Seven years had passed at the Holler Mansion.
Edward had lived there for nearly seven years and was now fifteen. That morning, Ethan was assigned to escort Edward and Henry to school under Lord Hill's orders. Hill had raised Edward as if he were his own son. Over the years, Edward had begun to recognize the extraordinary abilities within him.
He could read minds and command the four elements earth, water, air, and fire with remarkable control. Hill therefore trained him rigorously. Ethan oversaw his combat instruction, while Henry, Ethan's nephew, served as both classmate and guardian.
On the first day of term, the school entrance buzzed with new students and parents. Ethan turned to Henry, his voice firm.
"Take good care of the young master. He is not to use his powers unless absolutely necessary. This is human territory not ours."
"Yes, Uncle."
They entered King's School, Grade 9.
Whispers rippled through the classroom as Edward stepped inside with Henry. Curious stares followed him; some students giggled. Suddenly, a paper airplane sliced across his face, grazing his cheek. Blood welled faintly. Edward touched the cut and glanced down at the crumpled paper. Henry had to turn away the scent of blood stirred his instincts too sharply.
Laughter erupted from the back.
"Ha! A rich little prince? Still needs a bodyguard?"
Before Edward could respond, a girl stepped between him and the two boys Billy and Arno.
"That's enough, Billy. If you don't stop, I'll report you to Sister Rola again."
Her voice was calm yet commanding. The boys backed down reluctantly.
Edward stared at her in surprise. She had long dark-brown hair and misty gray eyes that seemed veiled in quiet strength. There was something about her an aura he could not ignore.
"You're new, right? Come with me. I'll take you to the infirmary."
Her tone was even, but kind. Edward followed without protest.
"Are you the class president?" he asked.
"Yes. My name is Elicia." She glanced at his wound, as though reading more than just the injury.
When she handed him a cotton pad, their fingers brushed lightly. The contact was brief, yet it sent an inexplicable jolt through Edward's heart.
"Sorry," he murmured.
She offered a faint smile. "You can call me Alice. It's easier."
His pulse quickened for no reason at all.
"Then call me Trey… just you."
"And your friend?" she asked.
"My father sent him to look after me."
"Oh? Your family must be important."
Edward nodded softly. "The Holler Mansion."
Alice froze. Her eyes shifted, thoughtful.
Vampire.
He heard the word in her mind but said nothing. He understood her suspicion. The Holler name carried dark legends.
"Are you all right?" he asked gently, reaching for her arm. She stepped back.
"I'm fine. I just… need to go home. You should head back too."
She left without another word. Henry approached quietly.
"She smells like wolf," he whispered.
"Wolf? You mean… she's not human?"
Henry sighed but said nothing more. It was not yet time.
After school, the evening lights shimmered along the trees lining the road. Edward stepped outside just as Alice passed by despite claiming she had to rush home. He followed.
"Alice, wait… What's wrong? Ever since the infirmary, you've been avoiding me."
She paused, hesitation flickering in her eyes.
"I really do have to go, Trey."
He moved closer, gently taking her wrist.
"What do you know about my family?"
She did not pull away.
"It's not that I dislike you. I just… don't know if I should trust you."
The words struck him into silence.
Henry's voice broke the moment. "Edward, the car has arrived."
Edward released her slowly and offered a small smile.
"See you tomorrow."
He hoped she would not avoid his gaze again. He hoped, one day, she would open her heart to him.
As Alice walked toward the car where her brother waited, the cool evening wind brushed against her. Her heartbeat felt uneven.
The Holler Mansion… a vampire?
She had sensed something in him not entirely human. Though his pulse was warm and steady, another scent lingered beneath it.
Then why am I not afraid?
His eyes had been sincere, without deception. He did not radiate the menace her father had once warned her about.
But that doesn't mean he isn't dangerous, she argued with herself.
She knew her own family was far from ordinary. The wolf's blood in her veins made her sensitive to other supernatural energies. She should not grow close to them should not even trust them.
Yet when their hands touched, she had felt warmth… as if they had known each other long ago.
He could be dangerous… but maybe he's just a boy who wants a friend.
She exhaled softly, gazing at the pale gray evening sky.
Do not waver, Alice. If he is a threat, he must be eliminated.
Her father's voice echoed in her memory.
But her heart whispered something entirely different
She did not want him to become her enemy.