Episode 2: First Day, First Rules

Ellona woke before sunrise.

Her room at Astrea was quiet—too quiet. No birds. No cars. Just the faint humming of barrier wards outside her window.

She changed into the black-and-silver uniform she’d picked up yesterday. It fit perfectly, like it was tailored just for her. Maybe it was.

She tied her boots, took the snack bag from under her pillow, and muttered, "Let’s see what kind of mess this school really is."

---

The walk to her assigned class wing felt like a stroll through a living museum. Stained glass windows painted soft colors on the marble floor, and faint magical runes pulsed underfoot.

Then—bam.

Someone bumped into her. Hard.

“Oh no—sorry!” A cheerful girl with twin braids looked up, startled.

Ellona’s eyes narrowed.

“Didn’t see you coming,” the girl said, brushing off her sleeve. “I’m Tatiana! First-year, Witch class. You?”

“…Ellona,” she replied, flat.

Tatiana’s eyes sparkled. “Cool name. You new too?”

Ellona just nodded.

A tall boy stood behind Tatiana, quiet but observant. “I’m Timothy. Her twin. Sorry about that. She doesn’t really look where she’s going.”

“I was distracted,” Tatiana defended herself.

Ellona stepped aside. “No harm done.”

“Want to walk to orientation together?” Tatiana asked. “Class D?”

Ellona hesitated… then said, “Sure.”

---

They entered the grand Orientation Hall, where dozens of students filled the air with murmurs and the scent of nervous anticipation.

A tall woman in sharp navy robes stepped to the center stage as magical banners floated above.

“Welcome,” she said. Her voice echoed with power.

“I am Headmistress Virell. You are standing on sacred ground. Astrea is not just a school—it is the final bridge between the old world and the future of Axelis.”

She raised a hand. “Each of you must represent your kind with dignity. But first, let’s review what matters: rules and points.”

Some vampires scoffed quietly. A few werewolves let out restrained howls. Humans looked uncertain. Ellona didn’t flinch—pressure was something she knew.

Tatiana leaned over to whisper, “Here we go.”

---

“Each class starts with 2,000 points,” the headmistress continued. “Points can be lost for breaking rules… or gained for excellence. At the end of the year, any class below 500 will repeat the year.”

Groans spread across the room.

“Also, every six months, the Interclass Challenge will be held—a tradition of teamwork, strategy, and mystery. Winners gain 500 points.”

Davon crossed his arms, unreadable. Summer whispered, “Sounds like a lot of pressure already.” Cyrus, as usual, looked like he knew something no one else did.

Ellona listened, expression calm.

---

Later, the cafeteria buzzed with noise and floating trays. The scent of herbs, roasted meats, and something sugary filled the air.

Ellona scanned the room, tray in hand. Most tables were full or too loud. Then—

“Over here!” Tatiana waved from a corner.

Ellona joined them reluctantly.

“So,” Tatiana began, “where are you from?”

“Outside Axelis. Human territory.”

“Big change, huh?”

Ellona gave a shrug. “I’ll live.”

Timothy studied her. “You don’t act like a normal human.”

“I’m not,” Ellona replied.

Tatiana laughed. “You’ve got that ‘mystery girl who might stab someone’ vibe.”

“I get that a lot.”

An awkward silence broke as Dylan appeared. “Mind if I join you?”

Tatiana nearly gasped. “You’re—Dylan. Third-year. Vampire class.”

Dylan grinned. “I like sitting with interesting people.”

He looked at Ellona. “You’re… interesting.”

“Don’t get used to it,” Ellona said.

From another table, Davon’s eyes flicked to Dylan. A flicker of tension passed unspoken. Summer, from across the room, narrowed her eyes.

Whispers rose around them as a few older students noticed Ellona. Her presence was different—and they could feel it.

---

In the afternoon, they entered the Spell Hall for their first class.

Professor Orlen greeted them with a giddy smile. “Today: mana detection! No casting, just sensing.”

Floating orbs shimmered to life above each student. Tatiana’s glowed pink. Timothy’s was green. Davon’s shone icy blue.

Then came Ellona’s turn.

Her orb sparked violently—gold, violet, black—and then vanished in a burst of magic that rustled hair and deepened shadows across the room.

“Fascinating…” Professor Orlen muttered.

“She’s cursed,” someone whispered.

Ellona crossed her arms. “Finished?”

The orb didn’t return.

---

That evening, Ellona unpacked in her room. Books. A sketchpad. Her mother’s old locket.

She opened the locket. Inside, folded carefully, was a faded note and a tiny protective charm wrapped in silk.

The handwriting was soft, old:

“To protect what matters most.”

A knock at the door.

Tatiana poked her head in. “Want to study later? I brought sparkberry juice and sarcasm.”

Ellona gave the faintest smile. “Maybe.”

---

Back in the mountain home, Ellona’s grandmother stood beside the sleeping figure of Ellaire.

“She’s started her first day,” she whispered. “You’d be proud.”

A flicker passed through Ellaire’s face. Her fingers twitched—this time, more than before.

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