Witching Roses

Eldermoon

As I disembarked from the bus, a refreshing chill enveloped me. I had chosen a summer outfit, but the weather was clearly signaling the arrival of autumn. Gripping my suitcase firmly, I surveyed the entrance of Eldermoon University. It was beyond anything I had imagined.

The sprawling campus was adorned with ancient oak trees, their leaves swirling in vibrant shades of amber and crimson. A faint scent of cinnamon wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp soil, as if the very ground was alive with the stories of New Orleans past. I could almost hear the whispers of the history as I took my first steps onto the cobblestone path, each stone worn smooth by generations of students who had tread before me.

I took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill my lungs as I walked toward the imposing gates. Eldermoon felt alive, not just with the bustle of students crisscrossing the campus, but with something deeper—something I couldn't place. The way the shadows danced beneath the arches, the way the ivy seemed to shift, almost like it was breathing. My pulse quickened as I approached the entrance, the heavy iron gates creaking slightly as they opened, as if welcoming me into the fold.

As I made my way down the cobblestone path, a shiver ran down my spine. It wasn't the chill of the breeze that unsettled me, but a feeling—a faint hum in the air, like the energy of the place was watching me.

I reached the main hall, its towering gargoyles staring down with stone eyes, almost daring me to go inside. Students passed by in small clusters, but their chatter seemed distant, as if muffled by the weight of Eldermoon's legacy. Pushing open the heavy oak doors, I was greeted by the scent of old books and polished wood. The grand foyer was cavernous, with dark wood paneling and a chandelier that seemed far too grand for a university hall. It cast flickering light across the marbled floor, creating long shadows that stretched toward me.

I set my suitcase down for a moment, taking it all in. The silence was thick, as if the building itself was waiting for something—for me.

Then, I saw her.

Leaning against one of the archways was a girl. She was tall, with long raven-black hair that fell effortlessly over her shoulders. Dressed in dark, flowing clothes that clung to her in all the right ways, she looked like she belonged to the shadows. Her eyes, a piercing shade of emerald, locked onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.

She smirked, as if she knew something I didn't. With a casual motion, she brought a joint to her lips and shot me a playful wink. I couldn't help but swallow hard, caught off guard by her boldness. The air between us crackled with an intriguing mystery.

The moment seemed to stretch into eternity, the air thick with unspoken words. I could feel a pull towards her, an inexplicable curiosity that made my heart race. She took a slow drag from her joint, exhaling a plume of smoke that curled around her like a ghostly veil.

I wondered if it was allowed in this place, but she appeared completely unfazed. It was as if the rules didn't apply to her.

"You do realize orientation was last week, right?" she remarked, her gaze sweeping over me from head to toe, landing on the suitcase I was clutching.Her voice was smooth, with an edge of amusement that made me feel both self-conscious and intrigued. I cleared my throat, trying to steady my nerves.

"Yeah, I know," I replied, my voice sounding smaller than I intended. "I had some... delays."

She raised an eyebrow, not looking entirely convinced but not pushing for more either. "Figures. Eldermoon has a way of bringing in the stragglers," she said with a sly smile.

She pushed herself off the wall and glided past me, moving with an effortless grace. With the joint still nestled between her lips, she slipped on her round sunglasses, looking every bit the part of someone who owned the moment.