The Human World...

The door creaked open slowly. Three men stepped inside. They were tall, draped in black cloaks and their eyes glowing red beneath their hoods. They moved silently.

They spread through the small, dusty house. The air reeked of alcohol and mold. An empty bottle rolled across the hallway as one of the intruders stepped in.

“She’s not here,” the first man said, his voice a low growl. “Search everywhere.”

In the corner of the living room, sprawled over a stained couch, was kelvin. A bottle still clutched in his hand, his eyes bloodshot, barely able to sit upright.When he saw the figures, he froze.

“No… no, no,” he muttered, trying to stand. “You—”

The leader turned toward him. “So you do recognize us.”

“You’re the ones that destroyed Ryker and his family… You killed Ryker, goddammit.”

The man smirked beneath his hood. “Ahh, so the memory hasn’t entirely rotted in your drunk skull.”

Kelvin backed up a step, knocking over a small wooden table. The bottle in his hand shattered. His hands shook.

“Where is she?” the man whispered.

“I-I don’t know,” he said, terrified. “I’m sure they must have taken her.” He let out a shaky laugh, his breath reeking of alcohol.

“Taken her where?”

“I told you—I don’t know. And even if I did, I’m not telling.”

The man sighed. “Then what use are you to me? If you can’t tell me her whereabouts, you’re better off dead—just like your friend.” He turned to the others. “Kill him.”

“Wait!” Kelvin shouted. “Don’t…please, I beg you…have mercy…”

But his pleas fell on deaf ears. One of the cloaked men lunged forward, his blade sliding across the room with deadly speed.

A sharp gasp.

Then silence.

Kelvin collapsed to the floor, blood pooling from his slit neck, eyes wide with the final terror of a man who had seen monsters twice.

“No!” Cherry shouted from the door steps, the shopping bag in her hand fell to the ground. Behind her was Loretta, wide-eyed in shock.

“Get them!” He ordered.

Loretta and Cherry quickly ran off.

“Prepare the Bloodstone. If she’s crossed over into the mystical world, we’ll find her. As for the rest of the family, find them and kill them.”

“But Slyker,” one of them asked, “what do we tell the king?”

“That’s why we have to find her quickly.”

~

The next day…

A girl around Freya's age stopped in front of her house in the human world, her hands gripping the steering wheel with excitement. The soft purr of her brand-new car—sleek and silver.

Her parents had gifted it to her after their vacation as an early birthday present, and she couldn’t wait to show it to her best friend.

She parked along the curb and stepped out, the cool morning breeze ruffling her dark curls. As she shut the door, she glanced around. It was too quiet.No clinking of empty beer bottles.No grumbled swears from kelvin and no abuses from Loretta.

Just… unbearable silence.

Tiffany walked up the porch steps, the wood creaking beneath her boots. The front door was slightly open.

Why is the door open? she thought.

She knocked once.

Then again.

No answer.

“Freya?” she called out, peeking through the narrow front window.The hallway looked the same, but something felt… off.

The energy in the house was dead.A small frown tugged at her lips as she gripped the doorknob to the living room. It turned easily.

She stepped inside cautiously. “I’m coming in, okay?” she called, forcing a small chuckle.

Then the scent hit her.

Sharp.

Metallic.

Like rust.

Tiffany wrinkled her nose.“What the hell…”

The strange smell grew stronger with each step. Her instincts screamed at her to leave—but curiosity pushed her forward.

“Mr. Kelvin? Freya?” She called out for Freya's foster father and her friend. “You alright?”

The scream never made it out.Her breath was stolen by the gruesome sight before her. Kelvin lay sprawled across the floor…lifeless. His chest soaked in blood. His hands dangled limply, fingertips grazing shattered glass and a bottle of liquor.

Blood had pooled beneath him, seeping into the carpet and staining it.

“Oh my God… Oh my God—Freya…”

She scrambled back, fumbling for her phone, fingers slipping as she dialed emergency services.

“There’s blood… he’s dead… I think he’s dead…please, please hurry—Mr. Kelvin —he’s—” Her voice cracked with sobs.

She ran to Freya’s room,but it was empty.“Freya? Where are you? Please…”

Her hands shook as she dialed her mother’s number.

“Moth-Mother,” she stammered, breath ragged. Fear gripped her chest. “I don’t think I can drive, Mum. Please… come to Freya’s place.”

“What are you saying, child? I can barely hear you. Why are you crying?”

“Mother, please… just come. I beg you,” she whispered, then ended the call. She texted Freya quickly.

Where are you? Are you okay?

Her mind spun in circles.

What if Freya had been hurt too? What if she had walked in on this? What if—

She dropped to her knees, sobbing as the worst possible scenarios consumed her. And the sirens couldn’t come fast enough.

**************

Meanwhile, in the mystical realm… in the white halls of the Crimson Pack mansion, Chloe paced furiously in front of the Pack Council Chamber.

Her heels clicked sharply against the polished stone, her lavender gown fluttering with every turn she took. Her long dark hair was unkempt from tugging at it in frustration, and her usual calm demeanor had shattered into furious pieces.

"They’ve lost their minds!" she shrieked, storming into the chamber without waiting to be invited.

Kristen’s mother, Mabel, Luna of Crimson pack, sat at the head of the long table with a few council members. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for Chloe’s tantrum to finish.

“Elders, please excuse us,” Chloe said, fury burning in her eyes.

They looked at their Luna, and she gave them a single nod.

As soon as the room cleared, Chloe rounded on her. “How dare you all make Kristen abandon his duties here—his coronation, school, and most importantly our mating ceremony—just to go babysit some human hybrid freak?"

“Watch your words,” Mabel said coldly, her eyes glinting with restrained rage.

“I had to learn about it from my source! None of you could’ve had the decency to speak to me about it first? What will my father say when I tell him? She’s a stain on everything we stand for!" Chloe barked. “Isn’t she the daughter of the previous Alpha who betrayed his own pack and this very pack to go to the human world and be with someone?”

“Why let your son play mentor to some abomination, Luna Mabel?”

"Enough, Chloe." Luna Mabel’s voice rang.

"No!" Chloe shouted, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "You’re his mother! How could you allow this? How could you let him disgrace us all by entertaining that thing? You promised my father that he would be ready! The ceremony is in three weeks!”

"If not for one thing, Chloe, I would’ve ended this alliance," Mabel said calmly. "You aren’t even Luna yet, and already you’re setting yourself high, trying to control everyone around you. Don’t forget your place—and who’s in charge here."

"You speak like a spoiled pup Luna Mabel added.

"Chloe’s nostrils flared. "I’ve spent my whole life preparing for this. I’ve trained beside Kristen for years. I’ve earned my place! He needs to come back here. He can’t leave me behind to go take care of some human. I’ve spent my whole life preparing for this!" she repeated, her voice cracking. "She just…he can’t just throw our plans away for her"

Mabel stood up slowly, her gaze sharp. "Are you speaking out because of the ceremony… or because you feel threatened by her presence?"

"Threatened? Seriously? By a human? Don’t flatter me, Luna Mabel. I can never feel threatened by her. Why would you even allow Kristen to transfer to that school?”

"You know, Chloe… I think you don’t love my son. You’re just after the power and the name the Blackwood family will give you."

Chloe opened her mouth to respond, but the words barely came.

"No need to be defensive, Chloe," Mabel said, her tone clipped. "The ceremony will happen in three weeks. Just don’t get in my son’s way.”

Freya’s POV continues~~~

“Miss Eva, or should I call you ma'am Eva?”

“Any that suits you, Miss Moore.”

I took a deep breath. “I still think you're wrong about me. Clearly you can see my mentor isn't even interested in tutoring me. I am human, I’m sure of it. I don't think I would be accepted in this school.”

“Nonsense,” she said, standing up from her chair and walking towards me. “I know how hard it is coming to a new environment and starting from scratch, but I assure you, Freya, this place is your place. Once you learn to manage your powers, you'll enjoy Moonclaw Academy.

“This place is just like any other school you grew up with in the human world. The difference is… we’re supernatural.”

A knock interrupted her little pep talk. She raised her voice. “Come in.”

A tall, slim girl with ginger curly hair walked in. She looked about eighteen or nineteen, her brown eyes soft but sharp at the same time.

Is this a school for supernaturals or for good-looking creatures? I thought inwardly.

“Good morning, Dean. You called for me?” the girl said politely.

The dean turned to her while I just stood there watching them intensely.

“Miss Brianna, this is the student I told you about. You're among the best uprising students in this school, so I deem it fit that you'll be able to be a tour guide for our new student here.”

“It's my pleasure to be of help, Dean Eva.”

“Well, Freya,” the dean said warmly, “since that's settled, you're officially a student of Moonclaw Academy. Welcome to the family.”

I didn’t even say a word. Still, I felt like I was in some sick dream.

“You can follow her, and she'll show you around and then to your dorm, where you'll sleep. Everything has already been arranged for you. All you need to do is follow the rules and regulations. Brianna will explain further. You can begin your lessons tomorrow.”

Finally, I was out of the dean's office, forgetting I had a tour guide until she spoke.

“Hi, Freya Moore. My name is Brianna Faire, and I will be your official tour buddy.” She smiled, bringing out her right hand for a handshake.

“I’m not interested in acting friendly with you, Goldilocks. Just show me around like you’re told to and take me to my room. After that, I’ll be able to find my own way. Besides, I don’t need a babysitter.”

That statement alone made Brianna smile, and she retracted her hand. “Well, that’s a first—and I expected it.”

She straightened herself and spoke, “Let’s go then.”

****

After walking down the hall, I felt the weird vibes and looks the students standing around and chatting were giving me.

Soon we reached the grand hall of the academy.

“This is where banquets take place, parties, conferences, or any other occasions. Sometimes students are gathered here for meetings, just in case the dean has a very important announcement to make.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Later on, we got to the dining hall.

“This is the cafeteria, Freya. It opens to all students by 10 a.m. sharp for breakfast, and then dinner is 7 p.m. We all must attend our eating times whether we like it or not.”

“Wait—so even if I don’t have an appetite, I must come? Is this a boarding school or something? No one can force me to eat or not.”

“I never said you’re going to be forced. You can come to the dining hall—it isn’t a must you eat if you don’t want to. Now let’s go.”

We walked past a large door which took us to a long hallway and into a big library.

“Woah,” the word left my lips. I was speechless at how large the library was.

“This is going to be my best place,” I muttered.

“I see you love books a lot,” she questioned.

I didn’t even reply. It was rude I know, but I didn't trust her yet. What was wrong with me today?

Leaving the library, she then took me to the combat arena.

“We supernaturals are taught to heighten our skills in combat, because you may never know—your powers may fail you, and self-defense may come in handy. What kind of power do you possess?”

“Hmm, I am human,” I said flatly.

“That wasn’t what Dean Eva said.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You were already notified about my predicaments, so why ask me further?”

“I… I just… you know what, never mind.”

“The places we’ve been to are the mains of this academy. We’ve sports places too, classrooms, and then regional rooms that differentiate our abilities. But I think you’ll be able to understand that better tomorrow.”

“Hmm, okay.”

As I walked behind her, she pointed out the rules of the school.

“You are not to fight anyone in this school or you’ll be expelled. Jot this down—not every student is your equal.

“You must attend all your lectures and classes unless there’s a valid reason for missing, and you’ll be asked to submit a report on why you were absent.

“Phones are allowed but cannot be used while in class.

“Most of our grades are usually assessed by our abilities and how well we perform in class.”

All Goldilocks’ speech was tiring me out, and I couldn’t help but yawn. “Too much talk,” I said to her.

“Really, Freya? I am trying my best here to explain the rules to you, and you aren’t even taking me seriously. Don’t you know it’s rude to make people feel like they’re boring you out? Here’s my advice, Freya—if you want to survive in this school, never act sarcastic to anyone, or you will be setting yourself up to be killed.

“So drop the arrogance, because these creatures can smell fear in place of arrogance. And I know you wouldn’t want anyone preying on your weakness.

“I understand how you feel, and maybe the only way for you is to keep your guard up. But please, I assure you, I am a friend. I was in your position too. This school was all new to me when my parents brought me here for enrollment.”

“Wait—you were once human?”

“No,” Brianna said bluntly. “But when I got admitted into this academy, it all felt completely crazy for me. You’re one lucky girl. At least you have me, your tour guide. I had to find out things on my own. Anyways, let’s go.”

****

As we walked down the hallway again, this time around we took another path at the left wing where castle statues of knights were placed.

It made me wonder how old this academy was.

Now, we were surrounded by students—not just any kind of students, but good-looking ones. The kind that would make your jaw drop.

They were all dressed in their school uniforms, just like Mr. Rude and Goldilocks.

Yeah, I call him Mr. Rude because that was the first impression I got from him when we first talked.

All of a sudden, my eyes wandered to a fragile-looking girl with pink hair, being taunted by one of the students. Especially the one with purple hair, like she used too much dye.

Didn’t Brianna say students aren’t bullied in this school?

I hate bullies because I had my fair share of it from my old school. I was done getting bullied. My mind warned me to stay out of their case, but my heart pushed me to step in and stop whatever they were doing.

Walking past Brianna, she put a hand in my way to stop me.

“Are you crazy? That’s Avery Holstein, one of the school’s top elite students and the main bully. She’ll destroy you. I don’t think you would want to get on her bad side on your first day here.”

“Then watch me,” I said, pushing her hand out of my way.

****

“I… I told you two to leave me alone,” the pink-haired girl stuttered.

“Why should we, April?” one of them mocked. “Done stuttering? Making a complete fool of yourself when you couldn’t even tell Lila about your feelings?”

Her eyes went wide. “How do you know about that?”

“Who doesn’t know about your little crush? In fact, maybe we should do it for you—and then wear you diapers.”

“Oh, would you look at that—are you going to cry?”

“Hey! Stop bothering the poor girl!” I barked.

Avery stiffened at my command and turned to face me. “And who the hell are you?”

“Someone that doesn’t take nonsense from bullies like you. Shouldn’t you be ashamed of yourself, bullying the poor girl just because she can’t talk about her feelings? People like you irritate me. Go get a life, bitch.”

Brianna rushed over, holding me close to her.

“Avery, I am so sorry. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.”

“Do you even know who you’re talking to?” Avery yelled.

“No, she doesn’t.” Brianna laughed nervously. “She’s new and just arrived. Don’t worry, we’ll be on our way now.”

Avery looked at me intensely, then walked slowly, leaning toward my ear just enough for me to hear.

You've guts but… “I would watch my back if I were you, new girl. Next time, you wouldn’t jump into things that don’t concern you. Let’s go, girls.” And she left.

****

“What the hell, Freya, are you nuts?” Brianna snapped.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring her, and walked up to the shaken girl.

“Are you fine?”

All she did was nod. “Thank you,” she said softly, then whisked away.

“With all my warnings, you still chose to do what you like,” Brianna scolded.

“Relax, Goldilocks.”

“My name is Brianna.”

“I know, but I choose Goldilocks better.”

We were about leaving until My eyes landed on a group of students.

There was something utterly different about them. They didn’t look like the rest of the students—they were like gods. I could feel the aura around them. It was so unsettling and power-drawing.

Then my gaze locked onto a particular student in the group—his silver-white hair and his intense icy-blue eyes. They were so mesmerizing.

I felt like I was being pulled to look at him. There was this inexplicable and magnetic pull I couldn’t explain.

Brianna followed my gaze, and her expression changed to horror. “Oh no,” she muttered.

“Those are the Golden Mystics. They’re teachers’ pets and are clearly untouchable in this school. The ones with brown hair are Jaden and Willow— they’re shapeshifters. Then you have Judith— she has raven black hair. That’s River’s ex, though some say they didn’t really break up since they’re still seen together. And lastly… River— the white-haired one.

“He’s the oldest among them. More dangerous and unpredictable. You don’t want to cross paths with any of them. Try as much as possible to avoid them. Don’t look at them, don’t speak to them, don’t even try to cross their paths. Stay away from them, especially him—the white-haired one. They’re on a completely different level. No one can succumb to their level of power.”

I nodded, but my eyes were still glued to River. River. I let his name echo in my mind.

Although I was warned against him—him being the beast or some kind of death mane—it didn’t scare me. Instead, it only deepened my fascination and curiosity about him.

Freya’s POV continues~~~

The hallway stretched into a pathway for girls. It seemed this was the way to the girls’ hostel because since Brianna and I had begun walking, all I’d seen were female students.

The pathway seemed like a seemingly endless tunnel of glossy oak doors, each bearing a polished brass number. The air reeked of fresh paint and industrial cleaner, undercut by the thumping bass of someone’s music in the distance, muffled by laughter of a conversation I wasn’t part of.

“Seriously, I’m tired. We’ve been walking for ages. When are we reaching my room? My legs hurt already.”

Brianna rolled her eyes. “We supernaturals don’t get tired out easily.”

“Easy for you to say. I’m human, not supernatural.”

“You really should stop saying that, Freya, or you’ll be seen as weak.”

“Whatever.”

Maybe this is a fresh start for me, I thought, a fragile hope blooming in my chest. No more popular kids bullying an orphan like me. Maybe I might actually like it here.

Finally, we stopped before a door. Unlike the others, its brass nameplate was already filled in. Beneath “307,” a single name was etched in a sharp, angular script: Avery Holstein, with a blank space waiting to be filled.

“Oh no,” I muttered. “This just got a lot worse.”

“This is it, Freya. My tour with you ends here for now. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Hope you'll be fine?

I nodded and then she waved me goodbye.

Of course, I didn’t want her to leave—at least she could’ve followed me inside and maybe helped me out with whatever drama I was about to meet. But my pride got in the way, and I watched her leave.

I opened the door slowly before going in, and what I saw instantly killed the only hope I had left.

The room was a study in controlled opulence and stark contrast. My side was bare—just a standard-issue bed, desk, and empty wardrobe, looking institutional.

The other side, Avery’s, was a lavishly decorated oasis. A silk duvet in a deep emerald green was draped artfully over her bed, with matching velvet pillows piled high. A pristine, expensive-looking skincare routine covered the desk, arranged with military precision. A faint, cloying scent of jasmine and sandalwood perfume hung heavy in the artificially chilled air.

And in the center of it all stood Avery. She leaned against her plush headboard, one long leg crossed over the other, examining her perfectly manicured nail. She didn’t even look up at me as I entered.

“Well,” Avery said, her voice low. “Look what the cat dragged in. And here I was hoping for someone more… relevant.”

Finally, her eyes—cool, dispassionate grey in color—flicked up to take me in, from my worn-out sneakers upward. A slow, condescending smile tugged at her lips.

“Since you’re here, we’ll establish the rules. Now. Curfew in this room is 9 PM. And you must maintain absolute silence when in this room. I shouldn’t even hear you breathe.

“The bathroom is mine from 7 to 7:30 AM—you will schedule around that. No visitors, ever, except if we come to a common ground agreement.

“Your… things…” she said the word like it was contagious, “…will remain strictly on your side of this invisible line.” She gestured a sharp line down the center of the room with her finger.

“And you will not, under any circumstances, touch anything of mine. Are we understood?”

Heat flooded my cheeks. My fists clenched at my sides, nails biting into my palms. Every instinct of mine screamed to shove that superior smirk right off Avery’s face, to tip over the neat row of lotions.

But the weight of what she might do to me kept playing in my head. And yet, I didn’t want the despairing familiarity of being at the bottom of any place again.

I was already drained just from listening to her annoying rules, and what was left of me was a cold, hard knot of tension in my stomach. I simply gave a tight nod.

I shut the door behind me, feeling more like I was stuck in a prison rather than the fresh start I had hoped for.

****

Later that night, after coming to terms with my new life of misery, I lay on my bed to finally rest my head when my daring roommate decided to test my patience.

The night had been endless for me. Avery had been on her phone for hours, her voice low—but still loud enough that a passerby close to our door could hear all her conversations. I knew for a fact she was purposely doing this just to spite and annoy me.

But I was going to give her the benefit of the doubt. I grabbed my pillow and pressed it over my ears, shutting my eyes tightly.

When I finally dozed off, the unfamiliarity of the latent magic of the academy hummed through my bones, a constant, and unsettling buzz.

***

The next morning, the alarm shattered my peaceful silence. It was a piercing, ringing screech that felt like it was drilling directly into my skull. I jolted upright, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Disoriented and panicked, I rushed to find the source, my legs tangled in the sheets. The world tilted as I pitched forward, my limbs cartwheeling until I landed with a hard thud on the cold wooden floor. The breath was knocked out of my lungs before I could even say a word.

A sharp, cruel laugh cut through, echoing in my ears.

From her bed, Avery was propped on an elbow, her face full of amusement. “Graceful,” she smirked, her eyes raking over my rumpled pajamas. “It really inspires confidence.” She mocked me with a tilt of her lips.

My face burned as I untangled myself and stood up, every muscle aching from humiliation.

“Don’t just stand there gawking,” Avery said, nodding toward the wardrobe on my bare side of the room. “Your uniforms are in there. Consider it a… welcome gift from the student auxiliary fund. Or whatever they call charity here.”

“Why are you being nice to me all of a sudden?” I asked suspiciously.

Avery raised one brow. “Wait—you think me showing you your uniform set is nice? You’re really so naïve. Anyways, I’ve nothing against you. You were brave trying to act as a hero yesterday. But know this new girl, never interrupt me again."

I took in whatever she said and walked tentatively to my wardrobe door. Inside were three sets of uniforms. The fabric was a rich, heavy wool, the tailoring impeccable, the silver buttons engraved with the academy’s crest.

They were intimidatingly beautiful and, I realized with a sinking feeling, a perfect fit. The precision of it was invasive, a reminder that every detail of my life here was known—and would be judged.

Avery swung her legs out of bed, smirking. “Try not to look like a complete idiot in it. It’s the only one you’ll be getting.”

The words landed like a physical blow, hitting my deepest insecurity—that I was an outsider, like a scholarship case, and everyone could see it.