𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺.

Thirty three.

The hallway was quiet compared to the bustling cafeteria, the only sound being the faint echo of their footsteps. Akira glanced at Rosaria, whose expression was unreadable as she led her further down the corridor.

Finally, Rosaria stopped near an alcove where the light from a high window cast long, ominous shadows. She turned to face Akira, her eyes gleaming like polished obsidian.

"I see you've been hesitant to embrace your true destiny," Rosaria said, her voice low but commanding. "That hesitance will not serve you well, Akira. Not with what lies ahead."

Akira crossed her arms, summoning her courage. "And what exactly is that? You keep talking in riddles. If you know something about me, then just say it already."

Rosaria studied her for a long moment, as if weighing how much to reveal. "You've been told bits and pieces about your lineage," she said at last. "Your grandfather's legacy, your connection to Silvermoon Academy—but no one has told you the full truth."

"Then why don't you?" Akira snapped, her patience wearing thin.

Rosaria's lips curved into a sly smile. "Very well. Your grandfather wasn't just the headmaster of this academy. He was the leader of the most powerful vampire council in existence—the Bloodstone Alliance. And you, Akira, are his direct heir. His blood runs through your veins, whether you like it or not. It's what makes you so... extraordinary."

Akira stared at her, her mind racing. She had suspected there was more to her family's history, but this was far beyond anything she had imagined.

"What does that have to do with me now?" she asked, her voice quieter.

"Everything," Rosaria replied sharply. "The council has been without a leader since your grandfather vanished. Chaos has ensued in his absence. Rival factions have risen, and war is brewing within our kind. You have the power to restore balance, Akira. To claim what is rightfully yours."

Akira shook her head, backing away slightly. "I didn't ask for any of this. I don't want to lead some vampire council. I just want to live my life."

Rosaria stepped closer, her presence almost suffocating. "You don't have a choice. If you don't take your place, others will. And believe me, their rule will be far less merciful. You've already taken the first step by awakening your powers. Now, it's time to decide who you're going to be—a leader or a victim of this world."

Akira's hands clenched into fists at her sides. "Why should I trust you? For all I know, you're just using me for your own agenda."

Rosaria's expression softened, just slightly. "I understand your mistrust but you must try to realize this is for your own good.."

"My own good?"

"You're a natural born leader Akira you must face it."

Akira sighed, her shoulders slumping as the weight of Rosaria's words pressed down on her. "I'll think about it," she said again, her voice firmer this time. She wasn't ready to fully commit, but she couldn't ignore the truth anymore.

As Rosaria gave a small nod of approval and turned to leave, Akira stood there, watching her silhouette disappear into the shadows. The air felt colder, heavier, as if the conversation had left an imprint on the world around her.

Her thoughts swirled as she slowly made her way back to the academy. She had always wondered why her life felt like it didn't quite fit, why there was always a sense of something missing. Now, the pieces were starting to fall into place.

Her grandfather's legacy.

She had known bits and pieces about him—his mysterious disappearance, the whispers of his influence at Silvermoon Academy, and how he had been a revered figure in the supernatural world. But she had never imagined herself stepping into his shoes.

Akira paused outside the gates of the academy, her hand brushing against the cold iron. What am I meant to do? she thought. The idea of leading terrified her, but for the first time, she could feel a faint spark of understanding.

She remembered the stories Rosaria had told her about her grandfather—his strength, his wisdom, his ability to unite people even in the face of danger. Could I ever be like him? she wondered.

Her mind drifted to her friends—Rowan, Renetta, and even Marcella. They believed in her in their own ways, even if they didn't always agree with her choices. They saw something in her that she was only beginning to see in herself.

Akira clenched her fists, determination starting to replace the fear that had been gnawing at her. Maybe she wasn't ready to take on the mantle of leadership, but she could take the first step. She could learn, grow, and figure out what it truly meant to be a leader—not just for herself, but for everyone who counted on her.

The distant sound of laughter from the academy grounds pulled her out of her thoughts. She straightened her posture and walked inside, the familiar halls greeting her with a strange sense of comfort.

For now, she would keep her promise to think about it. But deep down, Akira knew the truth. She wasn't just thinking about it—she was already beginning to accept it.

Her journey was just beginning, and though the road ahead was uncertain, one thing was clear: she was her grandfather's granddaughter, and whether she liked it or not, she was meant to carry on his legacy.

After Rosaria left, Akira lingered in the courtyard for a few moments, trying to collect her thoughts. Her heart felt heavy, and her mind buzzed with everything Rosaria had said. With a deep breath, she decided to head back to her friends.

When she entered the common area, Rowan, Renetta, and the others were waiting for her. Their conversation quieted as soon as they noticed her, and their gazes shifted to her with curiosity and concern.

Rowan was the first to speak. "So... care to explain what that was all about?" Her arms were crossed, her expression hovering between worry and frustration.

Renetta chimed in, tilting her head. "Yeah, Akira. That wasn't just a casual chat. Who was she, and why did it feel so... intense?"

Akira hesitated, her eyes darting between them. "It's complicated," she said, hoping it would be enough to stall their questions.

But Rowan wasn't having it. "No, Akira, it's not. You've been acting strange lately, and now some mysterious woman is pulling you aside for a private conversation? What's going on? What are you keeping from us?"

Akira bit her lip, guilt pricking at her. She had always relied on her friends, but this... this felt too big to dump on them right now.

"It's not that I don't trust you," Akira began carefully. "It's just... there are things I'm still figuring out myself. I don't even have all the answers yet."

Renetta softened, stepping closer to place a comforting hand on Akira's shoulder. "We're your friends, Akira. Whatever it is, you don't have to go through it alone. We're here for you."

Rowan sighed, her stern expression easing into something gentler. "I just... I don't want you to shut us out. You've been through so much already, and we care about you. If something's happening, we can help."

Akira felt a lump rise in her throat. She wanted to tell them everything, but where would she even start? The truth about her grandfather? The expectations Rosaria had just laid on her? The fact that her entire life might be changing?

"Can you just... trust me for now?" she finally said, her voice quiet but pleading. "I'll tell you when I'm ready. I promise. I just need time to process it all."

Rowan exchanged a glance with Renetta before nodding reluctantly. "Fine. But don't take too long. We're worried about you, Akira."

"I know," Akira said with a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, guys."

As they settled back into their usual banter, Akira tried to join in, but her mind was elsewhere. She knew she couldn't keep this from them forever, but for now, she needed time.

Her friends laughed and joked around her, but Akira's thoughts were already drifting back to Rosaria's words. You're a natural-born leader, Akira. You must face it.

The weight of her grandfather's legacy hung heavy on her shoulders, and though her friends were her anchor, she realized this was a journey she would ultimately have to face on her own.