In The Veins Of The Rare

Chapter One - The Letter from Axelis

The sun filtered softly through the curtains of Ellona's room, casting golden streaks across the hardwood floor. Her fingers hesitated over the envelope again. The wax seal gleamed faintly - a crescent moon entwined with thorns.

"Are you going to open it or just keep staring at it?" her grandmother called from the hallway.

Ellona sighed, breaking the seal with a small blade from her nightstand. The parchment inside was thick, the ink a shimmering black-blue that seemed to shift in the light.

> Dear Miss Ellona Virelle,

You have been selected as a first-year student at the Astrea Academy, located in the city of Cylos, capital of Axelis.

Please arrive before the seventh dusk of the season. Further instructions will be given upon arrival.

- The Astrea Board

But that wasn't the only letter.

Beneath it sat another-no crest, but hand-written, and signed simply: Rodrigo.

Inside, there was a silver-edged card. A merchant card from Axelis. Unlimited.

> Use this for your needs while in Astrea. It will cover food, housing, and personal expenses. I trust you'll act wisely.

Signed only: Your Protector.

Ellona frowned. Another shadow in her life offering more questions than answers.

---

The train to Cylos was quieter than she expected. Her mother had remained silent the entire morning, her pale face turned to the window, lips unmoving. Her grandmother had done the talking.

"I still think this is a mistake," she muttered as she adjusted Ellona's coat. "She's not ready."

"I'm not a child," Ellona replied, biting back the sting.

"You're still something they don't understand."

Ellona turned her gaze outside. Maybe she didn't understand herself either.

---

[A few hours later - Arrival at Astrea]

The moment she stepped off the academy's shimmering platform, the noise hit her like a wave.

Colorful tents. Musical enchantments. Flyers fluttering in the air by themselves. Dozens of students mingling. Clubs shouted slogans and cast harmless illusions to catch attention.

One booth conjured a dancing flame sprite. Another had a levitating cauldron.

So this is Astrea, Ellona thought. Her hand gripped the strap of her bag tightly.

The crowd parted briefly, just long enough for a sharp voice to cut through.

"Seriously? They're letting anyone in now."

Summer stood near the sign-up booth, arms crossed, long braid falling over one shoulder like a crown. Her golden-brown eyes narrowed at Ellona.

They didn't know each other. But something in Ellona's presence seemed to irritate her instantly.

---

[Later that day - Club Exhibition Hall]

Inside the main building, Ellona scanned the club board. Participation was mandatory for first-years.

Combat Society. Potion Chemistry. Familiars & Binding. Paranormal Law.

She was drawn to a small booth in the corner. No fancy spells. No loud promotion. Just a handwritten sign: Mystic Theory Club.

Cyrus stood beside it, adjusting the display calmly. "You're new."

Ellona didn't answer at first.

"You don't smell like vampire, or witch," he continued, voice low. "Which means you're either really well-protected... or rare."

Ellona's brows lifted. "Excuse me?"

"I'm on the student council," he added. "I know who gets... special treatment."

He handed her the club form. "Join mine. You won't be bored."

---

[Shortly after - Cafeteria]

The hall was bright, warm, and echoing with student chatter. Ellona picked up a tray, ignoring the glances from older students. She was used to being watched.

She sat alone. Chose a corner seat. Eyes down.

She could feel it-people sniffing the air, whispering. Confusion.

"She's not witch."

"Not wolf either."

"She's not even wearing a crest."

But Ellona kept eating. The cafeteria keeper slid a small packet across the counter when she left.

"Snacks," the woman said. "In case you don't feel like joining the others later."

Ellona blinked. "Thanks."

---

[Early evening - Uniform Collection Room]

Ellona stepped into the uniform room. Robes in shades of night-blue, silver thread tracing ancient runes.

"Virelle, Ellona," the clerk read. Then paused. "Ah. You're... that one."