It had been a tiring journey of about a quarter of a day. By the time the car reached Bastorin's gate, the sky behind the peaks was flushed red.
From the outside, Bastorin looked like a fortress with tall, sturdy gray stone walls. The entrance gate was made of heavy iron.
Was it a prison or a fortress? I wasn't sure.
But the academy seemed designed to keep anyone from entering—or leaving.
Two security guards approached the car, and my driver handed them an envelope. After reading it, they nodded briefly. They hurried to the gate, opened it, and returned the envelope.
The car drove in, rolling over gravel toward a parking area beside another gate. Then it continued on toward the academy building.
I stepped out after the driver turned off the engine. I didn't feel excited, only a creeping fear.
I walked toward the second gate, which was also guarded. My driver followed behind me as I passed through, escorted by one of the guards.
My steps quickened as we passed through a short tunnel with a high ceiling. When we emerged, I saw a garden full of different flowers and a few benches in front of me.
Bastorin didn't look like I'd imagined.
The main building was an old, three- or four-story castle. Its windows were square and stiff with mosaic glass.
"Visitors are only permitted this far," the guard said in a cold, businesslike tone.
My driver fell silent and looked at me worriedly. I only gave him a brief nod.
"Miss Anna, call me if you need me," my driver whispered as he handed back my suitcase and the envelope.
"Thank you. Drive safe."
"I wish you luck, Miss Anna."
Warmth flickered through me. At least someone at the Lancroft House still cared.
I followed the guard into the building through two wooden doors. They were half-oval with golden, carved panels and ornate hinges. Inside, I smelled a faint mustiness mixed with floor cleaner. A wide corridor branched off ahead.
"This way," the guard said.
I pulled my suitcase down the corridor, the wheels echoing with each step. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a yellow light that made the place feel like a magical medieval world.
The long, winding corridor ended at another door. A golden plaque on the door read: SCHOOL COUNCIL.
The guard knocked, and a muffled voice said we could enter. I hesitated slightly as the guard opened the door wider.
I could still run, catch my driver, and beg him to take me away. But I didn't want to be labeled a coward.
I entered and looked around the room, which was dominated by tan and maroon.
There were couches, a fireplace, and shelves of books. Of course, there was also the school council. The man sat with his back to me, and only the back of his chair was visible.
I cleared my throat as the door closed behind me.
"Hello, I'm Anastasia Lancroft." I stepped forward and placed the envelope on the desk.
"My father sent me here," I added.
The chair spun, and the man stood. He was not at all what I had expected: He was a man in his late twenties with dark, wavy hair cropped short, and his bangs were like waves.
The man had a strong jaw, hawk-sharp eyes, and thin lips. He had pale skin and was tall and mannequin-slim.
He was...charming.
His long fingers slid toward the envelope. Before opening it, he glanced at me. The hush in the room made me breathe slowly. For some reason, I felt a cold heat in his presence.
Who was he? It felt strange to see someone so young sitting in the school council chair.
"Anastasia Lancroft," he said in a baritone voice that sent a shiver through me.
I nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. That's me."
"What trouble did you cause to be sent here? You know Bastorin's reputation, right?"
"I'm aware, sir."
He tossed the envelope onto the desk lightly and came closer until we were only three strides apart.
"Do you know what 'aware' means? Then why did you force yourself here? This school is not for the weak or whiners," he said coldly.
"With all due respect, sir, do I look weak?" I shot back.
"No, but many who seem strong are eliminated by natural selection. I just want to know: Do you intend to be a winner, a survivor, or prey here?"
He gave me the choice, but it sounded like a threat. My body grew cold, and I tried to stop trembling. The pressure was overwhelming right away.
"Anastasia?" he called.
I looked up and met his mysterious eyes. "I intend to be a winner."
He extended his hand. "Alexei Vasiliev is my name. Welcome to Bastorin Academy, Anna."
Alexei Vasiliev—the ruthless man everyone said was my father's rival—was so young! I'd expected someone middle-aged with a strong ambition. I shook his hand and felt a sudden, sharp jolt of heat.
"Go up to the third floor, left wing. The girls' dormitory is there. Meet your dorm head, Mrs. Edna," he ordered.
I nodded. "Yes, sir."
I awkwardly left Alexei's office, pulled my suitcase, and made my way down the corridor toward the stairs to the third floor.
Of course, there was no elevator. Everything was outdated, as if it were centuries old. It felt like a nightmare.
I climbed the stairs with difficulty, dragging the heavy suitcase. I was already out of breath and sweating—and nothing had really happened yet!
On the third floor, I found a crowd of students in the hallways and around the staircase. Boys and girls mingled in groups.
What struck me most was their unified reaction when they saw me: their eyes pierced me. No one was friendly. I felt like a bothersome creature who could be discarded at any moment.
I kept my head down and dragged my suitcase to the left wing of the girls' dorm.
"Anna?"
The voice behind me made me stop and turn around. Among the students, I saw a tall young man with wavy black hair staring at me.
"Oh, fuck. It's you," he said. His annoyed tone drew everyone's attention to me.
Gabriel? Why was Evelina's son here?
Another young man appeared from behind Gabriel. He had similar features, but his hair was highlighted light brown. He wore a smirk.
"Anastasia Lancroft? Visiting us?"
Nathaniel?
"Nah, I guess she was dumped here after her engagement was called off," Gabriel said.
Nathaniel chuckled. "That's delicious news, Gabe. I think we can have some fun with her."
My body trembled. I had no idea which academy Gabriel and Nathaniel attended. Father had never told me.
So they were here at Bastorin Academy?
Oh God. What was I supposed to do?