Vampire University

Chapter 6

Days had passed since my unsettling encounter with Tyron in the garden, but his words still haunted me, echoing in the corners of my mind when I was alone. No matter how much I tried to shake it off, I couldn’t escape the feeling that he was always watching, always lurking in the shadows of Vampire University.

Worse, I hadn’t told Tristan. I kept telling myself it was because I didn’t want to worry him, but deep down, I knew there was more to it. Tyron had said things that made me question Tristan's ability to protect me, his strength, and—most disturbingly—his secrets. What was Tristan hiding from me? What was Tyron offering that Tristan was too afraid to?

I sighed as I walked through the towering, candlelit corridors of the university. The air smelled faintly of wax and ancient wood, the stone floors cool under my feet. Classes had become somewhat of a routine now, but every day felt like I was playing a dangerous game, pretending to fit into a world I didn’t belong in. And all the while, the other students—vampires—stared at me with those blood-hungry eyes.

Today, I was on my way to a late-night event that I had been dreading for days: the annual Vampire’s Masquerade Ball. It was a university tradition, a chance for the students to dress up, let loose, and show off their more... predatory instincts. Tristan had insisted I go, saying it would be a good way to blend in, to show the other vampires that I wasn’t afraid of them.

But the truth was, I was terrified.

I had barely convinced Maya, Lily, and Jake to come with me. They were just as uneasy about the whole event, but the promise of free drinks and music had been enough to persuade them. We all knew it was risky—especially for us mortals—but there wasn’t much choice. In this place, showing fear was like painting a target on your back.

I tugged nervously at the edges of my gown, a dark, flowing piece Tristan had arranged for me. The mask covering half my face felt suffocating, the lace pressing against my skin like a reminder that tonight, I was hiding in plain sight.

The ballroom was enormous, with grand chandeliers casting a dim, amber light over the sea of masked figures swirling on the dance floor. The air was thick with the smell of roses and something else—something metallic, like blood. Soft music played, but there was an underlying tension in the room, an edge to the festivities that made my skin prickle.

I spotted Maya, Lily, and Jake near the entrance, all of them looking as out of place as I felt. Maya wore a sleek silver gown, her mask covering her sharp features, while Jake and Lily had gone for more classic, understated looks. Still, they all stood out among the vampires, their nervous energy making them easy prey.

“Devi,” Jake called, waving me over. “We were just about to go inside. You ready for this?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I muttered, glancing around the room again. “Where’s Tristan?”

Maya rolled her eyes. “Probably making some grand entrance. You know how he is—always trying to make an impression.”

I smiled, though it didn’t reach my eyes. Maya didn’t know Tristan like I did. There was more to him than just charm and elegance. I could sense the weight of his responsibilities, the burden of being president of a vampire university. But lately, it felt like there was something deeper beneath the surface—something he wasn’t telling me.

Before I could respond, the crowd shifted, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

Tyron.

He stood at the far end of the ballroom, dressed in black, his mask obscuring most of his face, but those piercing red eyes were unmistakable. He watched me from across the room, his gaze never wavering. The corners of his mouth curled up in a knowing smile, as if he could hear my thoughts, feel the unease tightening in my chest.