Another school year begins at Winterglen College, and Darleen, the newest student, just wants to go by unnoticed. But, being the illegitimate hybrid daughter (half elf, half vampire) of the renowned vampire Kurt Sylvainstain, she's got nothing but a...
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I exited the dining hall as quickly as I could, a little taken aback by the intensity of the scene. Vampires, I thought in annoyance, they think they're so important.
I made my way back to my suite. I had been informed that the classes began next week, therefore I had some days to explore around and make some friends. The problem was that I could not leave the castle grounds, and no vampire had ever been any friendly, so I had low expectations for my stay at Winterglen College.
Thankfully I have my books, I thought as I opened my suite door and walked on in. The suite was empty, although maybe Hellena was still inside her room crying, since I hadn't seen her in the dining hall. I went straight to my room, changed into my pyjamas and grabbed a book. Soon I fell asleep...
*
As the days before the beginning of classes passed, the school became more and more crowded. Students would multiply slowly, and I would see luggage and equipment being delivered into rooms all across the dorm ailes.
My routine was simple: I would wake up early, eat breakfast in the dining room whilst I read a book, and then I would typically explore parts of the castle or the gardens. I was eager to visit Winterglen, the little village just below the school, but I still wanted to know my way around better, since I didn't know how much this place could or could not be trusted.
I didn't have many encounters during my first days. I didn't see Hellena for the course of three days: I couldn't tell if she was never in her room or if she was permanently there. Then there was Lev and my step-sister Leonore, whom I also hadn't bumped into again, thankfully. I tried to be the earliest at the eating times, so that I would be as unnoticed as possible.
One of the few encounters I did have that week was with the Headboy. I noticed he was the headboy because he had a badge and a very arrogant stance.
— You. What are you doing out here?
He had called my attention one evening as I roamed the gardens. Apparently it was close to closure time and all the students were required to be in their suites in a couple of minutes.
— I wasn't aware —I apologised —. I'm new.
— It is not an excuse that you are new —he answered arrogantly —. All students must be inside the gates before 9.
— I understand —I said, trying to apologise —. It will not happen again.
The Headboy's eyes were of an intense navy blue. His hair was black and well brushed, and he had a perfect posture, accompanied by some strong arms and built physique.
— You are lucky that the classes have not yet started, otherwise I would report you to Professor Thaus. Ignorance does not make up for your actions...
When all of a sudden a familiar voice interrupted us.
— Aryas! Aren't you tired of messing with every newcomer?
— Watch your mouth, Althåus.
I turned around and there he was: Lev Althåus, approaching us casually.
— You too shouldn't be out at night, you know, Sylvainstein?
Sylvainstein. It couldn't be. Suddenly I realised: it was Aryas Sylvainstein-Klein, my half-brother, Leonore's brother. Once more, I couldn't believe my eyes.
— I'm the Headboy, I am authorised to be here after 9.
— Classes have not yet began. Won't you take a break from being such a prick all the time?
Aryas all of a sudden hissed, and his little vampire fangs showed through the corners of his lips.
— Wow, easy there, love. You don't want to go around scaring the newbies.
I took a look at Lev and thought what is his goddamn deal? He tried to appear calm but I could see his fangs showing as he spoke, as his voice became much tenser. The air in general was now thicker, as if it could be cut with a knife.
— I'll walk her back, if it makes you happy —Lev added, after Aryas showed no response to his words.
— Just get the hell out of my sight —was all Aryas said.
Lev then looked at me, expecting that we began walking towards the castle. But I spoke my mind then.
— I think I can choose on my own who to walk back with, Lev —I said, giving him a cold stare —. You two can sort out your problems while I head back in.
And I walked away in the cold, heading back to Winterglen College. Inside the castle, I could not help but think of Aryas, and my eyes became teary. That was the first time I had seen my half-brother. Would he have treated me any differently if he had known it was me, Darleen?
Don't fool yourself, everyone in that family has nothing but hate for you.
I had met Leonore and Aryas, and they all had been terrible moments. I knew there was a third sister, the eldest one. All I knew about her is that her name was Danica. As I went to sleep I thought of her and of my lost family and I hoped she would be nice to me...
