Chapter Three:

The boy was standing directly in front of me. His abdominal muscles were clearly defined and tense, a towel carelessly wrapped around his waist, and his wet hair dripped over his shoulders and chest. For a moment I froze in place, my mind completely shut down. I looked at him longer than I should have; his body was stunning and alluring, and I drifted into my imagination, as if I had forgotten the reason I was here in the first place.

He raised an eyebrow when he noticed my staring.

He stepped toward me slowly, one step after another, until he trapped me against the door, placing his hands on both sides. I lifted my gaze to him, my eyes widening.

It was him.

The same boy who had gotten out of the car.

He said in a cold, arrogant voice, "Are you a stalker or a spy?"

I swallowed, my heart pounding violently. "No... I'm here... this is my room, I think."

He looked at me for a few seconds, then suddenly stepped back and sighed. "Fine. So you're my roommate."

My roommate? That's impossible!

"What's your name?"

"I'm... Iris."

He nodded. "And I'm Kevin Halkos. Be calm and don't bother me."

Then he turned around and entered one of the rooms, closing the door behind him, leaving me standing in the living room like a new piece of furniture that didn't know where it had been placed.

How could my roommate be a male? Is this normal here? Or have I entered an extra chapter of a never-ending nightmare?

Finally, I looked around carefully. The place wasn't an ordinary room; it was more like a small luxurious apartment. Two separate bedrooms, a fully equipped small kitchen, a shared bathroom, and a living room with a huge sofa and a large television mounted on the wall.

I moved toward the sofa and sat down cautiously, then grabbed the remote control and turned on the TV. Channels appeared one after another, but their names were unfamiliar. The anchors and guests looked strange; some had features that were too sharp, others had unnatural skin. Even the way they spoke was different.

I whispered to myself, "Is it possible that I swapped places with that girl? She went to my world... and I was summoned here?"

The idea sounded insane, but it was the only logical explanation in the middle of all this madness.

I stood up and headed toward the other room, next to Kevin's room. I opened the door slowly... it was neatly arranged: the bed was made, the desk was clean, as if its owner had left only minutes ago.

I walked toward the wardrobe and opened it. It was full of elegant clothes: dark dresses, long coats, and pieces that looked expensive. One particular outfit caught my attention: a white shirt, a black tie, a purple skirt with black lines, and a matching coat.

I stared at it silently. "Is this the academy uniform?"

I closed the wardrobe and headed to the desk. There was a phone on it. I grabbed it immediately and opened it without hesitation. It unlocked easily, with no password.

I began browsing through it and found many applications with strange names, their accounts almost empty, so I went into the photo gallery.

And I froze.

The gallery was full of pictures of me.

But... I had never taken them.

Pictures of me smiling at the camera, pictures of me in places I don't recognize, with unknown people. Even the videos I was speaking in my own voice, laughing in my own way, but I don't remember any of them.

I slowly ran my finger across the screen, trying to comprehend it. There was no trace of my grandfather, nor of Mark, nor of Maysan. No one I knew. They were all new people.

I opened an app called "My Happy Diary." At the top, I found a message titled: "To my dear Iris."

My hand trembled as I tapped on it.

"My dear Iris,

I hope you are well. I know that you are scared and lost right now, but I wanted to tell you that you will get used to this from now on. I am Carla Parkjo, the owner of the place you have taken. I am from a noble and wealthy vampire family. I received a strict upbringing from a young age as a noble, and I had to be more refined and mature than others. My life was ordinary; I did not receive special attention, nor was I ostracized. I was simply a noble person who hated her quiet life.

And one day, while I was performing one of my spells, my reflection in the mirror was reversed and transformed into your image. From that day on, I began watching you and spying on you from inside the mirror. Honestly, it was wonderful to watch you and see how much special attention you received from everyone the attention I once lost and longed for, which I found in your private life.

So I decided, at any cost, to prey on you and obtain a chance to change our worlds. After many experiments and spells, I succeeded in creating one and made you transfer to my world.

From now on, you will be in my place. Remember that you are now a vampire, but temporarily. In the morning, you are an ordinary human, and in the evening, you become a vampire. Be careful not to be exposed.

Tomorrow will be the first day at Warster Kailey Academy. I wish you a better life.

The end."

I finished reading and remained staring at the screen.

I felt intense anger rising inside me. I don't know if I was angry because my life had been stolen from me, or because what was coming might be far worse.

"Prey on you?" I muttered bitterly. "As if I were prey in a forest."

I had no choice but to accept this act temporarily, or find a way back to my world. But how? I knew no spells, and there were no magical mirrors within my reach. I looked at the mirror, and it reflected my image differently, as if I had become part of this world.

I lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I wished all of this were a foolish dream, and that I would wake up in my old room, hear my grandfather knocking on the door, and see Mark again.

I fell asleep after a long day filled with surprises.

I woke up early in the morning. I slowly opened my eyes and looked around. Everything was the same.

The same room. It wasn't a dream or a nightmare it was a reality I had to live from now on.

I sighed, feeling the urge to cry and explode at the same time. I got up immediately and walked toward the window. I opened it, and sunlight slipped inside, falling across my face and hands.

I waited for a burning sensation... for pain... for anything.

But nothing happened.

I wasn't affected.

I remembered last night's message my partial transformation. Human in the morning, vampire in the evening.

"Great," I muttered bitterly.

I left my room and headed toward Kevin's room. I hesitated for a moment before entering, then opened the door without permission.

The room was completely dark, the curtains tightly drawn. I moved cautiously toward his bed.

He was lying on his back, his hands clasped over his chest, completely motionless. He looked like a corpse in an invisible coffin. I studied him for a few seconds. His face was calm, his features sharp even in sleep. If this was what vampires looked like while sleeping, I didn't want to see what they looked like when they woke up hungry.

I left quietly and closed the door.

I stood in the living area, thinking. If vampires were like this... then what about those with green skin? And those with horns? How many kinds lived here?

No answer.

I decided to leave the apartment or what was called a room. I walked down the corridor with cautious steps, looking around, trying to memorize the details. The walls were decorated with old paintings, the lighting was dim, and the floor was glossy.

There was no one awake. The place was almost empty. Even when I stepped outside into the courtyard, it was deserted except for a cool breeze passing between the trees.

I moved toward a small garden filled with flowers. I bent down to examine one of them and, without thinking, tried to pluck one of the beautiful red roses. Its thorn suddenly pricked me.

"Ah!"

A small drop of blood appeared on my finger. I tried to stop the bleeding with my other hand. And at that moment, I noticed a long shadow stretching across the ground behind me.

I froze.

I didn't turn around immediately, but I felt the presence of a tall person standing directly behind me. My breathing slowed, my hand still raised. I closed my eyes for a moment, as if bracing myself for what was about to happen.

Chapter Four:

I remained silent for a few moments, gripping my injured finger and staring at the shadow stretching out in front of me. I waited for what would happen. Would the shadow turn into a hand that grabs me? Would a creature with long teeth and glowing eyes appear behind me? Is this my end in a strange dormitory garden while I'm trying to pick a rose?

Heavy seconds passed. No sound. No movement.

I opened my eyes suddenly and turned around very slowly, as if I were afraid of startling something if I moved too quickly. I looked behind me... no one. I looked right and left the courtyard was completely empty. The trees were still, the air was cold, and there was no sign of anyone.

"Was it an illusion?" I whispered to myself.

But the feeling was real. It wasn't just imagination. I felt the presence of someone behind me, I felt breaths that weren't mine. I didn't dare stay any longer. I hurried back to the building and climbed the stairs quickly. When I entered the apartment, I closed the door tightly and leaned my back against it, catching my breath.

I was trembling.

I moved toward the kitchen looking for something to eat. I opened the refrigerator and found raw meat placed neatly in glass containers. Its smell alone made my stomach clench.

"Impossible..."

I closed the refrigerator quickly and opened the lower cabinets, where I found some dry bread. I grabbed it and ate it quickly, as if I were afraid it would disappear from my hands. I wasn't used to this strange hunger that attacked me so suddenly.

As evening approached, I began to hear sounds in the corridor. Doors opening, heavy footsteps, overlapping laughter. It seemed as if the place was waking up from a long slumber. I remembered what Carla had said. In the morning, human... and in the evening, vampires and my transformation was beginning to return.

I went to my room and put on the academic uniform I found in the wardrobe. The white shirt, the black tie, the purple skirt with dark stripes, and the matching coat. I adjusted my hair while looking at myself in the mirror.

My reflection was familiar... but not entirely mine.

"I don't belong here, but I have to understand this place if I want to survive."

I left the room to find Kevin in the living room. He was wearing the same uniform, the shirt clearly highlighting his athletic build. He looked different from the morning more lively, his yellow eyes gleaming. His beauty was charming and alluring.

Twisted thoughts crept into my mind as I gazed at his soft lips. I closed my eyes and lightly slapped myself.

"Wake up, Iris, you already have a boyfriend."

I looked at him again and noticed a strange emblem on his shirt, resembling a coiled fiery dragon.

Curiously, I asked, "Kevin, what's that on your shirt?"

He looked at me with clear sarcasm. "Are you really that ignorant, or are you just trying to find an excuse to talk to me?"

I bit my lip. His audacity knew no bounds.

But suddenly, his expression changed. He lifted his nose slightly, as if smelling something, and his eyes glowed eerily.

Before I could understand, he was in front of me in an instant, holding my injured hand.

"Your blood..." he said in a low voice. "It's... distinctive."

I pulled my hand back quickly and stepped back. But he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me toward him effortlessly.

"I think I'll take a little bite."

I trembled violently. "Stay away from me!"

I tried to push him, but he was far stronger. He bared his long fangs and leaned toward my neck.

At that moment, there was a loud knock at the door.

He froze, then sighed irritably. "Bad timing."

He stepped back, straightened up, grabbed his bag, and headed to the door, leaving without a word, while I heard voices of greetings and laughter outside.

I collapsed onto the floor, breathing heavily, as if I had come back to life after a moment of suffocation. Even though I had cleaned my wound in the morning and put a bandage on it, he had been able to smell the blood easily.

This meant that others could do the same.

Fear knocked on my chest again, hard.

But I forced myself to get up. I couldn't stay hidden. I stepped into the corridor where everyone was wearing the same uniform, heading toward the adjacent academy.

I was still tense from their appearances and behavior, but I tried to walk calmly, observing without drawing attention.

When I stood before the gate of Warster Kailey Academy, the place was crowded with students. I took a deep breath and entered. The courtyard was wide and green, the buildings massive with a royal design blending Victorian style with a modern touch. I felt as if I had stepped into another era.

I stood in the wide corridor, watching the students. I didn't know where to go or what to do...

Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me: "Ha! There you are! Yesterday's girl!"

I turned quickly. It was the green-skinned girl who had spoken to me yesterday.

She smiled lightly and said, "What happened yesterday? You were running like crazy."

I stammered a little. "I was nervous... sorry."

She chuckled softly. "It's okay. By the way, I'm Maya Arrogia, first year."

I smiled. "I'm... Iris Laws... I mean, Iris Parkju, first year too."

I wasn't sure if I really was in the first year or not.

We walked together, and I followed her in silence. She said excitedly, "Let's go to the first lecture."

I didn't know which lecture she was talking about, but I followed her until we reached a huge auditorium resembling a cinema hall. When I entered, my eyes widened. The seats were arranged in tiered rows, and the stage at the front was vast.

Suddenly, Maya signaled to the seat next to her, and I sat beside her, watching silently as the hall filled with students. Suddenly, the lights around us went out, leaving only the stage illuminated.

An elderly man stood there, his features sharp, and his eyes a steady red. His voice was deep as he said:

"I am Principal James Cashmable. Welcome, new students, to Warster Kailey Academy, the grand academy that unites the three kinds: vampires, demons, and ghouls. Here, you are all equal. No one is above another."

He paused for a moment, then continued: "I wish you the best experiences and happiness here at the Academy of the Nation."

After that, everyone in the hall began clapping and whistling. I clapped with them, though I was thinking only one thing:

"Not just vampires... but demons and ghouls too."

Maya turned to me excitedly. "I'm so thrilled! To start my first day here. How about you?"

I looked at her green skin and smiled nervously. "Yes... I'm excited too."

When we left, darkness had fallen. The sky was black, and the lamps lit the corridors. I realized that the day here was very short, and the night was long.

Then we went to the name lists. Maya said, "Look, your name is here. Section G-3 for Biology and Science. And I'm in A-2 for Technology."

I felt a small disappointment that she wasn't in my class; she was the only person I knew here.

"We'll meet later," she said with a smile, then left.

I entered my classroom hesitantly. As soon as I stepped in, I felt many eyes on me. Different faces, eyes of unnatural colors, mysterious smiles. I sat in an empty seat in the third row, trying to appear calm. I placed my hands on the desk and took a deep breath.

Chapter Five:

A girl sat in the seat next to me. Her short pink hair fell to her neck, and her skin wasn't green or overly pale it was comfortably normal to look at. I finally felt like I had met someone who seemed normal in this strange world. Her features were beautiful and calm, not carrying the sharp or mysterious looks I had seen in the eyes of others since I arrived at the academy.

She looked at me while I was staring at her unintentionally, and she gave a slight smile that made me feel some reassurance, so I returned the smile. There was no conversation between us, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable; it felt like a small safe space within this place full of secrets.

Suddenly, two girls passed by her, and by chance, one of them accidentally hit her desk, but she didn't apologize or even look at her. She only gave a condescending side glance and continued walking. As for the girl with pink hair, fear appeared on her face, and she lowered her head as if she were used to this kind of treatment.

I felt anger rising inside me, but I couldn't do anything. I also didn't know what might happen if I intervened. This place isn't like my world, and I don't even know its rules yet.

Then I remembered my life at my previous university. Everyone respected and loved me, even the professors. I was well-known among the students, even throughout the city. My name was mentioned with admiration, because of my wealth, beauty, and kindness that I didn't hide. I was confident, strong, moving freely without fear. But now, I was just a scared girl who didn't know what awaited her next.

I sighed quietly, then slowly approached the girl and said,

"Hi, are you okay?"

She looked at me, embarrassed, then gave a small smile and said softly,

"Yes... I'm fine."

Just looking into her eyes made me feel something strange. It was as if I knew her, or had some connection with her at some point. A familiar feeling passed through me, but it was hazy, like a memory I couldn't unlock.

I said to her,

"My name is Iris, what about you?"

She seemed more nervous than before, and replied stammering,

"I... my name is Julia Skort."

Then she leaned back slightly in her chair and turned her head away, but her body was still trembling. I wondered to myself, why is she acting like this? Or perhaps did the owner of this place do something to her?

Before I could find an answer, the professor entered the classroom, and everyone immediately sat in their seats. As soon as my eyes fell on him, I felt my heart pounding. He was strikingly handsome. His long hair was pulled back, and on his head were prominent horns that added to his grandeur and authority. His red eyes made his gaze firm and confident.

I sat staring at him unconsciously. I hadn't expected to feel such sudden attraction. And when he began speaking, his voice sounded deep and clear.

He said:

"Hello, I'm Professor Lucas, the mathematics teacher. Pleased to meet you. I want each of you to tell me your name."

The students began introducing themselves one by one. When it was my turn, I said firmly:

"Iris Parkju."

Professor Lucas looked at me for a long moment, then said:

"You're one of the nobles here?"

I remembered the message where Carla mentioned she was a noble, so I said:

"Yes, of course."

The rest of the students continued introducing themselves, but throughout the class, I watched him silently. I tried to focus on the lesson, but the beauty of his muscles and agility didn't let me be.

When the class ended, everyone stood up. I stood as well and looked at Julia beside me, asking:

"What do we have now?"

But she didn't answer. She lowered her head and left quickly without looking at me. I felt annoyed. Why is she acting like this? She smiles at me at first, then avoids me as if I were a threat?

I decided to go to Maya's class. As I walked down the corridor, I caught sight of Kevin with his group in the distance, smiling and laughing. Our eyes met for a moment, but he immediately turned his head as if he didn't know me. I did the same, passing by him without looking back.

Suddenly, Maya appeared in front of me, quickly came toward me, grabbed my right arm, and whispered:

"I can't believe it! That's Kevin! He's the prince of the Demon Clan! I can't believe he's really handsome."

I looked at her in shock:

"What? Prince of the Demon Clan?"

She said excitedly:

"Yes, he's one of the strongest and most handsome princes. Just seeing him is a dream for many. I don't know who his roommate is, but she's very lucky."

I froze in place. I'm his roommate. But I didn't dare tell her. I tried to change the subject and said:

"How many princes are here?"

She looked at me in surprise:

"Shouldn't you know? They are the elite of the academy and the entire world."

I tensed slightly and said:

"I just wanted to make sure."

She began explaining to me:

"First, there's Crown Prince Oliver Kailey, nicknamed the Fourth Heir because he holds the powers of the three classes and unites them. And his sister, Princess Sophia Kailey, princess of the Ghoul Clan. Then Kevin, prince of the Demon Clan, and his younger brother Andrea. And there's the vampire family consisting of five princes, led by Princess Navarin. "

After that, Maya suggested we go to the cafeteria. The line was long, and the students waited patiently. When it was my turn, I placed a piece of raw meat on my plate and a glass of blood juice. I looked at it with disgust. As for Maya, she got green juice and a piece of meat that looked rotten.

We sat at the table, and Maya started eating immediately. I felt nauseous watching her. She said to me:

"Come on, Iris, didn't you say you were hungry?"

I didn't know what to say. But suddenly, I felt something change inside me a strong urge to eat. Unconsciously, I grabbed the piece of meat with both hands and began devouring it quickly. I drank the blood juice in one gulp. I was behaving with an unusual greed.

Maya looked at me in shock. As for me, I couldn't stop; I felt an even greater need. I looked at her in a way that made her tense. I was still extremely thirsty, so I quickly stood up to prevent myself from attacking her and left the place.

I ran through the corridors until I reached a courtyard, feeling a strange thirst. I could no longer control myself. Suddenly, I saw a boy sitting on the ground, his head covered by his jacket hood.

I approached him without thinking. I sat on top of him and noticed a previous bite mark, so I placed my fangs over it and drew the blood as vampires do. I felt my thirst gradually subside not only that, but also a comfort I had missed...

Then I snapped out of my shock. What had I done? I moved away from him quickly and looked at his face. He was awake, looking at me calmly.

I stood up quickly and said in a flustered voice:

"I'm so sorry, I don't know how I did that. I really apologize."

He stood up as well and said calmly:

"It's alright, it's just a small bite."

But for me, it wasn't small. I had been running from monsters, and here I was turning into what I had feared. I stood there, feeling the weight of the truth pressing on my chest. It was no longer just suspicion. Something was changing inside me.

I raised my eyes to him again. He was still unexpectedly calm. This calm scared me more than any scream he could have made.

I whispered to myself:

"What have I become?"

And for the first time, I had no answer.