For Cassandra, driving is really tiring her out. It’s probably okay for her to run around all day long but she couldn’t take driving for hours. Unfortunately, Cassandra couldn’t transform into her wolf form because she brought her things with her. 

Five long and exhausting hours. Cassandra needs to go to the port where the ship that exclusively caters to the Academia students is waiting. Cassandra was sweating bullets even though the car is fully air-conditioned. She was nervous as she was nearing the port of Ailes.

Cassandra managed to calm herself and parked the car on the vacant lot. She breathed deeply and went out, taking in the view of the vast crystal blue ocean in front of her. Selected students started to flood the port of Ailes. 

“You can do this, Cassy! You can do this,” she muttered under her breath while clenching both of her fists. Sir Logan McCane, one of the prominent senior professor of Academia and also the one who handed Cassandra the news, came into view. He was wearing a simple, sharp-looking, and well fitted black tuxedo with his glasses on.

“Good day, Cassandra,” McCane greeted the young she-wolf in front of him. Cassandra smiled and slightly bowed her head.

“Good day, Sir McCane. It is an honor to finally meet you,” Cassandra said and extended her hand for a shake. The professor chuckled and took it.

“Are you ready?” Sir McCane asked. Cassandra eyed the ship with the crest of the Academia elegantly engraved on it. She looked at professor McCane and nodded her head. She was more than ready. The lifelong dream she has was finally happening.

“Then, let’s go inside,” McCane mumbled. 

“How about my things and car, Sir?” Cassandra politely asked. 

“Ah! I forgot. There’s someone who will get your things and your car. I will be needing your key,” McCane said. Hesitantly, Cassandra put her car keys on the palm of his hand. Logan McCane smiled at her, seeing the wary look on her face.

“Don’t worry. I will keep your things safe, so like you,” he said. Cassandra quietly followed the professor and saw him handing the keys to a person. They went inside the ship and Cassandra couldn’t help but be amazed at what’s inside. The design was sophisticated and the wall was painted beautifully. Ian McCane suddenly halted and pulled something out of his pocket.

“Here’s the key to your room. Your things will be delivered later,” McCane said. “Also, take a rest and wait for the announcement later,” he added with a smile. Cassandra smiled and proceeded to search for her cabin. She was grinning the whole time.

“R102,” Cassandra keeps repeating to herself while looking at the cabins one by one. Her smile widened when she finally found her own cabin. She jiggled the keys and slowly opened the door. The room was comfy with its refreshing ambiance suited for traveling.

Cassandra sat on the bed and looked around once more. There’s a small painting on the wall, a small cabinet, a table and chair, and a modern minimalist chandelier hanging above. Cassandra heaved a sighed and lay her head on the soft pillow.

“I missed them,” she said waiting for her wolf’s response. 

“Me too,” her wolf replied. Cassandra bestowed her wolf a name and that was Christa. She’s been on Cassandra when she was born. They are one. Cassandra closed her eyes thinking of what’s possible to happen to her on the Academia.

"NEWLY SELECTED STUDENTS OF ACADEMIA, PLEASE PROCEED TO THE DINING HALL. I REPEAT, ALL STUDENT MUST GO TO THE DINING HALL. THANK YOU AND HAVE A NICE DAY.”

Cassandra rubbed her bleary eyes as the announcement ended. She stood up and stretched her arms and legs. She picked up her jacket that her twin brother gave her on their eighteenth birthday and left the room. Cassandra followed the swarm of students in the dining hall.

Cassandra walked with grace and with her head held up high. Different races looked at her way as she confidently trudged to her designated seat. She is the proud daughter of Blake Reese, the Alpha of the Blue Moon pack. She has the blood of and Alpha.

“Good day, everyone. I am senior professor, Logan McCane,” McCane announced on the center stage. He was assigned to give a small speech and guide the newly selected students as per the heads’ order. “I welcome you all to Academia. All of you will be brief about the school’s rules and regulations once we arrive. I wish you good luck, students,” McCane ended the speech raising a glass of red wine. The dining hall was filled with claps and cheers, and the banquet started.

“Hi,” a girl beside Cassandra politely said. 

“Hello,” she greeted her back. 

“I’m Kimberly Brown,” she said with a smile.

“I’m Cassandra Louise Reese,” Cassandra replied. As the banquet progressed, Cassandra already has known Kimberly. She is the daughter of Robert Brown, the Alpha of Silver Claws, residing in the East. She was the same age as Cassandra, being twenty years old. The two talked about a lot of things and instantly became friends. They harmoniously ate their dinner together.

After eating scrumptious food prepared for all of them, the two girls bid their goodbyes to each other. Cassandra went back to her cabin and anxiously wait. She did sort of things to ease her anxiety, but it is not sufficient.

"ALL STUDENTS PREPARE YOUR THINGS. WE WILL BE APPROACHING ACADEMIA IN 10 MINUTES. I REPEAT, ALL STUDENTS PREPARE YOUR THINGS. THANK YOU.”

Casandra stood up, “Did you hear that?” she excitedly asked.

“Of course, you dimwit,” Christa replied causing Cassandra to frown but it couldn’t hide the fact the Christa was also excited. They’ve been waiting for this. Cassandra dragged her luggage and with a last glance, she left the cabin. One by one, the students descended to the ship. The cold breeze touched Cassandra's skin, and she shivered. 

“WELCOME TO ACADEMIA,” Logan McCane announced. Cassandra’s heartbeat fastened. She glanced at the tall buildings around them, eyes brimming with tears. She smiled and clutched her chest. She finally arrived at the Academia. 

After the warm welcome given to the new students, they were brought to the hall. Cassandra couldn’t help but be amazed at the sight in front of her. Academia was a sight to behold. From its fully furnished rooms with various styles and designs down to its marvelous technology equipped with the Archmages’ power. It is simply astounding. While walking, Cassandra saw different races trudging around. Faeries, dwarves, elves, witches and warlocks, and of course vampires.

"The paper that every one of you holds consists of your dorm room number, locker combination, schedule of your classes, and lastly a map of Academia," McCane announced. Cassandra and Kimberly whom she saw earlier, looked into each other eyes. They were confused because there was no said paper.

“Whoa!” Cassandra heard some of the students gasped. 

“What is happ—oh, shit!” she suddenly cursed when a paper appeared on her hand. “Archmage,” she whispered and smiled. Being in the pack most of her life, Casandra wasn’t able to witness what was happening right now. 

"Follow Meynard. He'll show all of you where the dormitory is located," McCane said after taking in the initial reaction of students about magic. The man named Meynard appeared beside Logan McCane. Meynard is a member of sentinels whose job is to keep watch the students’ safety. Logan McCane nodded his head to Meynard. 

“Come and follow me,” Meynard said. Cassandra and the rest of the students followed Meynard. While they were walking to the dorm, Meynard explained the rules. The dorm room will be shared by three people of a different race. 

After explaining, the students went to find a room of their own. Kimberly bid her goodbye to Cassandra and walked away. Cassandra waved her hands and heaved a sigh. She flips her card and saw her dorm number. 

“110,” she softly said. She began walking and inspecting the room one by one until she found what she was searching for. Cassandra breathed deeply before knocking in front of her dorm room. It was opened by a girl, shorter than her with wavy hair. 

“You are the new student, right?” she asked. Cassandra nodded her head and was shocked when she was hugged by the girl.

“Oh my god! Abby, she’s here!” she squealed and dragged Cassandra inside. Another girl was sitting on the bed, holding a book in her hand. She stood up and extended her hand for a handshake.

“I’m Abegail, and this crazy girl is Lisanna,” she said, introducing herself and the girl who hugged Cassandra. 

“I’m Cassandra, do you mind if I ask?” she said. Cassandra wanted to confirm something. After all, she will be with these three for four years. 

“Are you perhaps…a vampire?” she blurted out. She wasn’t prejudiced of her race, but werewolves and vampires had histories of countless wars and deaths. Soon after, the leaders came into agreement, but there are still some vampires and wolves that are hostile to each other. Abegail laughed and answered ‘yes’.

“Lisanna is a witch and I'm a vampire, but don't worry, I won't bite you, wolf,” Abegail said while showing her fangs. Cassandra playfully bared her teeth at her. It was what Meynard said about sharing a room with a different race. 

“Damn, this year will be interesting,” Cassandra muttered to herself. 

“Abby! What the hell was that!?” Lisanna angrily said. “Don’t be mean towards Cassy! Now, come and help her with her things,” she added with her hands on her waist. Abegail rolled her eyes at her and the three started helping Cassandra. 

“Damn, I’m hungry! Did you brought the whole house with you, Cassy?” Abegail asked. Lisanna sat on the chair, exhausted while Cassandra laughed and put the last remaining clothes on her cabinet. 

“Let’s go eat in the cafeteria,” Lisanna suggested. “Treat us, Cassy, okay?” she added and giggled. Cassandra rolled her eyes at them. She picked her wallet up and followed the two that went ahead of her. Cassandra locked the door behind her and joined Lisanna and Abegail. The three went to the Academia’s cafeteria. 

It wasn’t just a simple cafeteria. It was like a five-star restaurant. The meals include different delicacies cooked by famous chefs. 

“Let’s sit there,” Lisanna said and pointed to a table in the corner of the room. Cassandra wondered why Lisanna chose the farthest table, but it was okay to her. She wasn’t planning on gaining unwanted attention to herself. 

Lisanna ordered her food, it was chicken tortilla soup and fried calamari same with Cassandra. While Abegail ordered roasted beef with mashed potato and a pack of O negative blood. The buzzing sound around the cafeteria stopped when a group of students entered. 

They walked gracefully as if the cafeteria was a runway and they were the models. There were three girls walking in front and three boys following behind them. When they passed the tables, the students either bowed their heads or avoided the groups’ gaze. Cassandra narrowed her eyes at them. 

“Lower your gaze, Cassy,” Lisanna whispered. Cassandra looked at her as if she had grown two heads. “Please,” Lisanna begged and whimpered. Abegail clenched her hand into a fist. 

“Tell me everything,” Cassandra seriously said and lowered her gaze. The power swirling in the air around brought tension as the group continued to walk. They were dominating the students with their intense gazes. After ordering their food, the group left. Lisanna breathed a sigh of relief. 

“Now, tell me who are they,” Cassandra said and crossed her arms and legs. The cheerful vibe on the cafeteria earlier had returned to the way it was. Lisanna gulped and glanced at Abegail beside her. 

“I’m out of here. You can tell her,” Abegail said and stood up, bringing the pack of blood with her. Lisanna and Cassandra watched Abegail retreating. 

“What happened to her? Her mood changed drastically when she saw them,” Cassandra said. She picked her bottled water and drink. 

“She had a past with one of the guys that belong to that group,” Lisanna said. “Anyway, those six had the highest rank here in Academia,” Lisanna started telling Cassandra everything she knew. 

“Those boys following them are Jet Crane, he is a warlock, Liam Wright, a werewolf from the West, and Oliver Hunt, a vampire. Jet currently ranked number 4 while Liam was 5, and Oliver was the second,” Lisanna said. Cassandra listened intently. 

“And those mean girls are Judith Lockhart, a witch, Krystal Knight, a vampire, and Joana Redwood. Joana was also a vampire and she was obsessed with First,” Lisanna mumbled. She ate the remaining piece for her food while looking fat Cassandra's reaction in front of her. 

“That’s it?” Cassandra curiously asked. She needs to know the people to avoid as she wanted to live in peace while studying in her dream school.

“No,” Lisanna said. “There were twelve of them, but Agatha, Storm, Logan, Darius, and Jessa hates their group,” she added. 

“What about Abegail? And why do I have to lower my gaze when they’re around?” Cassandra asked Lisanna once again. Lisanna fixed her clothes and clasped her hands together. 

“Oliver used to be her boyfriend, but that piece of shit suddenly broke up with her and went with that bitch, Krystal,” Lisanna angrily said, slamming her hands on the glass table. “And about your second question, we need to avoid them at all costs. Joana likes to give punishment if they’re not going to follow her. That’s how she plays,” she added. Cassandra placed her hand on her jaw. She needs to be on the rank. Cassandra despises people that think they’re that powerful to trample those who are inferior to them. 

“How can I join the rankings?” Cassandra asked. Lisanna was taken aback. She didn’t think that Cassandra was this brave to even dream of joining the ranks. 

“Every month, Academia conducts a test. Students were given a week to train themselves,” Lisanna said. Like Cassandra, she thought of joining the ranks too when she first entered this school. “All of the participants will enter the arena. The strongest that survived the fight shall be the winner,” she added. She remembered how brutal it was and that was the sole reason why she withdrew from the fight.

“After the winner was declared, another two weeks was given to train and a chance to fight the rankers. The winner needs to defeat the ranked twelfth, and that was Jessa,” Lisanna said. Cassandra smiled knowingly. Her wolf was jumping on joy after hearing Lisanna talked about the rankers. Cassandra grew up fighting her twin and other werewolves in their pack and now, she aims to fight the rankers. 

“Tell me you’re not joining!” Lisanna said and held her Cassandra’s hand, but she just smiled at the poor witch. 

“This is my last question. Who was First?” Cassandra muttered. Instantly, Lisanna paled.

“It was forbidden to mention his name,” Lisanna said. Cassandra couldn’t help but frown at her friend.

“Oh, come on! That's ridiculous. Tell me his name, already,” Cassandra insisted. Lisanna nervously looked around her and leaned closer. She looked at Cassandra with her blue eyes and spoke. 

“Sebastian Alistair Blood. He is the vampire prince, or simply known as First.”

“Wake up!” Lisanna shouted in Cassandra’s ear. Cassandra awoke with a jolt, causing her head to hit the wall. 

“Shit,” Cassandra cursed while rubbing her head. She glared at Lisanna who was laughing on the corner while clutching her stomach. 

“You should have seen your face! It was priceless,” Lisanna said and giggled. Cassandra rolled her eyes at her and grabbed the towel hanging on the chair. “You should prepare, Cassy. Abby was already in the cafeteria,” Lisanna added. Cassandra nodded her head and went to the bathroom.

“Crazy dorm mates,” she muttered while turning the shower dial. Cassandra removed all of her clothes and let the lukewarm water ran through her body. After what happened yesterday at the cafeteria, Lisanna and Cassandra decided to go back to their room. They stayed inside waiting for further announcements. 

Cassandra opened her eyes and turned the shower off after washing her body. She took her towel and dried herself. Cassandra went out of the bathroom and saw Lisanna lying on her bed. 

“You won’t come?” Cassandra asked while picking clothes. She chose a pair of jeans and a jersey baseball shirt given by her twin brother.

“No, I’m going back to sleep. My class was scheduled in the afternoon,” Lisanna answered back and covered her face with a pillow. As far as Cassandra knew, Lisanna and Abegail were in the same grade as her, but they’re the first batch to arrive in Academia, making them ahead of her in classes. 

“Okay then, I’m off,” she said. Lisanna waved her hands. Cassandra closed the door behind her and went to the cafeteria. She quickly saw Abegail sitting on the table where they sat yesterday with her food. Cassandra ordered some for herself and went to Abegail.

“You are early today,” Cassandra said and started eating. 

“You too,” Abegail said and smiled. Cassandra shrugged her shoulders. The two ate their breakfast in silence while watching every student inside. Abegail fixed her clothes and finished the remaining blood on the bag.

“Do you want me to accompany you to your room?” Abegail offered but Candice shook her head.

“Thank you but no. I can handle this. You can go now, you might be late because of me,” Cassandra said and chuckled. She didn’t take Abegail’s offer as she wanted to explore the campus by herself while searching for her classroom.

“Are you sure?” Abegail asked and eyed her carefully. Cassandra thumbs up and smiled at her. Abegail heaved a sighed and swing her bag. “Okay, then. See you later, Cassy,” she said and left. Cassandra waved her hand and when Abegail disappeared from her sight, she continued to walk on her own. 

“First class is history, great,” Cassandra muttered sarcastically while looking at the schedule she has in her hand. The history class was in room P67.

“Finally!” Casandra happily said upon finding the room. She looked at her wristwatch and groaned. She was late for seven minutes because she was lost on her way. Cassandra knocked on the door and slowly push it open. A man approached him.

“You are the new student, right? I'm Thorin Stone, your history professor. Please introduce yourself," Thorin kindly said and smiled. Cassandra nervously smiled back at him and went to the center. As she looked around the classroom, she noticed that there were only a few students in the class. Cassandra cleared her throat and proudly held her head high.

“Cassandra Louise Reese of the Blue Moon pack,” she said. Thorin looked at her, waiting for her to add information about herself, but Cassandra just sheepishly smiled. Thorin sighed and nodded his head. 

“That seat is taken,” a boy said. He was deliberately preventing Cassandra on the chair she chose after she finished introducing herself.

“There’s no one here,” Cassandra said. The boy glared at her. Cassandra pursed her lips thinking what she has done to anger the boy.

“That’s First’s seat,” he said. Cassandra shrugged her shoulder and went to sit on another chair. As much as possible, Cassandra wanted to avoid the unnecessary issue. Thorin looked at his students and resumed the class.

“So we already discussed King Sephlius lineage, today we are going to discuss the war of the supernatural happened hundreds of years ago,” Thorin said, holding his book. “How did it happen and who's the mastermind behind the war,” he added. The topic caught Cassandra's attention. She knew about the war and read some of the books about it, but it doesn’t contain enough information. 

"Lamia demigod; a last of her kind vowed to protect a powerful stone that holds magic. She protects the balance of the supernatural world. She lives in the cave in the Southern part of the Amorthon Kingdom of Wolves,” Thorin paused and when he saw his student’s reaction, he smiled. They eagerly listened to Thorin speak about it. History may be a boring subject, but the war of the supernatural was an interesting topic.

“Ikrur a powerful and deceiving demon found out about the stone and plans to steal it. Ikrur devises a plan, an evil one. He kidnapped the Hildegarde, she's Urien's wife of the vampire clan. Ikrur told Urien about stealing a magical stone in exchange for his lovely wife. Urien was worried about Hildegarde's safety so he stole the stone from Lamia.”

"Lamia instantly seeks help from the Amorthon Kingdom of Wolves. The first King of the wolves, King Quillard, and his queen, Vivianne promised to help Lamia,” Thorin said. Cassandra was truly amazed at how the professor delivered the facts of the war that others couldn’t manage. This is what Academia does.

“King Quillard then sought his friends, Cirrus Redfrost, a faerie king, Evras and Xovia, the witch couple, to help Lamia restore the balance,” Thorin paused and moved the paged of the book. 

“They knew Urien is not that kind of man. Even if the vampires are aloof to the other races, they still respected Urien. They thought something was wrong and decided to visit their Kingdom. They began to question Urien, but he went crazy and stabbed Queen Vivianne who died instantly," Thorin added.

“King Quillard was furious. Grieving for his lost mate, he commanded Evras and Xovia to summon the powerful armies. Ikrur on the other hand was enjoying the destruction he made and summoned the ghouls, trolls, ogres, demons, and vampires under the influence of his power,” Thorin said. This event caused the wolves to be hostile around the vampires. The death of the Queen left them scarred. 

“The war lasted for about eight long years. King Quillard finally killed Ikrur and found out the truth. Urien was possessed at that time and killed Queen Vivianne. And Hildegarde? They never found out what happened to Urien's wife, it was still a mystery. Some said Ikrur killed her and fed to the hideous ghouls, but others said he hid Hildegarde so that no one will ever see her," Thorin ended. The whole class was silent. Thorin couldn’t blame them. After the war of supernatural, another series of war orchestrated by vampires followed.

“Still, werewolves are disgusting animals,” a vampire girl said out of nowhere. Cassandra stiffened, ready to pounce at the girl.

"Hah! Vampires are leeches," the boy at the back retorted. Professor Thorin Stone chuckled and put the book down on the table.

“Stop it guys!” Thorin ordered. The buzzing sounds stopped. “Because of the war happened, it created a rupture between two race. Now, we had a council that will guide us,” Thorin added with a smile. The class ended with Thorin giving home works to the students. Cassandra left the room and went to the cafeteria. 

“Cassy!” Lisanna shouted and waved her hand. Cassandra instantly saw them and went to the table bringing the food with her. 

“He's here,” Abby quietly whispered, her hands were shaking in fear. Lisanna dropped her bread and paled.

“I thought he will arrive tomorrow?” Lisanna asked. 

“What are you—” Cassandra cut her sentence when the weirdest thing happened. “Do you smell that?” she asked. 

“What? We don’t. Cassy, please lower your gaze. Joana will see us," Lisanna nervously answered. It hit Cassandra’s nostrils, the smell of cinnamon mixed with woods. She sniffed the air once again, finding the source of the smell. It was a soothing yet delicious kind of smell. Cassandra doesn’t care if that group will notice her as long as she finds the source of the delicious intoxicating smell. Then the most handsome man on earth walked into the cafeteria. Cassandra suddenly froze and nearly fainted when her wolf spoke the two dreaded words she wished she didn’t hear.

“Mate! Mine!”