For Celine, this dorm was her new home. Following the advice of her classmates, she got ready for bed.
It didn't take long for things to change. By the time she managed to fall asleep, she found herself in that strange place again.
Celine stared once more at the clear sky, an expanse of dark blue covered with stars. Her mind was completely blank, and with the addition of a sweet melody, it felt like heaven. Her body and mind were relaxed; there were no worries. Celine sighed and got up. Last time, whenever she walked or ran, her energy was drained. Maybe that's what this place wanted, for her to stop and simply remain?
She looked around. Unlike before, she wasn't in the place where she had first appeared. Instead, to her surprise, she found herself somewhere new.
In front of her stood a table, set with delicate cups and a teapot. Everything was arranged as if someone had just been there, yet no one was.
Celine blinked, confused. She hadn't seen anything like this in her previous dream.
She tried to get up, only to realize she was tangled in grass, as if she had become part of the place.
Using all her strength, she pulled herself free and stood, completely dirty. With furrowed brows, she calmly walked to the table and sat down, resting her arms as she stared ahead.
There was nothing. Like last time, she would only notice something if it came close enough. Straining her eyes toward the horizon, she saw nothing again. She gave up and leaned back, forgetting the stool had no backrest.
She fell onto the grass and quickly sat up, her heart pounding. There was no one, right? She was alone...
Pretending nothing had happened, she sat again. Only when she let out a relieved sigh did she hear a laugh, sweet and soft. Yet the only thing Celine felt was a shiver. Somehow, a shadow appeared in front of her, distorted by the table's edge. Something was behind her.
Celine held her breath as she stared at the shadow. Nothing moved. Gathering courage, she quickly turned around, nothing. But when she looked forward again, the shadow was still there.
Is this my shadow? Why hadn't I noticed it before?
She raised her right hand. The shadow followed. Celine smiled faintly, until the shadow smiled back.
From the shadow of her hand, long claws emerged. Above the smile, two eyes opened, white and glowing, staring at her in confusion. Celine froze. Sensing her fear, the shadow smiled wider, its eyes turning golden, radiating a murderous aura. Then, near her ear, the laughter returned, now sounding unhinged, until finally it stopped.
Now she heard only faint sounds, barely perceptible sobs. The laughter was replaced by silent crying. Everything went black, but something remained.
The air felt heavy. Celine was overwhelmed by a strange sense of loss and a painful tightness in her chest. Dizzy, she closed her eyes. When she opened them, an unfamiliar face was inches from hers. Celine gasped, and so did the other girl.
Both startled, Celine jumped back while Harumi sat on the floor, her hand over her chest.
– Celine, you really scared me!
Celine stared at her in disbelief. Taking a deep breath, she looked around, only realizing Harumi had touched her shoulder when she startled again and fell off the bed.
Harumi's eyes widened. She rushed to help, joined by Leila, who emerged from behind the partition.
– Are you okay? What happened? – Leila asked, glancing between the two.
– I don't know. She gave off a weird aura. When I went to check on her, she suddenly opened her eyes and looked dazed. When I got close again, she just… fell – Harumi explained.
Leila nodded and helped Celine sit – Harumi, get some water.
Harumi nodded and left quickly.
– What happened, Celine? Did you have a nightmare?
Celine nodded after a moment – I'm sorry for making you worry.
Harumi returned and handed her a glass – Here. Did I scare you, Celine?
– Not at all. It was just a nightmare. I'm sorry, Harumi – Celine replied softly, sipping the water.
Harumi sat beside her, her expression filled with concern – You don't have to apologize.
There was a brief silence, the room still dim with the last traces of night. Celine's breathing gradually calmed, comforted by the quiet presence of the two girls.
Leila approached and gently placed a hand on Harumi's shoulder – It's almost dawn – She said in a low voice, then turned to Celine with a small, kind smile – We won't get much more sleep tonight. What do you think? Should we start getting ready? Maybe we'll be the first ones at breakfast.
Celine nodded, grateful for the gentle change of subject – That sounds good.
The three of them quietly got up and began preparing for the day.
A short while later, they arrived at the lobby. A long table was set for breakfast, already filled with baskets of bread, fruit, and cakes. It was still early—some girls yawned sleepily as they reached for their food.
– Celine, try this one. It's light and tasty – Harumi said, handing her a cake covered in white crumbs like snow.
– You should try this one too – Leila added, giving her a small, delicate roll.
Celine bit into the cake, it had a sweet filling and was delicious. She then cut the roll in half, revealing creamy shredded chicken. She struggled to pick it up with her fork, but seeing Leila eat it with a napkin, she did the same. The flavor was amazing, light dough and crisp edges.
As she ate, Celine looked around. The girls around her seemed more cheerful now. In the corner, someone caught her attention, a girl with an air of solitude.
– Who's that girl over there?
Harumi followed her gaze – That's Kirsi, from the Alhire family of Almalorantia. She likes being alone. She may look cold, but she's not a bad person.
Celine nodded. So that was Kirsi Alhire, daughter of one of the vampire lords of Alhire, one of the two vampire clans of Almalorantia. Her skin wasn't as pale as vampire legends described. Her wavy black hair was tied in a messy ponytail, and she appeared to be... sleeping while standing?
– She's usually not like that – Leila added with a concerned look – Looks like she had a rough morning.
Suddenly.
– Ah! – Harumi exclaimed.
– What is it?
– Eat quickly, they're already outside!
Even Leila sped up. Celine turned to the window and saw a group under a tree. Thamy stood among them.
The girls finished and walked toward the group.
– Ikuto!! – Harumi called, hurrying forward.
Celine blinked – Ikuto?
Leila smiled – My father's second disciple. Ikuto Waterfall. He and Harumi are dating.
Celine nodded.
– Did you sleep well, Harumi? – Ikuto asked, tall and brown-haired, his black eyes glowing as he looked at her.
– Perfectly. You?
– Beautiful love – Said a voice mockingly. One boy pretended to gag, another pursed his lips and looked away. Celine chuckled quietly.
Leila giggled. Harumi stuck out her tongue at the red-haired girl who had spoken, Elaxi. Behind her was Aysel, who also faked vomiting.
– Alright, let's not be late – Said a boy with dark brown hair, Hiro – Ikuto, give her whatever and let's go.
– Why the rush, Hiro? Got something important to do? – Aysel teased.
– Yes – He said flatly – Studying.
The blond boy next to him laughed – We barely have classes today. You just want to leave because you're jealous.
– No way. Let love hit someone else, thanks – Hiro replied dramatically. The group laughed, until Thamy flicked Hiro's forehead.
– Don't talk nonsense – Then he turned to Leila – How are you?
– I'm fine, Thamy – she smiled softly – Just don't forget to take care of yourself, okay?
– I won't, don't worry – he replied with a gentle nod.
Elaxi, scanning the area, spotted a few students leaving the male dorm. She waved – Boys! You'll be late!
It was Raphael and Felipe.
– Thanks, Senior Elaxi! – Felipe said quickly, already panicking a little. – If we don't hurry, we'll get locked out! – He darted off without waiting, Raphael and Matheu close behind.
Drazhan frowned – Matheu! This isn't your first class!
– I know! I'm walking with them – Matheu replied, catching up with the others.
– They're inseparable now – Aysel said.
– Yep. Matheu won't leave that healer's side – Hiro added.
– Probably signed a contract – Elaxi said – Healers need protectors. Shapeshifters are ideal.
Drazhan shrugged – It's not bad, just… early. They've only known each other a few days.
– Three days, to be exact – Said Nevra behind them, startling the group.
– Did they leave you behind, Nevra? – Hiro joked.
Nevra didn't reply. His eyes found the brown-haired girl again, Celine. Hiro followed his gaze – You must be new. May I know your name?
Before Celine could speak, Aysel smirked and gestured toward her – This is Celine. She's from the Northern Kingdom.
Hiro glanced at Celine, his expression unreadable, then turned back to Aysel – You sure you're not collecting strays now?
– Very funny – Aysel rolled her eyes – I thought you could be a little less rude for once and say hi.
With a nonchalant shrug, Hiro finally nodded toward Celine – Hi.
Celine gave him a small nod in return, unsure of what to say. The mood between them was neutral, if slightly awkward. Then, just a few steps away, another interaction caught her attention.
Not far from the group, Harumi turned to Ikuto with a bright expression – Do you have something for me, Ikuto? – She asked expectantly.
Ikuto smiled warmly, accepting a box from Thamy before handing it to her – Your lunch, and…
He reached into his pocket and placed something small into her hand.
Harumi looked at the item and blushed, her fingers curling gently around it.
– What is it? – The others leaned in, surprised.
– Ikuto?? Are you… Ah! – Hiro was silenced by a flick, this time not from Thamy, but Drazhan.
Thamy nodded – Let's leave them for a while. Don't be late.
As the group dispersed, someone called Elaxi. They turned to see a girl in gloves and a long hat, despite the sunny day.
Veterans recognized her instantly. Elaxi smiled – Something wrong, Kirsi?
The girl was panting.
– I would like to report someone.
The entire lobby fell silent. Her voice, firm and unexpected, echoed just enough to grab everyone's attention. All eyes turned to her. Not a single sound followed her words.
Elaxi rubbed her hands over her face with a slightly tired expression.
– Okay... come with me – she said, waving to the others – I'm leaving, see you later.
Elaxi walked off with Kirsi close behind. Aysel hesitated, glancing between them and the hallway. After a sigh, she jogged to catch up.
The crowd slowly began to disperse, students heading to their respective classes. Only a few lingered.
One of them stood still, eyes narrowed, gazing at the spot where the three girls had vanished. After a few moments, he too walked away, thoughts lingering:
"Did anyone notice?"
"Probably not."