-Alexia-
The moment we turned the final corner toward the dorms, Kaia let out a breath she'd been holding for hours. "Gods," she muttered, scrubbing her face. "You've got guts."
"For talking back to a werewolf, vampire, fae, and a dragon? Or just for not wetting myself?" I asked.
"Both," she said with a dry laugh. "Most first-years can't even meet their eyes. You stared them down like you were picking a fight."
I shrugged, trying to play it cool despite my pounding heart. "They started it."
"Yeah, and you almost finished it," she smirked. "You're either going to survive Whisperwind or burn it down."
"Guess we'll see," I muttered, nudging open the heavy wooden door to Ashthorn Hall.
Inside, the dorm smelled faintly of ozone and old wood, like a thunderstorm had taken up residence. Kaia led me up three flights, boots tapping rhythmically. Zeus trotted beside me, tail high, nose twitching as if mapping the place. My room was at the end of the hall; next to it was Kaia's door.
"That one's mine. Emergency snacks inside. Knock twice if you're hiding from someone. Three times if it's royal-related."
"What if it's both?"
"Then run and don't stop," she laughed, "Just kidding. Kind of."
My room was small but cozy—storm-gray stone walls, a narrow window overlooking the misty courtyard, and a bed with midnight-blue linens. A trunk sat at the foot, already packed with things I hadn't had time to bring.
"In case of travel delays or accidents," Kaia explained, "Whisperwind prepares for you."
Classes started at eight. Kaia promised to meet me at six for breakfast, then walk me to Elemental Theory and Magical Creatures, both mixed-level classes.
"Any of the charm brigade in there?" I asked, pulling my hair up.
Kaia winced. "Jasper's in Magical Creatures. Asher's in Elemental Theory. Maybe Soren too, if he's not moping in the library."
"Awesome," I said flatly. "So, a schedule or a gauntlet?"
"Don't let them get to you. They're powerful and bored. You're shiny enough to notice."
"Great," I muttered. "Magical chew toy it is."
Next Morning
Morning light filtered through stained glass as Kaia and I made our way to the cafeteria. The scent of fresh bread and brewed herbs pulled us like a promise of normalcy in this chaos. The vines along the walls seemed to shift as I passed, leaves rustling softly, almost like they were turning to watch me.
"Breakfast's the best part," Kaia grinned. "Food's a great way to make friends."
The hall was cavernous with long wooden tables. Students clustered, laughter and magic buzzing in the air. Kaia nudged me to a table where Lena and Milo waved.
"Lena's a weather mage with a wicked sense of humor," Kaia said. "Milo's a beast shifter — part hawk, part trouble."
"Hi, I'm Alexia," I said.
Lena's eyes sparkled like storm clouds. "You're the new elemental, right? Kaia talks about you."
Milo grinned lazily, feathers ruffling. "Jasper said you might be interesting. True?"
Before I answered, a shadow fell. The royals leaned against a wall, their presence draining warmth but saying nothing. Kaia squeezed my arm. "Ignore them. They love entrances."
I swallowed but smiled at my new friends.
"So, Lexi has Magical Creatures first. Anyone else?"
"I do," said a honeyed voice behind me. Jasper slid into the seat beside me, smug grin, tousled hair, and an expensive sparkle in the air. Kaia and I kept eating, while Lena and Milo gawked.
"I'm pretty sure Kaia wasn't asking you," I said, popping an apple slice.
"Never stopped me," Jasper smirked. "I thrive on being uninvited."
"That's sad — screams 'crashes parties because no one invites me,'" I said.
Lena and Milo gasped. Kaia muttered, "Here we go."
Jasper laughed, head back, a rich, dramatic sound.
"Storm Girl," he said, "that sass has lightning in it."
"Try not to get electrocuted," I said.
"Oh, I like a little danger."
Kaia groaned. "Too early for this fae nonsense."
Milo blinked. "Do you two know each other?"
"Not officially," Jasper said. "Fate wants us best friends or mortal enemies. Fine line."
Lena watched like soap opera.
"Flirt like this all the time?" she asked.
"Nope. This is me tolerating him," I snorted. "Flirting needs interest."
"Storm Girl, you wound me," Jasper said, clutching his chest.
Kaia rolled her eyes. "You'll live. Unfortunately."
"Jasper, stop flirting with thunder gremlins. Food before we're late," Soren interrupted.
Asher growled from across the room. "Enough charm. These lowlifes aren't worth it."
Jasper smirked. "Asher, brooding wolf. No fun?"
Asher crossed arms. "Flirt less. Focus more. We've got classes."
"Thanks for the intervention, wolf-boy," I teased.
He shot a sideways glance. "Not for you. Jasper shouldn't waste charm on you."
"Oh? Scare me, then. Cute."
Kaia smirked. Milo and Lena looked wide-eyed.
Jasper chuckled. "Storm Girl's got guts. I like that."
Asher smirked. "Newbie, don't get comfy. You won't stay long."
I met his gaze. "Not here to be comfy. Here to learn and shake things up."
Asher growled but Finn stopped him. "Watch your back. You know nothing about this school. You'll learn."
"Whatever." I turned back to breakfast. They left — Jasper laughing, Asher annoyed, Soren brooding, Finn silent.
Lena whispered, "Did she just talk back to the royals?"
Milo shook his head. "And lived."
Kaia grinned. "Don't mind them. You're making an impression."
I smirked. "If I'm surviving here, better make one."
Breakfast faded as Kaia stood. "Let me show you to your classes. Don't get lost or run into royals."
I promised to meet Lena and Milo at lunch and followed Kaia out. The courtyard fog curled like whispered secrets. Zeus padded beside me, nose twitching, claws clicking softly. Jasper suddenly broke from the royals to be my "escort" to Magical Creatures. Kaia rolled her eyes but let him take over.
"So," Jasper said, hands in pockets, "What did you do before Whisperwind? Besides being an adorable thunder gremlin."
"Thunder gremlin?" I raised an eyebrow. "Flirt or insult?"
"Both," he grinned.
Zeus growled low, warning.
Jasper looked down. "Opinion, mighty beast?"
Zeus gave a look that said 'try me' then turned ahead, tail flicking sassily.
"Smart dog," Jasper mused. "He doesn't like me."
"Good judge of character," I said, scratching Zeus behind the ears.
We walked through a grove of silverleaf trees humming faintly with ancient magic. Whisperwind wasn't just a place — it was alive. Every stone, leaf, breeze breathed power. We neared the Magical Creatures tower — a living structure of stone vines, moss, and glowing insects. The enchanted torches flickered when I stepped in, the flames dipping low before flaring back up, like the room was taking a breath around me.
"Beastie Basics 101," Jasper announced grandly.
"Star student, huh?" I muttered.
"Detention last week for charming a frost wrog. Didn't know it was mating season," he winked.
Zeus sneezed, which I took as laughter. Inside, the classroom was half-forest, half-lecture hall, stone benches circling a pit for summoned creatures. A tall centaur with gray fur and braided mane stood in an emerald cloak — Professor Thornhoof.
"Don't stare at the hooves," Jasper whispered.
I nudged Zeus close. He sighed like I'd interrupted a nap.
The professor nodded approvingly at Zeus. "Familiars welcome, if housebroken and don't eat students."
Zeus huffed but behaved.
Jasper plopped beside me as he belonged.
"Thrones are overrated," he shrugged.
Professor Thornhoof's voice rolled like thunder. "Today: magical familiars and bond-beasts. Some are bonded; some will be; some will try. Survival-focused."
The room pulsed faintly, as if it mirrored my nerves, the ancient magic of Whisperwind subtly stirring my skin and syncing with the quickening beat of my heart.
Students laughed nervously.
"Those with familiars, step into the circle."
I stood. Zeus followed proudly.
The professor's sharp eyes met Zeus. "A shadow-born direhound…storm magic in his bones. Rare. Young. Impressive."
"Found him after he was hit by a car," I said.
Class murmured. Jasper looked surprised.
"He chose to stay?"
"Guess so. Took him to the vet where I worked."
Zeus pressed protectively against me. Thornhoof nodded. "Good. Useful."
I sat, pride blooming despite my pounding chest.
Jasper leaned in. "Keep surprising me, Storm Girl."
"I plan to," I said.
Class moved on. I took notes, feeling Jasper's gaze linger.
When class ended, he stood beside me. "Studious."
I rolled my eyes, gathering things. "Can help if you have questions."
"Unless it's how to weaponize glitter and ego," I teased.
He laughed. "Such sass. What's next class? Know where?"
"Magical Theory," I said.
"Funny — I have that too. Let me walk you."
"Great. Escorted by a sung fae with mysterious motives. Lead the way, Sparkleboy."
Zeus growled softly, clearly unimpressed. The real lesson, I sensed, hadn't even started yet.