MOONVEIL ACADEMY, HEIRESS OF THE FORGOTTEN SOULS KINGDOM

Zaria’s POV

I looked at the building with its old bricks and ivy-covered front; the purple flag read "Moonveil Academy." The man in a suit gestured for me to enter. While I approached, I could hear the remote hum of voices sounding from inside, along with the faint ring of a bell in the halls beyond. The large doors seemed to be made of heavy wood, cool to the touch, and carved with dragon heads, wolves, and serpents. I experienced a weird jolt inside of me. Nerves.

The man in a suit, who hasn't told me his name yet, kept going, and I followed him. The students wore purple and black uniforms with the school's emblem. They stared at me, and silence followed.

A human girl? Someone whispered. And I thought, what's that supposed to mean? We stopped at a door with painted glass in the middle, depicting the universe.

Go on, he said, the dean is waiting for you. The man in a suit turned, and I walked inside. He was in his late forties, maybe, his black hair short, his suit crisp.

Ms. Ravenshade, welcome to the academy. I’m the dean; you can call me Mr. Stormcrest. Your academics are off the charts, but this academy is more than that. You possess a talent we do not often see, and I believe you may have gifts yet to be discovered. I expect you to help bridge the world here, Zaria. I advise you to watch and learn from others, and pair with someone who will guide you around.

Thank you, sir. I am very excited to attend your Academy. There was a knock on the door, a woman my age, with short white hair and a nice smile.

Dean Stormcrest, have you called for me?

Nova, this is Zaria, a new student…

A human? she asked, confused.

Yes, we are all children of the universe; we have to coexist with humans. Now, show her around and learn from each other.

Nova turned to me and put her hand out. Nice to meet you. Allow me to show you around, then to the dorms.

Why did he keep saying “human”? I asked as we walked the hallways. The walls were painted with bright colors, battles, but what made me stop was the shape of the fighters. Figures from a fantasy book. Dragons, wolves, fairies, and shifters. And in the middle of the battle, a warrior dressed in black, her sword obsidian. She stood solitary while creatures from every side closed in around her, their faces grimaced with anger and sorrow. Lightning lit up behind her, and bodies lay at her feet, both friend and foe. Her eyes in the painting were fierce, almost defiant. Something about her appeared important, as if the entire war turned on her next move.

That’s the battle of Terra of demons, Alexandra, the queen of demons, died, Nova said sadly. The factions betrayed the alliance, and she was surrounded.

Why are you whispering, I said this is not a real thing"

She laughed. Humans, of course, are real, and you’re the only human in the Academy.

What? I don’t understand…

I’m a shifter. See the two women there? That’s Astrid, the most powerful witch in the academy, and she’s popular, has wild red hair, always wears a collection of silver rings on her fingers, and people say she can charm anyone. Her followers, Valira and Cordelia, are both she-wolves and come from a royal lineage. Valira is tall with sharp blue eyes, often wearing her hair in a long braid, while Cordelia has jet-black hair and quiet confidence. The three of them are always together.

Okay, I read many fantasy books, and it's nice that you guys pick nicknames for yourselves.

Oh, I see, then watch this…and she shifted into a white fox. I was so startled that I hit the wall behind me.

This can’t be real…I whispered.

Nova shifted back. It is, and you’ll get used to it. Don’t worry, no one will ever hurt you. We do not want to start a war with humans. Too many of our kind died as humans hunted us. We have had peace ever since the Realms Accord was signed, but people still remember what happened years ago. Some say the wounds never healed, and the treaty is only as strong as our trust.

My hands were shaking, and she took them into hers. Look at me, please trust me, you’ll love it here.

I let out a nervous laugh. Okay, tell me more, I said as I looked around.

The three men walking towards us were the popular ones in the academy. Valerian, a dragon, had gleaming silver-blonde hair and eyes like glowing gold, with an effortless confidence that made students part as he passed. Nyxian, the wolf, was tall and broad-shouldered, his messy dark hair falling over his piercing grey eyes, and he walked quietly. Noctis, the vampire, was pale as moonlight, with defined features and an impassive expression, dressed immaculately in crisp black, his presence sending a chill through the hallway.

As they passed us, I held my breath; their eyes were focused on me.

A human, they chuckled. Start your bets, Nyxian said, “I give her a week.

Don’t listen to them, now, let’s get your uniform, and then go to the dorm. The man at the counter looked old and sad. He lifted his eyes and looked at me finally. You? He spoke quietly.

Yes, I’m new here, yes, human. May I have my uniform, please?

He stood there as his eyes focused on me.

What kind of faction are you? I asked kindly

Forgotten souls kingdom, demon, he spoke quietly. He lifted the package and handed it to me. His bony hands touched mine, and I perceived whispers. I turned. Nova was by the door…Welcome to the Academy he said, smiling now.

Wow, I need to get used to the factions and their moods. Nova was chatting, but I was observing as we passed more students.

I turned the corner, not paying attention. The wall I walked into was actually a man.

Sorry, sir, I said, taking a step back. He was tall and built, with a stern face.

Human, watch your step, he said, getting closer. His brows furrowed as his dark eyes looked at me, and a strand of his long black hair fell on his face. Nova pulled me away.

Sorry, Master Malacar, she is new here. We walked away, and I turned to look back. His eyes were focused on me still.

Who was that?

Master Malacar is a beast, very powerful, and also our training teacher, physical training that is. And here we are, the dorm. She opened the door to a simple room. Two beds, purple blankets with the school's emblem, black sheets. Two desks and shelves on the wall with various books.

I sat on the bed, still attempting to wrap my head around all I experienced so far. Honestly, I thought this was still a fantasy, and I would wake up at any moment.