𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺.

Thirty one.

A few weeks had passed since Akira first learned about her vampire speed and the ability to control minds. Marcella had explained her powers in detail, but Akira felt an itch to test them out on her own—away from the watchful eyes of her friends.

She didn't want them to know how eager she was to explore her abilities or how tempting it was to use them. So, late at night, she began sneaking out, searching for unsuspecting humans to practice on.

Spotting a stranger on the street, she stepped into his path, her voice calm but commanding. "Go buy me a drink from the store. You have money on you, don't you?"

The man blinked, his expression blank as he nodded. "Yes. Would you like a specific drink?"

"Just hurry up," she ordered with a grin, watching as he turned to obey without hesitation.

Akira trailed him using her vampire speed, a thrill coursing through her as she watched him enter the store. Waiting in the shadows, she smirked to herself. "These powers are amazing. I could get used to this."

Moments later, he returned with the drink, handing it to her as though it was the most natural thing in the world. The ease of it all made her confidence soar.

Akira hadn't considered the risks of using her powers so close to the academy, especially at night when vampires attended their classes. She thought she was alone, but someone had seen her.

The vampire who spotted her knew she was human—or at least she had been. Now, seeing her wielding vampire abilities, it raised suspicions. This wasn't just strange; it was a mystery that needed answers.

Without hesitation, the observer pulled out their phone and sent a message to someone who would care about such matters—a friend of Akira's grandfather, a man who had vanished years ago.

"Is that really the granddaughter?"

"Yes," came the reply.

"We've been searching for her. Keep an eye on her. Report back to me immediately if she does anything unusual, and don't lose track of her whereabouts."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Unaware of the watchful eyes now trained on her, Akira continued as if nothing had changed. But the secret was out, and her careless use of powers had set something in motion.

Trouble was brewing at the academy, and Akira was at the center of it.

When she returned to the academy, she found Rowan waiting for Akira  in the dorm room. Her expression was a mix of relief and concern.

"Hey!" Akira greeted, trying to sound casual. She wondered why Rowan was still awake.

"Where have you been?" Rowan asked, his voice low but tense. "I've been worried about you."

Renetta was already fast asleep in her bed, her soft breathing the only other sound in the room.

"Oh, I just went for a walk. I couldn't sleep," Akira replied, hoping to deflect his concern. Her eyes flicked to his hands. "What's that you've got there?"

Rowan looked down at the object she'd been holding, as if remembering it just now. "Oh, right. I almost forgot to give this to you. Marcella had it crafted by a witch—a ring. It'll protect you in the sunlight. Your transition is nearly complete, and by tomorrow, you'll be a full vampire—no longer human. You're going to need it."

She took her hand gently and slid the ring onto her finger.

"Thanks," Akira murmured, examining the intricate design.

"But listen," Rowan continued, her tone softening. "It's dangerous out there. You should really stop going out so late at night. I know you're a vampire now, but you haven't faced any real dangers yet. You've only been training to use your powers, but that's just one part of what you need to know."

Akira sighed, brushing her hair back. "That's what all this training has been for, isn't it?"

"Not the dangers outside," Rowan countered, shaking her head. "Marcella taught you how to control your abilities, but that's not the same as knowing how to protect yourself. That's where we come in—me and the group. We're here to make sure you're safe and ready for anything. But you have to meet us halfway, Akira. We're supposed to stay by your side, not lose track of you. Just... promise me you'll be careful."

Akira hesitated but nodded. "I'll try."

Rowan's stern expression softened into a small smile. "Good. Because we can't afford to lose you."

Meanwhile, the mysterious woman who had known Akira's grandfather watched from the shadows, patiently waiting for more news about her. Her interest was anything but casual—Akira was next in line, destined to take her grandfather's place.

For years, the woman had been planning this moment. Once the most powerful figure at Silvermoon Academy, she had assumed control when Akira's grandfather went missing. But illness had forced her to step down, leaving the position to another. Now, with her strength slowly returning, she was determined to see her plans through.

Rosaria, her ally, was key to this. Together, they would ensure that Akira would ascend to her rightful place, not just as a student but as the future headmistress of Silvermoon Academy. All that remained was to locate her—and ensure she was ready to take on the role fate had assigned her.