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.

Chapter Six:

I tried to apologize to that young man; I was extremely nervous as I said: "I... I'm really sorry."

He looked at me with stern eyes, then said in a sharp voice as he sighed: "This happens a lot."

Then he turned and left as if it meant nothing to him. I felt even more confused, so I hurried and grabbed his hand before he walked away and asked him: "What do you mean?"

But before he could answer, he suddenly disappeared before my eyes, and nothing remained in his place except thick gray smoke. I started coughing hard as I waved my hand in front of my face to push the smoke away. I looked right and left, but there was no trace of him; he completely vanished before my eyes.

I stood for a few moments trying to comprehend what had happened. Everything was stranger than I expected. Teleportation, disappearance, horns, food... this place does not resemble anything I have known in my life.

I sighed slowly and decided to go back to look for Maya. After a few minutes of wandering through the long corridors of the academy, I found her standing in one of the hallways, looking at her phone. I approached her, but as soon as she lifted her head and saw me, her face immediately changed. She looked extremely frightened, and her body began to tremble.

I stopped in front of her and said hesitantly: "Maya... I'm sorry for what happened earlier. I know I behaved badly."

But she looked at me with even more fear and said in a low voice: "This happens a lot."

I froze in my place the same sentence again.

I said anxiously: "What do you mean? Why does everyone say that?"

She tried to avoid it at first and turned her face away, but I held her arm slightly and said pleadingly: "Please, Maya, tell me."

She finally sighed and said: "Alright, Iris... you belong to the vampire clan. It's one of the strongest clans here, so it's easy for you to make those weaker than you your prey."

I was shocked. I quickly said: "But I really am not one of them!"

Maya suddenly laughed and said: "Iris, just a moment ago you were eating greedily as if you were ready to devour everyone."

I paused for a moment, then smiled lightly. It was good to see her return a little to her normal self after the fear that had appeared on her a few minutes earlier.

---

The rest of the school day passed relatively quietly.

Nothing worth mentioning happened, but my head was filled with thoughts and questions. When the classes ended, we left the academy and returned to the campus where the student residences are located.

But Maya's residence was far from mine, so we parted ways on the road. I walked alone until I reached the apartment. I opened the door and went in, but I immediately stopped.

Kevin was there... half-naked again.

I quickly closed my eyes and said while shouting: "Kevin, remember that you have a roommate."

He replied coldly without even looking at me: "Ah... sorry. But in the end, I'm the owner of this apartment."

I said impatiently: "But I'm your roommate too, so you need to show some respect."

He didn't respond; he just turned around, went into his room, and closed the door behind him.

I sighed as I muttered: "What a long night."

Despite the exhaustion I felt, the day wasn't entirely bad. But the idea that Kevin is the prince of demons was still spinning in my head. I felt as if I had moved into the world of a fantasy novel, not just an exchange between two worlds.

I quickly changed my clothes, then lay down on the couch and turned on the TV. I wanted to learn more about this world.

The channels were somewhat similar programs, news, and some advertisements. But what caught my attention was a news report talking about something called "the rebels."

I muttered: "What does rebels mean?"

Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me say: "Damn... I can't believe this has started again."

I turned around quickly; Kevin was standing behind me, looking at the TV.

I asked him: "What does this mean?"

He looked at me in surprise and said: "Do you really not know? You're kind of stupid."

I frowned and said: "Just tell me."

He sighed and said: "The rebels are a small group that does not believe in the unified system between the clans."

I said: "So they want to rebel against this system?"

He replied: "Exactly. And if things continue like this... we might go into another war."

I froze in place war? Even here there are wars?

I screamed inside: "Damn it... I want to go back to my world, I don't want to get into trouble!"

After several hours... I don't know exactly when, sleep overtook me while the TV was still on. I woke up the next morning to find myself still asleep on the couch.

I got up slowly. The room was quiet, and the TV was still on with the volume low.

I went to the kitchen and opened the cabinet, where I found some pieces of bread. I ate a little of it; I didn't have the courage to go out today after what happened yesterday.

I went back to the room and started putting on some of the clothes in the closet. They were a bit strange compared to my clothes in my world, but they were still beautiful. I stood in front of the mirror, looking at myself as I tried on these clothes, and suddenly... my reflection disappeared.

I froze in place, quickly turned around, and looked behind me... no one. I looked back at the mirror, and my reflection was gone. Then suddenly, the face of the girl who had swapped places with me appeared in the mirror.

I screamed: "You! Damn you! Please send me back to my world!"

She smiled calmly as she looked at me.

I felt irritated and said: "Is what I'm saying funny?!"

She opened her bag and took out a lipstick, then started writing on the mirror. The words appeared in front of me reversed, then settled by a mysterious force so I could read them.

She wrote: "Sorry. I can't hear you. And you can't hear me either. Writing is our only way to communicate."

I quickly searched for a pen until I finally found one. I wrote: "Please, send me back to my world."

She shook her head and wrote: "I can't, Iris. You have to get used to it."

Anger flared inside me, and I tried to break the mirror with my hand, but it didn't shatter.

She wrote again: "I'm sorry, Iris... but I needed your place. And if you want, I can tell you news about your family how they are and your friends."

I wrote angrily: "Damn you."

Suddenly, my reflection returned to the mirror, and she disappeared.

I fell to the ground as I began to recall some memories memories with my grandfather... and with Mark. My life there was calm and happy compared to what I am living now.

---

In the evening, when it was time to go to the academy, I quickly got dressed and went out, meeting Maya at the gate where she was waiting for me.

I ran toward her so we could enter the academy together.

Maya said to me: "Iris, can you accompany me to the bathroom? I want to fix my makeup."

I replied: "Of course."

We entered the bathroom... and what we saw made us stop in our tracks. Julia was on the ground, and a few girls were standing around her, harassing her.