Sera

Sera pov

Of all the rooms I could’ve been assigned to...heck, even a broom closet would’ve been fine then why this one?

Theo didn’t even step inside. He just stood in the doorway, staring at me like I’d been sentenced to death . “I’m so sorry, bro,” he whispered like I was going off to war. “Text me if you survive.”

Then he was gone.

I took a deep breath and walked in, dragging my duffel bag behind me. The right side of the room was already taken. Everything was neat, folded perfectly. His expensive cologne filled the air,and cold like everything else about him.

Whatever. I was here now,I had a scholarship. I dropped my bag on the other bed and started unpacking.

I didn’t even get halfway through when a voice cut through the silence.

"Are you seriously going to leave your crap lying around like that?"

I looked up.

Kael stood in the doorway to the bathroom, with his arms crossed, wearing that same annoyed look he had when we first met. He was tall, sharp jawed, and too good looking for someone so damn rude.

I blinked. “Uh... hi?”

He didn’t move. "This dorm isn’t a trash can. Don’t mess up my side, know your boundaries"

I wanted to throw my shoe at his perfect face instead, I forced a smile. "Chill. I’m just unpacking."

"Do it quietly. I’m not here to babysit you."

And with that, he disappeared into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

What a jerk!.

His side of the room was meticulously organized with folded shirts, polished shoes, and a cologne bottles that probably cost more than our monthly rent.

I unpacked in silence, neatly folding my clothes, placing my toiletries on the pristine counter, and hiding away anything too feminine. Once everything was set, I sat on the edge of the bed, suddenly unsure what to do next.

And then it hit me...Dinner.

Right. I had no idea where it was.

"You look confused."

River stood against the wall with his hands in his pockets. He always looked calm, like nothing could faze him. Dark curls, lazy smile, brown eyes . He was definitely the most normal one out of the Sovereign Circle, at least so far.

"I am confused," I admitted. "Where the hell is dinner?"

He tilted his head, amused. "Come on. We're all heading there anyway. Stick with me."

We walked down the long hallway, and soon, the rest of the Sovereign Circle joined us. Alexander Voss showed up first, he was silent as ever, his eyes were cold. He looked like he hated everyone, which, according to the rumors, he kinda did. Russian, rich, and scary smart. He didn’t say a word to me,just kept walking.

Then came Luca, that guy was so full of himself.

He looked me up and down with a grin. “Damn, Sera. You clean up nice.”

I raised a brow. “I’m wearing the same thing as this morning."

He winked. "Still counts."

Gross,but kind of funny. The fact that he flirted with me without knowing I'm actually a girl.

Kael, of course, didn’t say anything. He walked in front like he was leading a damn army. I stayed close to River, who thankfully didn’t seem like a total psycho.

When we reached the dining hall, it was like stepping into a fancy ass restaurant. The diner had chandeliers, long tables, candles and actual waiters!. Every head turned as we entered.

And then the whispers started as boys whispered to one another.

"That’s him."

"he’s rooming with Kael?"

"Why does he look so... normal?"

I clenched my jaw and kept walking then I heard someone shout.

"Seth! Sit with me!"

Theo waved me over. He had a boyish face and the energy of a golden retriever. I hurried to his table , my feet moving forward in a flash .

"Thanks," I muttered, sliding into the seat next to him.

"You okay?" he asked, passing me a roll.

"Everyone’s staring."

"Yeah. That’s gonna happen for a while."

I leaned closer. "Why? Did I do something wrong?"

He laughed. "Nope. You’re just... different. you’ve got that delicate little face and these big eyes. Plus you’re soft-looking, and you somehow ended up living in the VIP dorm with Kael. That alone makes you the most interesting thing at Virelade right now."

"Soft-looking?"

He shrugged. "Yeah. You have a pretty face and soft skin" then he paused and looked at me

"Bro, are you blushing?" Theo asked, nudging me with his elbow.

"No! I don't!"

He smiled then continued " you're like someone who doesn’t belong here, but in a good way. This place is full of rich assholes. You're new so you're a mystery and that drives them insane."

I groaned, sinking into my seat. “Awesome. So, I'm the freak show."

"Nah bro! You're interesting "

I didn’t know whether to thank him or throw my fork at him.

Dinner went by with more stares, more whispers about me, and Kael not saying a damn word. He sat at another table, surrounded by people who seemed too scared to breathe or say something wrong. The only people who didn't seem afraid of him were the rest of sovereign Circle.

As much as I wanted to fit in, I also kind of wanted to flip the table and walk out. On the very first day and everything got overwhelming.

But instead, I ate my mashed potatoes and smiled at Theo’s jokes, pretending like my life hadn’t turned into an elite school drama overnight.

Welcome to Virelade.

As we left the dining hall, Theo walked beside me with hands stuffed in his pockets, grinning like a kid.

“ Bro! I swear to God,” he said, “if one more person calls you Kael’s pretty new pet, I’m gonna start charging them.”

I blinked. “His what now?”