. Humans may not have your powers, your immortality, or your bloodlines... but we've survived through sheer will alone. That's more than enough."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, impressed by her boldness. "Hmm. You're a fascinating creature, Miss Caldwell."
The words felt like a hidden compliment, yet a threat at the same time. She didn't let it show. "Thanks, Professor. But I think I'd rather survive by my own terms, not by some lesson you try to teach me."
He chuckled, the sound low and rich, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. "We'll see about that."
Later that day, Seraphina found herself standing alone on the academy's balcony, looking out over the sprawling grounds. It was the perfect place to think to plan her next move. But as usual, the silence didn't last long.
A soft laugh, barely audible, echoed from behind her.
She turned around sharply, eyes narrowing when she saw Jasper Hale, his cocky grin making his already striking features even more infuriating. He leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, his gaze tracing the curve of her body like he was inspecting a piece of art.
"You really know how to make an entrance, don't you?" he said, his voice dripping with amusement.
Seraphina didn't bother with pleasantries. "What do you want, Hale?"
"I was just curious. You've managed to attract quite a lot of attention in just a few days. But tell me, Caldwell—what's your game? What are you really after?"
She raised an eyebrow. "You think I'm here to play games?"
"Oh, I know you're here to play. The question is, who do you want to play with?" He took a step forward, his smirk widening as he closed the distance between them. "Because if it's a game you want... I'm more than happy to oblige."
Her heart skipped a beat, but she didn't show it. Jasper's flirtations were obvious, but she could tell there was something deeper lurking behind his words. Something that made her wonder just how much he was willing to risk to get what he wanted.
"Play? With you?" She chuckled darkly. "You really think I'm that desperate?"
His grin faltered for a second, and he stepped even closer, his body almost brushing against hers. "I think you'll play, eventually. Everyone does. The question is when."
Before she could respond, a voice interrupted them, cool and icy. "Jasper."
Both of them turned in unison to see Damian Blackwood standing at the door, his eyes locked on Jasper with a warning in them.
Jasper didn't even flinch. Instead, he chuckled and held up his hands. "Relax, Blackwood. I'm just trying to have a little fun."
Damian's gaze shifted to Seraphina, and for a moment, she felt the weight of his cold stare. "I'd advise against it," he said, his tone as emotionless as ever.
"Or what?" Jasper challenged, his posture brimming with defiance.
Damian stepped forward, closing the gap between them with such ease that Seraphina could barely keep up. His presence was suffocating, the air around them thick with tension. "You really want to find out?"
Jasper laughed and held his hands up. "Alright, alright. I was just leaving." But there was something about his smile a mix of admiration and challenge that told Seraphina this wasn't the last time their paths would cross.
The day ended with Seraphina's head spinning. She had just entered a world full of games, challenges, and players who weren't afraid to go to dangerous lengths to get what they wanted. But what did she want?
She wanted power. She wanted to be on top. And if that meant playing with the fire of men like Damian and Jasper, then so be it.
What they didn't know was that Seraphina Caldwell wasn't a pawn to be played with. She was the one making the moves.