Raquella followed the admin down the gleaming corridor, dragging her luggage behind her. The office door opened into a room that smelled faintly of polished wood and old paper, with sunlight streaming through blinds that cast stripes across the floor. The walls were lined with shelves stacked neatly with files, their edges dusted slightly, and a small potted plant on the windowsill added a touch of green to the otherwise muted room.
The admin sat down behind a large oak desk and gestured toward the chair opposite her. She was a scrawny woman in her mid-fifties, with greased hair tied in a low bun, pale skin stretched over sharp cheekbones, a pointed nose, and glasses that partially hid shrewd eyes. Her expression was calm, almost neutral—but Raquella noticed a subtle darkening as her gaze lingered, and for a split second, something flickered in her eyes before vanishing like it had never been there.
"Welcome to Valehart Academy…" she began, her voice measured and precise.
Raquella fumbled with her luggage, trying to find a comfortable position. In the process, one of the bag zippers caught her finger. "Ouch! …Oh, thank you, ma," she said, forcing a small smile. She hated looking clumsy, and she immediately noticed the admin's eyes narrowing slightly at the mishap.
"You might want to take care of that," the woman said, her tone calm but carrying an edge that made Raquella's stomach tighten.
"Yes, ma. It's just a minor cut," Raquella replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
The admin handed her a stack of papers. "These contain everything you'll need: the rules, a map of the campus, and your dorm access key. You'll find the assistant admin if you have questions. I hope you settle safely here, Miss Hudson."
As she said the last words, her gaze burned into Raquella, like she was staring straight into her soul. A shiver ran down Raquella's spine, but she tried to meet the woman's eyes without flinching.
Raquella carefully picked up the papers and her tote bag, dragging her luggage toward the door. She kept stealing glances at the admin, who remained seated behind the desk, glasses reflecting the sunlight, her expression unreadable. The flicker of intensity Raquella had seen earlier lingered faintly in her mind. Something about her… she thought, but quickly pushed the feeling aside. Just focus on your dorm. Don't overthink it.
She stepped into the hallway, which was buzzing with students moving between classes. Some were chatting, others laughing, and a few glanced curiously at the new arrivals. Lost in her thoughts about the admin's burning stare and the odd phrasing—"settle safely here"—Raquella didn't watch where she was going.
She collided with someone solid. Papers slipped from her hands and scattered across the floor.
Looking up, she met a pair of cold eyes already looking at her. A guy twice her height. He had green eyes, a sharp jawline, full lips, and thick black hair that fell just to the tops of his eyes, partially shadowing them. He didn't smile; in fact, his expression was unreadable, almost indifferent. Raquella froze, her mind blank for a heartbeat.
Then reality hit—she had been staring shamelessly. Around them, other students noticed the awkward collision and were snickering quietly, their amusement just loud enough for her to hear. Two friends standing nearby, close to the tall figure, were also grinning, clearly entertained by the moment. Heat crept up Raquella's cheeks as embarrassment twisted her stomach.