Chapter 1 Chapter 1
Sable's POV
Waking up to the morning sun shining brightly through my window was a joyous moment as I remembered that today was the day I could finally resume my studies at Moonridge University. It was a university that every student dreams of attending, regardless of their background, due to its beauty, quality of education, companionship, connections, and opportunities it offers. The university was named after the town of Moonridge, though I didn't know the reason behind it, nor did I care.
I am Sable Draven, a seventeen-year-old girl who longed to leave home and be independent, especially from my controlling step-brother, Caius Draven. Caius , despite being cute and the only family member I had left after our parents passed away, was overly protective and had an aura that sometimes made me question his humanity.
"Sable!"
Caius's voice interrupted my thoughts, prompting me to quickly get out of bed and dress up, eager not to be late on my first day back at school.
"I'm coming," I replied.
As I made my way downstairs, I found Caius in the kitchen, his back turned to me as he moved around quietly, his sleeves rolled up.
"Good morning," I greeted him.
"You're late," he pointed out.
"I just woke up," I defended.
"It's your first day of school," he reminded me. "Whatever, just drink the tea and then come eat."
"Do I always have to drink the tea, Caius? It's my first day of school, so just let me be today," I protested.
"It's not possible, Sable. Your health is fragile, and you know it. Let me repeat myself, drink the tea," Caius insisted.
"But it's too bitter, and the smell is unpleasant," I complained.
"It's not supposed to be sweet, Elara. Just finish it so you can go," Caius replied.
"But..."
"Drink it, Sable," Caius' eyes turned red, and his aura darkened.
"Fine," I muttered, reluctantly bringing the cup to my lips.
I swallowed the tea, leaving half of it in the cup.
"That's enough," I said.
"Finish it," Caius ordered.
"I'll drink the rest later," I said, already heading towards the door. "I'm already late."
"Sable—"
"I'll be fine, don't worry. It's my first day, remember," I reassured him.
"Just call me if anything feels wrong," Caius said quietly.
As I reached the door, I hesitated, my hand on the handle. "What could happen? I'm going to university, not a battlefield, remember."
"You'll know. Just call me, remember," Caius insisted.
Ignoring the strange sensation, I stepped outside, shaking my head to push the feeling aside as I walked towards the gate, clutching my bag.
The drive to Moonridge University was short, and as I approached the gate, I was awestruck by the sight before me. The university seemed like a different world, almost like a universe of its own. My excitement grew as I realized I would finally be on my own, without my protective brother.
Moonridge University.
My dream university.
My escape to freedom.
The tall buildings made of dark stone, with sunlight reflecting off the windows, gave the campus an almost alive appearance.
"Maybe I'm just nervous because it's my first day," I muttered to myself.
As I walked through the campus, I noticed students mingling, some laughing in groups, while others caught up after the long holiday break.
"Excuse me," I asked a passing girl, "do you know where building C is?"
She looked at me and froze before pointing straight ahead and quickly walking away.
"That was weird," I thought.
Following her directions, I walked towards building C, but the stares from other students became more intense and varied. Some looked curious, confused, or uncomfortable, making me feel uneasy.
"What's wrong with me..."
"First day?" a voice interrupted my thoughts.
I turned to see a girl standing behind me, arms crossed, looking at me as if she already knew the answer.
"Is it that obvious?" I asked.
"Yeah, a little. Are you lost?" she inquired.
"I am," I admitted.
She chuckled, "Come on, I'll help you. I'm Calista."
"Sable," I introduced myself.
She paused for a moment,
her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Sable."
"Yeah," I replied, forcing a smile.
"What a nice name," she complimented.
"Thank you."
"So... what do you know about the school? I mean, do you know what kind of place this is?" Calista asked.
"Obviously, it's a university," I replied.
"Okay... let's go with that," Calista said cryptically.
Confused by her response, I asked,
"What does that mean?"
Before she could answer, the atmosphere around us suddenly shifted. The noise faded, and students moved away from the road as if anticipating something or someone's arrival.