How To Survive As The Academy's Villain Novels & Stories

"If I’m not perfect—if I don't get the best grades, the best social standing, the best husband—I’m a 'failure.' Asher was supposed to be my escape. He’s a Vale. My father would have respected that. But he chose you." I froze. The wit that usually sat on the tip of my tongue felt like lead. I looked at the bruises, then at the terror in her eyes. In this world of elite schools and fast bikes, I’d forgotten that every villain has a origin story. Vivian wasn't just a mean girl; she was a victim who had decided to become a monster to survive. "Vivian," I said, my voice softening despite myself. "That doesn't give you the right to destroy people."

“And why should I trust you with this?” “You shouldn't,” he answered bluntly. “Not until we understand what's happening.” His honesty caught me off guard. Then his voice lowered. “Calista, don't go to that facility alone.” A cold sensation crept down my spine. “Is that a warning, Commander?” “Yes.” “Why?” He hesitated. “I don't know yet.” I stared at the phone, frustration and unease twisting together in my chest. “I'll take it under advisement,” I said.

The Academy shook hard. “Your Highness,” one of the soldiers warned. Kaelen ignored him completely. “You came here prepared to execute a student without trial,” he said coldly. “And you expect me to stand aside while you call that justice?” “This is containment.” “This is fear.” The words echoed sharply through the ruined chamber. And no one denied them. Because they couldn’t. The corruption spreading through the Academy was terrifying. The entity beneath us was terrifying. I was terrifying. But beneath all of it—they were still choosing fear first.

“The academy was founded in the year of death by our master, ruler of hell and the king of all demons, Lucifer. He stuck a deal with the heavens. Demons, selkies, fae, all creatures from the underworld could walk amongst humans, on a condition. They survive a year long training in his academy and pass the culling.” The crowd burst into loud screams at that. “There are no rules here,” Alstra looked straight at me. “And only the strongest survive. Good luck.” The crowd scattered immediately, and it seemed everyone knew where they were headed to. Everyone except me. I stood in the middle of the hustle, waiting for someone to at least tell me where I was going. Which is why not even a minute lat

And if I gain his favor, then it’d be easier for me to continue my life comfortably. I might sound shameless. But I couldn’t afford being prideful nor being considerate of this body's original owner’s feelings. By all accounts, I'm in a more difficult situation than her right now, so why do I have to worry about her? Anyway, speaking from experience, when you’re lacking power, you need to learn to take advantage of those that are powerful. If so, what I need to do is to wait while receiving help from someone else until my power grows. Even if that person happens to be someone I loathe, I have to take advantage of them to the fullest for my purpose. Cast aside my pride and survive by hanging

Valentin waited, knowing from experience that after some thought, Victoria often came up with solutions. “Perhaps Kairos is onto something,” she said, startling Valentin so much he had to reach out and steady himself with his desk. “I beg your pardon?” “You’ve told me why you are here, now allow me to return the favor,” Victoria said. “The Academy has become a target for the vampires. Whether they are searching for Zora, or simply wish to terrorize our youth, I cannot say for sure. It has been the best our army can to do hold off the swift and unpredictable assaults.”

It’s patient, taking it time to grow. That scares me almost as much as the guards. Because if I survive this… if I break free… what happens next? Continue running from the hunters and Lord Tracon? I can't go back to the academy, where will I run to? What if the book is right? What if I really am meant to destroy everything? The thought settles heavy in my stomach. I picture the academy burning. Packs scattered. Witches shrinking. Vampires running. Hunters cheering. People screaming my name like it’s a curse.

I whispered, “remember who holds the gavel.” Then I released her. She collapsed, sobbing, robes torn, her pride in the gutters. The yard was dead silent. Professors stared at me,students trembled. I turned and walked away. Later, I stood on the roof. The academy was busy below,whispers of my name, stories already twisting. She broke Veyra like a doll. She didn’t even sweat. She’s not human anymore. Good. Let them fear me. Jason and Kael didn’t show up at dinner,I didn’t expect them to anyway. Kieran had done his work well.

Elara's steps slowed without her permission. She knew who he was. Everyone in the kingdom knew who he was. Lord Kael Draven. The Black Villain. The man they said had burned three villages to ash without blinking. The man they said could not be killed, though no one could explain why. Guards spoke of him in low voices. Children were warned never to look him in the eye. And above his head, glowing faintly through the rain, was a number. 0 DAYS. Elara stopped walking entirely.

“Now they’ll want written proof.” A cold knot tightened low in Virelle’s stomach. Of course they would. This place worshipped rules, systems, ancient laws, and neat divisions between things that clearly did not want to stay divided. “And if it goes badly?” Soreya’s mouth curved, but there was no humour in it. “Then it will be educational.” That was not an answer. Which meant it was the only one Virelle would get. She stood and reached for her jacket. “I hate this academy.”