Chapter 1: A New Beginning
Aria Whitaker stood at the gates of Silverstone Academy, her heart pounding against her ribs. The towering stone walls, covered in ivy, loomed before her like something out of a fairytale. The faint hum of magic in the air made her feel like she didn't belong here. But then again, she never really belonged anywhere.
A human among supernatural beings-a poor transfer student at an elite academy for the gifted. She tightened her grip on her bag and took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves that were threatening to consume her.
"Aria Whitaker?" A voice broke her from her thoughts, and she turned to find a woman in a sharp black uniform, her eyes scanning the list on her clipboard. "Welcome to Silverstone. Let me show you to your dorm."
The woman's voice was polite but distant, as if she had given this welcome speech a thousand times. Aria followed her, trying not to feel too out of place as students with glowing eyes and sharp features passed by. Werewolves, vampires, witches... all of them different from her.
As they walked, Aria couldn't help but feel the weight of the stares following her. She knew they were curious about her, the human who had somehow earned a spot at their prestigious academy. She wasn't sure how she had even made it this far-being human, being from a family with no magical blood, had never been a badge of honor.
The dorm was nestled in the corner of the campus, a sprawling building that looked like it belonged to another era. Inside, the air smelled of lavender and old books. The woman handed Aria a key, gave her a curt nod, and left her alone to settle in.
Aria dropped her bag on the bed, glancing around the small room. It wasn't much, but it was hers-for now. She walked over to the window, looking out over the vast grounds of the academy. The moon was full, casting a silvery glow over everything.
Aria's breath caught in her throat. There, standing beneath the ancient oak tree in the distance, was a figure-a tall, imposing man with jet-black hair and eyes that glowed faintly in the moonlight.
She couldn't explain why, but something inside her stirred.