Evelyn followed Mrs. Morris inside the Gothic Castle with light, graceful steps with her pale blue gown leaving a small trail behind her. Her long brown hair, worn loose, swaying with every delicate movement. Her striking blue eyes took in the interiors, a stark contrast to the 'death warmed up' appearance of the structure from the outside.
'Well, never judge a book by its cover, they say' she thought to herself, releasing a shaky breath.
The weather in Bastian was warm and windy. Since it was monsoon season, rain fell every now and then. As the sun set and the sky grew darker, the wind was a cool relief on the skin, a welcoming change from her own kingdom, which remained colder most of the year.
As they continued down the long corridor lined with the rich red carpet. She took note of grand chandeliers above and the ornate sconces along the walls, each casting a warm glow that brought a little more life to this place. Various academy's founder portraits hung on the walls with expensive decorations that screamed wealth and traditions.
They passed through the lust green courtyard where a few benches were scattered across. Small group of students mingled with each other quietly.
As Evelyn walked, all eyes suddenly turned to her, like she was a rare piece of meat walking around. However, no matter how daunting it felt, she kept gaze forward, avoiding eye contact and held her chin high.
Soon not so subtle whispers started to ripple around her.
"Wait, who is she?" a female student murmured.
"Oh I know, isn't she a lumen princess?" another one chimed in.
"Wow! She's a beauty!" said a male student, clearly impressed.
"What lumen?" Someone scoffed. "Didn't you hear she doesn't have any powers aside from her pretty face?"
"Well, at least she has a pretty face." another male student added. "Looking at her certainly brightens up this gloomy castle! I'm totally gonna ask her out!"
"She will reject you for sure" snickered a male vampire. He stared at Evelyn with eyes dark in hunger
"She will be my meal." He added with a wicked grin."I bet she will taste so sweet." He licked his fangs while staring at Eve like he was watching his prey.
Another girl who was a human named Elana said in a slightly offended tone "What are you saying Drake? You said you will only drink from me?"
Drake smiled at her charmingly and snaked his arm around her waist "Well you will always be my number one Elana, don't pout. I only want to taste a rare delicacy." That did the trick and got her convinced..for now.
Evelyn, unaware of all kinds of murmurs buzzing around her, quickened her pace, eager to get out of there as soon as possible. Surrounded by so many vampires in a single place was deeply unnerving for her. Still, to her credit, she managed to maintain a brave facade.
'Just where is this godforsaken room for mine?!' she screams internally.
As they finally reached the left side of the wing, she noticed more students but something didn't feel quite right.
Eve assumed that this side of the castle would be reversed for only female students. Yet here both men and women moved freely between rooms, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
While the questions swirled in her mind, they stopped in front of a wooden door which was the second last room at the end of the corridor. On one side stretched the line of the rooms while another side was an open courtyard.
Mrs. Morris unlocked the room and handed the key to Evelyn. She stated in her same monotonous tone "Settle in Princess Evelyn, you can have dinner in the dining hall which is open for all students." She was about to turn away, then paused and added with a hint of warning "I would suggest that you read and follow all the rules of the academy for your own safety. You will find them on the notice board." With that she walked away leaving Eve standing in front of her room.
Eve screamed internally 'What notice board? Where is it? Where is the dining hall? Do I look like I came with an enchanted map??'
With a deep frown on her face her eyes briefly shifted to the last room next to her's and without a second thought she entered her room and locked it.