Bloodmoon :The Descendants

Chapter 2

Rachel's heart pounded as she stood by the car, watching the last of her belongings being unloaded. The sky had turned a deep, shadowy blue, and the once vibrant scenery now seemed ominous under the encroaching twilight. The security guard, a burly man with a stern expression, approached them and began taking the bags with a practiced efficiency.Aunt Lisa turned to Rachel, her face a mask of forced cheerfulness. "Well, Rachel, it looks like we're not allowed inside. We'll have to head back now. Remember, call us if you need anything."Rachel hugged Aunt Lisa tightly. "Thanks for everything. I'll be okay," she said, though her voice trembled slightly. Michael pulled Rachel into a warm hug. "Be alert, Rachel. This place might be different, but you'll do great. Just give us a call if you need anything, okay?"Rachel nodded, her eyes misting over. "I will. Thanks, Michael."Aunt Lisa kissed Rachel on the forehead. "Take care of yourself, sweetheart. We'll miss you."Rachel waved goodbye as  Lisa, and Michael drove away. The security guard closed the gate behind them with a metallic clang that seemed to echo through the growing darkness. Rachel's sense of solitude intensified.The security guard, who introduced himself as John, motioned for Rachel to follow him. He was a tall man with a no-nonsense demeanor, his uniform crisp and neat. As Rachel walked alongside him, she realized that the last vestiges of daylight were fading rapidly, casting long shadows across the grounds.John led Rachel past the imposing castle-like building and towards a tall, utilitarian structure situated at the back. The building was starkly modern compared to the ancient architecture of the academy. It was flanked by another identical building, each standing tall and shadowy in the dimming light."Here we are," John said as they approached the buildings. "This is the Student residence complex. The building on the left is the Boys' Hostel, and the one on the right is the Girls' Hostel."As they reached the entrance to the Girls' Hostel, a woman of about fifty years old appeared at the gate. Her presence was commanding yet approachable, and she wore a crisp uniform that matched the seriousness of the academy. She introduced herself with a warm smile."Hello, I'm Mrs. Casey, the Girls' Hostel warden. Welcome to Sapphire Boarding Academy. I'll be showing you around and explaining the rules."Mrs. Casey's demeanor was professional but kind as she began outlining the hostel's regulations. "Our hostel building has twenty floors, each with ten rooms. Each room accommodates two students. We ask that you follow these general rules:1. **Quiet Hours:** From 10 PM to 6 AM, we expect all students to maintain a quiet environment to ensure everyone can rest.2. **Visitors:** Visitors are only allowed in the common areas of the building and must sign in at the front desk. No guests are allowed in the dorm rooms.3. **Room Cleanliness:** Rooms must be kept tidy. Housekeeping will clean common areas, but personal rooms are your responsibility.4. **Curfew:** There is a curfew of 9 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends. All students must be in their rooms by then.5. **Study Time:** Designated study hours are from 7 PM to 9 PM in the common study area. This is to ensure everyone has time to focus on their assignments."Your room will be on the 12th floor, room number 1209. You'll be sharing it with a student named Alex Martin," Mrs. Casey continued, handing Rachel a key card. "The elevators are this way. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."Rachel took the key card, her hands feeling slightly unsteady as she clutched it. "Thank you, Mrs. Casey. I'll make sure to follow the rules."Mrs. Casey nodded and gave her a reassuring smile. "Good luck, Rachel. I'm sure you'll do just fine."Rachel picked up her bags and followed Mrs. Casey to the elevator. The ride up was silent except for the soft hum of the machinery. As the elevator doors opened on the 12th floor, Rachel stepped out, her eyes scanning the long corridor lined with doors.Mrs. Casey led her to room 1209 and showed her inside. The room was modest but functional, with two beds, a desk, and a wardrobe. A small window overlooked the darkening landscape outside. Rachel took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves."Here we are," Mrs. Casey said. "I'll leave you to settle in. If you need anything, just let us know." 

As Mrs. Casey walked away, Rachel stepped further into the room, her mind racing with the newness of it all. The room was quiet, save for the distant sounds of the academy settling in for the night. Rachel put her bags down and took a moment to gather her thoughts, preparing herself for the challenges and experiences that awaited her in this unfamiliar place.