"Did you hear? Apparently the Count's son will be in our class this year,my father told me that he is a genius"

"Did you know that Duchess's son will be joining us this year? I heard he's a social butterfly."

"The youngest son of the of the imperial prime minister came first in the admissions ranking...."

"Do you want to talk about the Viscount's son? They say he's very handsome and polite."

"Ahhhh! The most famous figure skater in the empire is coming to our school! I want an autograph!"

"Not to mention the son of the army chief. I heard that he is already skilled despite having just started."

"And the imperial prince too! Please! Imagine going to school with a royal! This year will be unforgettable!"

These were just some of the rumors that were circulating among the new first-year vampire students.

Many of them already knew each other,having grown up in the same environment and having participated in the same gatering,and those who didn't know each other already had a reputation that preceded them.

Night reigned in the sky,with the light of the moon filtering through the leaves of the tall dark acacia trees. There was a light wind and owls were cawing all around.

They were all gathered in front of the school gates,each with their own suitcases and servants,waiting for them to open.

"Sure they could stop all this noise..."

A boy –with a grey hat and a mask– had settled a few meters away from the mass of gossiping vampires,annoyed by the noise and whispers.Beside him were several dark blue suitcases waiting to be packed.

"Oh! Look who we have here. We haven't seen each other for a while hyung.How is your training going for the next competition?"
Another vampire approached him. He shorter than the other,with an angelic face,soft blond hair and beautiful hazel eyes.

"Sunoo...I didn't think I'd meet you so soon...."
The other replied,taking off his mask so he could greet him.

"I know,I know! Frankly,neither do I,my mother advised me to avoid getting too close to the crowd to avoid.....but anyway! I'm happy to finally see a familiar face."

Kim 'Shion' Sunoo –the only son of Duchess Kim Aeyon,one of the richest women in the Eclipsia Empire. The Duchess was known for her cunning mind and loving personality,she was a sweet but intelligent woman,always ready to do business and profit as much as she could.

The boy smiled at the blond's contagious cheerfulness before placing a hand on his head and patting it.

"Me too,I confess that I feel less nervous knowing that you are here nearby...hey,where are your things?"
He asked,noticing the lack of suitcases next to the youngest.

"Mhm? Oh,those heavy luggages? They were too much for me to carry,so I asked my servants to carry them for me,they should be arriving...now!"
Sunoo snapped his fingers and behind him appeared 5 tall men in their 20s,dressed in black suits,and each carried.....

"S-Sunoo....are those 20 suitcases!? For each of them?!"
He asked,already feeling cold sweating. Those poor vampires...how could they stand it?

"I know,I know. I told mom that they weren't enough,I think I'll have the rest of my wardrobe shipped to me during the year."
The young vampire laughed,unaware of the misery to which he had subjected his servants.

"You are impossible!"

Park 'Solon' Sunghoon –the most famous figure ice skater in the empire,ranked first in the previous years at every Grand Prix he entered. His family was not of the high aristocracy,but belonged to an important house of merchants. At the moment his father held the reins of the international vampiric trade.

On the other side of the crowd,two boys were leaning against some trees,trying to hide their presence as much as possible. They didn't want to get too close to the other students either.

"Jay please tell me this torture is about to end,I can't stand hearing them talk about me like I'm some sort of prize."
The dark-haired boy groaned,throwing his head back against the tree trunk in despair.

"Come on,it's not the first time,they're not saying things you haven't heard a million times before. And come on,being number one is a great thing."
The other one tried to cheer him up by patting him on the back.

The boy looked at his friend as if he had just committed a crime,the other decided to move away a few meters to be safe.

Park 'Jaan' Jongseong –also know as Jay,is the Viscount's son,his family had been managing the lands surrounding Vampirya for generations. His education had been well taken care of and he had developed a sense of politics. The court expected him to take over for his father in the future.

"You're not making me feel any better. Instead,do you know where Jake ended up? He was here until a couple seconds ago...."
The boy muttered, noticing the absence of the third person who was with them a few minutes ago.

Lee 'Heli' Heeseung –second son of the imperial prime minister. He had shown natural talent since he was a child in whatever he did,whether it was his studies or his abilities. His older brother was studying to take over their father's role in the future.

Thanks to their families' positions at the imperial court,they had been in contact very often and had established a close bond of friendship. They had known each other as children and were best friends now.

"Now that I think about it...he had said something about a book he had forgotten in his charriot."
Jay said,brushing his silver hair from his face.

"A book?"
Heeseung tilted his head to the side in confusion.

"Yeah,something about quantum physics...Oh come on,don't look at me like that. You know how he gets when science is involved..."

"Heeseung! Jay! I'm back!"
The boys turned to see an enthusiastic mop of red hair running toward them with a huge book in his hand.

Sim 'Jino' Jaeyun –also know as Jake,is son of the Count,his was a higher position than Jay's family,but neither of the two boys cared enough. He had immediately stood out for his IQ and had been recognized by many as the genius of the decade.

He had know Jay and Heeseung only for a couple of years,but he enjoyed spending time with them. He felt understood by them. He could stop pretending and confess everything he felt inside. It was nice.

The redhead stopped in front of the two, bending slightly at the knees to catch his breath.

"Sorry,I had forgotten it in one of my suitcases."
He chuckled nervously as he brought the black book to his chest.

The golden title read:'The Secret of a Quantum Mind',by Levis Grimm–one of the scientists Jake had been obsessed with lately.

"Eh,it's ok.You didn't miss anything."
Jay reassured him with a wave of his hand.

"If you say so....are they still talking?"
He asked,glancing at the other vampires gathered in front of the gates.

He recognized some of them. Some were children of barons or dukes,but most belonged to aristocratic families who had only settled a few centuries earlier. New money.

"What do you think? They haven't even noticed we're here...I'd be embarrassed if I had to comment on how: 'his body is like a sculpted vampire',and the subject in question is just a few steps away from you...and can hear you."
Heeseung complained,receiving a snort from Jay and a grimace from Jake.

"If that's the case for us,wait for the little prince to arrive. I'm sure he won't get out of that flock alive."

Far from Riverfield Academy,at the start trail of the Forest of the Forgotten,two figures stood arguing.

"I still can't understand why you were selected and I wasn't! My magic is also pretty developed!"
One of the two complained,while the other,exasperated,put his hands on his face.

"Wonyoung,we talked about this. It's not the end of the world if only I was selected. You'll see that your time will come when you're ready."
The boy tried to calm her down but the other made a face of disapproval.

Yang 'Jakah' Jungwon –son of the army chief and twin brother of Wonyoung. His father was a highly respected man within the empire and neighboring countries. He had just started his training to join the battalion and he had shown himself to be a natural talent with the sword.

"It's just that-"

"Listen,I don't care about your complaints. I know that you're just hiding behind them because you're hurts. I told you already,didn't I? We may be far away but you're still my twin,and this won't change,ok? I love you and I'm not going to stay out of your life."

Wonyoung looked at him with a bitter smile before nodding. It was the first time they would be apart for more than a few days. There was some nervousness simmering with anxiety.

"Alright,alright...try to write me as much as you can ok? And update me on what's going on,anything. Don't fight with anyone and stay out of trouble. And say hello to Jeonghan oppa for me ok?"
Jungwon smiled at his sister's antics and nodded.

"I need to go now,otherwise I will be late. I'll see you soon."
But before he could bend down to pick up his bags,his twin suddenly hugged him.

"One last hug?"
Wonyoung's voice was weak and delicate,lacking the usual confidence she exuded.

Jungwon smiled sadly and let himself be pulled into the hug,holding his sister tight.

"One last hug."

Not far from the twins,the carriage with the royal symbol of the empire had just appeared.

"Do you think I'll meet nice people? Maybe I can make friends! I heard that Heeseung hyung and Jake hyung also received the letter. I can't wait to see them again,it's been a while since their visit to the court."
The exuberant figure said,as he watched the dark trees of the forest grow ever closer. They were almost there.

"Your imperial highness,I know that you are excited,but I must remember you to be very careful. His majesty don't want anything to happen to you,and according to the academy rules,you can't have royal guards in it's territory. You will be without our protection"
The man answered. He was dressed in a soldier's metal uniform,a sword rested on his hip while a spear leaned against the wall on the carriage.

"I know Key,I know. You already said it thrice! And mom told me several times before letting me go. I'll be fine alone,don't worry too much."
The boy answered curtly,tired of hearing the same thing.

Nishimura 'Noa' Riki –also know as Ni-ki by close friends and family. He is the crown prince of the Eclipsia Empire,the only child of the Emperor and Empress. He was a very private person and rarely went out in public,preferring to spend time in the palace.

The guard,Key,sighed at his attics. A tired smile crossed his face as he watched the prince survey the landscape. He had been his personal guard for years,since Riki turned 5,and this would be the first time he would be without his presence. He hoped everything would be okay.

"Officially the royal army can't do anything,but...the army chief's son will be with you. Does the name Yang Jungwon sound familiar?"
Riki pressed his lip into a line as he tried to remember if he had ever heard such a name.

He didn't have much contact with the military outside of his personal guards. And every time there was a meeting with the head of the army he was never present,his father was a very protective man,he almost never let him leave the palace. Not that the boy minded,he liked wander around the huge palace and play with his servants.

Disconsolate,he shook his head.

"I thought so. His father has already been instructed to tell him to keep an eye on you. He is a year older than you,and despite having just started his training,he is very capable and his power is remarkable. If something happens, or you feel unsafe, he's the one you need to go to. Do I make myself clear?"
Key explained,finishing his speech just as the carriage came to a stop on the dark,barren ground.

"Mh-mh"
The prince nodded easily as he prepared to get off,excitement once again taking control of his movements.

"Your imperial highness."

"Alright, alright! I got it! Can we go now? I don't want to be late for the first day."
And without waiting, he snapped open the dark blue door of the vehicle and leapt to the ground beneath them.

Ignoring Key's complaints about how his etiquette teacher would have already torn his head off just for that,Riki looked around.

Tall trees swaying in the light wind that blew,bats soaring in the air with owls and crows perched in some branches. Maybe it was the moon,almost full,in the sky or maybe it was the air but the whole thing gave him a dark and disturbing impression.

"What a way to start...."
He whispered as he approached the horses to pet his sapwood coat. He greeted the coachman,who returned the greeting by bowing his head and taking off his hat.

Key meanwhile had taken his suitcases and placed them on the ground.

The prince had decided to do without servants,since he did not want to bring them along just to arrange his things and then see them go away. He would have felt sad.

So Key had offered to help him carry his bags to his dorm and then he would leave with everyone else. Royal guards,or any soldier,were not allowed at Riverfield Academy-a stupid rule from a few centuries ago that had never been changed. He had yet to understand why.

"Your imperial highness,everything is ready,we can start going if you want."

"Alright!"

And so the pair entered the path of the forest.

As they advanced into the center of the Forest of Forgotten,the place where Riverfield Academy stood,Riki could feel himself being watched.

Maybe it's some owl. Owls are strange.

Nervously he began to fiddle with his ring,his parents' warnings flashing through his mind.

"Remember not to show off your powers too much. The ring can help you,but it all depends on you. Be careful,and please,stay safe."

His mother had told him before bursting into tears and crouching down to his height,holding him in a bone-breaking hug.

"My baby,my sweet baby. You are all grow up now. I'm sure you'll have fun and make many friends. We will come visit you whenever possible. I will not tolerate the rules of that Accademy that keep me away from my only baby."

Riki's face burned with embarrassment as he remembered his mother's scene. It didn't help that they were in the outer part of the palace,with servants coming and going to prepare the last things for his trip.

The empress was a very empathetic and sensitive person,she took every situation to heart,but she was also a strong and dignified woman. She had raised him all his life and it felt strange not to have her presence anymore.

"Son,listen to me carefully. Your ring has also been infused with some signaling magic. If you don't feel comfortable,or safe anymore for whatever reason,don't hesitate to use it. We'll come get you immediately without questions."

His father had told him,more serious in his tone than he had ever used,and the prince had nodded.

The emperor was a very private person but he had vast knowledge on every subject there was. He is very wise and intelligent,and he prioritized his safety above everything else. So Riki could understand where all this was coming from.

Even though the way they talked about it,it seemed like there was something more going on than just starting a new school year. Which was impossible,because,what could possibly happen?

"Your imperial highness,we are here."

Key's voice broke him from his thoughts and Riki looked up. Before them stood the powerful structure of Riverfield Academy.

A huge castle of black bricks,huge windows of intricate designs,loomed before them in all it's glorious gothic style. It reminded him of the palace,only darker and smaller.

Riki shifted his gaze in front of him. A few meters away stood the gates, which would then give access to the structure once opened. In front of these,a mass of vampires loomed around,some pushing for space and others preferring to stay away.

"There are...so many vampires..."
Riki was already feeling a cold sweat from the presence of so many people. Since he had been home schooled all of his life,by the best of the best,he had never seen so many vampires his age together.

"Mhm...they are few compared to how schools work. This is a private privileged academy,only the children of nobles,and those with fantastic talents,can attend."
His guard clarified.

Ah.
Those were a few.

The prince did not want to know how many of them could be attending normal schools. For him,these were already too many.

"Key hyung,can we stay here until the gates open? I don't want to get too close. The shadows can easily hide our presence,and no one will notice-"
The prince closed his mouth when he noticed the scowling look the older boy had sent him.

"We talked about it. You can't use your powers unless absolutely necessary. We don't know what might happen if-"

"Ok,fine,no shadows. Can we stay away though? There are...too many people."
The heir to the throne prayed again,receiving a positive sign of compliance.

Not far from them,positioned away from the other vampires,the other boys were waiting for the gates to open so they could finally enter and arrange their things. The night had just begun but they were already tired.

And not long after a loud,and solemn sound made vibrate the ground.
The people present looked up,and the sound repeated,this time louder and more sinister. The owls took flight,soaring into the air and away from them,the bats screeched and the wind died down.

Above them,the golden bells of the academy were ringing.

And before them, the ancient gates opened,welcoming them.

There was no turning back.

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦

The place where they were was dark. If he hadn't been a vampire,Sunghoon knew he wouldn't have been able to see anything.

The auditorium was huge,with a roof so high that it could hardly be seen,hidden by the darkness,and rows and rows of blood-red velvet chairs where the students had taken their seats.

Sunghoon had decided to sit in the back row,not wanting to draw too much attention and already having a headache from all the chatter.

Sunoo had decided to keep him company and had refused the invitations from some second-rank nobles to sit with them.

Their row was almost entirely empty,except for another boy sitting far away from them,who was trying to disappear into the shadows,and a guard. Was he a guard? A soldier? A servant? Sunghoon didn't care,at least he would have had some peace.

"Sunghoon hyung,do you think we'll room together? Because I can't wait to get my things sorted out and find out who my roommate will be! Do you think the rooms of the dorms are for 2? Or maybe for groups? And-"

Ah.
Right.
Sunoo liked to talk a lot.

Sunghoon could already feel the nerves building behind his eyes,but he kept it to himself. After all,the other vampire wasn't doing anything wrong. He was just too sensitive to noises.

Stupid ears,they had to be so sensitive.

The candles,which were placed on the side walls of the room,lit up without notice. And a dim violet light illuminated the auditorium. Shock was palpable in many of them,who began whispering.

"It's amazing!"

"I wonder who had such power"

"What kind of spell could it be?"

"Who cast it?"

"Jake you didn't use your powers did you? We talked about your arsonis-"

"Hey! It's not me! Beside,my fire is red,not purple."

Sunghoon looked at the line in front of them,where the last 2 voices came from,closer than the rest. A red-haired vampire and a silver-haired one were arguing.

The red head –Jake? That was his name,right? He looked like a puppy– was pressing the other one about how could he thought it was him and that no,he wasn't an arsionist anymore. While the silver boy was looking at him skeptically,as if he didn't believe it. Next to them,another black-haired vampire looked at them smiling,laughing at their actions.

Cute.

"Welcome students!"

The empty podium before them lit up and a figure,which had not been there before,appeared before them.

The figure revealed itself to be a man in his thirties. He was dressed in a white shirt and a black tuxedo,his blond hair was slicked back and his catlike eyes were trained on them-analyzing them.

In a second the entire auditorium went silent. The vampires gasped as they looked at him,power emanating from every pore.

"I would like to introduce myself. My name is Kwon Jiyong and I'm the headmaster of Riverfield Academy. I would like to welcome you to what will be a very important journey in your life."
The headmaster snapped his fingers and a table with 2 pairs of chairs appeared behind him. He sat down on the one on the left side,the right one remained empty.

"Riverfield Academy was designed by our predecessors with a place in mind where we can help young talents like you. A safe place. A place where you can express yourself for who you are. Where you don't need to hide or feel judged."

Sunghoon shrugged. Beside him,Sunoo noticed his stiffness but said nothing.

"As the headmaster of this academy,it is my job to put you at ease and help you on this journey. Of course not only me,but also your professors and our support team will be on your side. You are not alone on this year away from your families and houses."

"On this note,I would like to introduce you to my right-hand woman,the deputy headmistress of this century-old institution,and an important piece of this academy: Know Boah!"

And again,another figure appeared on stage-a woman,who also looked to be in her thirties. She had black hair,tied in an elegant long ponytail,she wore a simple,long,black,dress with puffed sleeves and leather ankle boots. Her deep eyes caught the attention of the various students.

"It's a pleasure to be able to meet the first year students,and of course to be able to welcome back the old ones."
The deputy headmistress said as she sat down at the table,in the other vacant chair.

"As our headmaster has already proclaimed,we We are here for you. We intend to be a support you can count on during this years with us."

"Our message is very clear. We want to give you the opportunity to explore your potential in a safe environment,and help and guide you reach the future you aspire to. This academy does not breed failures,but leaders who will carry on the destiny of the empire and the vampire race."
The headmaster spoke again,his gaze wandering over each of them.

Sunoo felt as if he were explicitly speaking to him,watching him in his soul and taking every little flaw that was in him and analyzing it. He decided to ignore it.

"For this reason,any transgression against the rules will be severely punished. Furthermore,any type of denigrating attitude towards another student will be penalized with immediate expulsion from the academy. We do not tolerate bullying,racism or any other form of discrimination,for any reason whatsoever. This is a safe place for everyone."
The deputy mistresses's voice was hard and firm,heavy enough to get the message across.

For a couple of seconds neither of them spoke,both content to just observe the students' expressions.

For Sunoo,the silence was overwhelming. He shifted in his chair,trying to find a comfortable position,feeling himself under scrutiny again.

His gaze met that of another boy who was sitting in their row,he wore a black robe with a hood that partially hid his face and the clothes he was wearing under it. The stranger looked at him for a few of seconds before looking away,back to the headmaster and deputy headmistress in front of him. The armored man behind him whispered something to him and the boy nodded.

Sunoo furrowed his eyebrows at the other behavior.

Strange.
I wonder why he reacted like that...

He wasn't that bad to look at,was he? He was pretty. His mother and her high-class friends kept squealing about how cute and adorable he was whenever they meet up. His cheeks always turned pink from how much they were pulled.

Sunoo sighed and decided to ignore that too. It came easy to him these days.

"With that being said,I would like to remind every first year student to stop by the Chamber of Reception to pick up your schedule,and the keys to your new accommodations. The dormitories are already ready for you all."
The headmaster explained,then giving the word to his colleague.

"Classes will start next week so that you can get used to the grounds of the academy and settle in. I would also like to remind you that it will be possible to participate in extracurricular activities and, specialized or advanced,courses based on the control of your powers."
The deputy headmistress said,raising a slight buzz of interest. But it was silenced by a wave of her hand.

"Our school staff is equipped for every type of need you may have. Additionally,based on your placement in the various dormitories,a guide will be assigned to you. They will take you on a tour of the academy and show you how Riverfield is organized."

"And remember: here at Riverfield we want only the best for you. We are happy to have you as our students and we look forward to this new school year. Welcome to Riverfield Academy!"
The two bowed and the students applauded their speech.

The candles went out,and the pair disappeared from the stage,just as they had arrived.

The shadows in the room grew longer until it was as dark as before. The first-year students resumed whispering among themselves as the doors to the auditorium opened and vampires began to pour out.

Jake watched as most of them stood up in groups as they talked about their expectations for this year. He didn't want to get up now and be crushed between several vampires competing to get out first.

Jay and Heeseung were sitting on either side of him,none of them had tried to suggest leaving or getting up,most likely having had the same idea as him. Besides them,sitting 3 seats away from Jay,another boy had also had the same thought.

Jake watched as he shifted nervously in his chair,looking around,seeing everyone else pass by. He didn't seem to like sitting still much.

He nudged Jay lightly,who glared at him before following his gaze.

"Oh him? I don't know who he is,but during the speech he didn't seem very happy. Maybe he's not having a good time or something... he's cute though."
Of course the first thing he said was this.

"He seems nervous and does nothing but look around uncertainly....should we ask him to join us?"
Heeseung proposed,watching the discomfort grow in the other's expression.

"Why not. I'm ok with it"
Jay replied shrugging.

"Then I'll go and talk to him!"
And without saying anything else Jake started towards the other vampire.

꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦

Jungwon didn't know what to do. All the other students had left in little groups and he was left alone. Sure, there were a couple of other students in the auditorium besides him, but it was still so...empty.

He missed his twin. Wonyoung would have dragged him out of there,already knowing where to go and who to converse with. She made friends quickly,she felt at ease in every social situation. He didn't. He didn't know with who to go or with who to converse.

He felt like a fish out of water in a reality so different from his own (maybe not that different,given that his family was rich and important too,but he he didn't feel part of it-of this) with nobles and royalties. Because at the end of the day he was just the son of an army chief. It was nothing for those people.

And he-

"Hey!"
A boy,a little taller than him (and Jungwon was short) with red hair,and eyes full of energy,entered his field of vision.

Was he talking to him?
There was no one else but him in those seats,so he had to talk to him,right?

"My name is Jake,what's yours?"
The other vampire-Jake-held out his hand in greeting in front of his face.

Oh.
So he is talking to him.

"Jungwon...nice to meet you"
He took his hand in his and shook it,quickly,in greeting.

"Listen Jungwon,my friends and I were just about to go out and get the keys to the dorms. Do you want to come with us?"
Jake pointed to 2 other boys behind him,one with silver hair and another,slightly taller,with black hair.

They both waved at him and smiled when they saw him watching them. Jungwon returned the polite greetings and then focused on Jake again.

"You want me...to come with you guys?"
He asked in disbelief. It was the first time a noble had spoken to him without making him feel inferior to his status. And that he genuinely wanted to spend time with him.

(Because Jungwon wasn't stupid. He knew who all 3 of them were,their families were always on everyone's lips after all. They were important people. And Jake was wasting his time talking to him)

Jake cocked his head to the side,as if confused by his sentence,before nodding and smiling at him again.

"Of course. Do you see anyone else here? You seemed lost,that's why I asked you....but I can understand if you don't want to. You don't know us,we don't know you. We are strangers,I can see why you wouldn't. You don't have to feel obligated because-"
Jake began to spiral,thinking he had done something wrong and put him in an uncomfortable position.

"I want to...."
Jungwon responded before he could get worse.

"Really? Then...let's go out of there!"
And with a grab he dragged him outside,followed by his friends who shouted at him to wait.

For the first time in a long time,Jungwon didn't feel so alone.

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦

"Well...that was something. Hyung do we want to go too? We're the only ones left,we should hurry up so we can sort out our things before it's too late."
Sunoo said as he stood up from his chair.

"Mhm..."
Sunghoon watched as the small group sitting in front of them made their way to the door. Jake's cheerful voice booming through the empty auditorium.

He followed them with his gaze until they left,his interest growing with every distant step they took.

He didn't know him. He didn't know any of them. But they seemed....friendly. Jake radiated energy and happyness from every pore,and the other boy who was with them as well –the one with the black hair– had a calm and reassuring presence.

Their scents is nice.

Sunghoon didn't know them. But he hoped he could do it during this school year.

"Alright. Let's go out of there before you start whining again. It'll take you years to unpack those bags."
Sunghoon stood up from his chair,deciding to go out and join the others students.

"Hey! Don't be mean! Better many than few. Beside I'm not like Mr. I-can-survive-with-only-my-bag. I'm expensive!"
Sunoo scolded him as he followed him. Sunghoon rolled his eyes at his attitude.

The day Kim Sunoo will finds a partner it's the day Sunghoon will pray for their credit card and finances.

As they were leaving,his gaze fell on the last figure left in the room. The boy in their same row as before.

He had been so silent,trying to become almost one with the shadows,that he had hardly even noticed him.

As if he was trying to hide something or himself.

Now that he noticed,he had a long,black robe with a hood. Something that was perfect if you wanted to avoid being recognized by others. And he had a guard at his side.

Oh.

Sunghoon smiled.

"Who knew that the little prince preferred to remain on the sidelines..."
He whispered as they left the now dark and empty room.

"Hyung did you say something?"
"Nothing,don't worry Sun. Let's go"

And the duo left,following the rest of the students to the Chamber of Reception.

꒷꒦︶꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦

Riki watched as the entire room emptied,trying to camouflage himself as best he could and not be noticed too much. His powers were useful in this situation.

As the last vampires filed out of the auditorium,he could breathe a sigh of relief. He was finally alone.

"Your imperial highness you can lower your hood"

Well,not quite alone as Key had stayed by his side throughout the speech. Riki obeyed his guard and freed his violet,fluffy,hair and golden crown from the weight of the robe. Using it as a last minute disguise had been a good idea.

"Before you follow all the other students the headmaster wanted to have a meeting with you. There is an office near the podium. He invited us to come once the building was empty."
Key informed him and Riki nodded. It had sense.

After all,he had told him earlier that they would stay behind to do something. Now he knew what.

"Let's go then. I want to know what he want to say to me."
Riki rose from his chair and slowly made his way through the office. Key stood behind him,stiff,ready to protect him.

The rows full of empty seats and the darkness that enveloped the auditorium gave a ghostly feel. Almost as eerie as the forest. Riki fiddled with his ring,the shadows around him tangled,some high some low,the darkness wrapping around his fingers in a comforting and delicate way.

Under the serious gaze of his personal guard,the imperial prince dragged himself through the solemn darkness until he reached their destination.

An old wooden door with floral details. It didn't look like something worthy of an office. Clever. No one would ever have thought there was anything important. If they had seen beyond the thick darkness,of course.

He didn't have these problems-the darkness,the shadows-were part of him. It was like second nature. Something that came naturally to him and he felt good doing it. It was comforting. But it wasn't the same for everyone.

Riki knocked 3 times,and the door opened.

Behind it,sitting at a dark desk,was Know Jiyong,headmaster of Riverfield Academy.

When their eyes met,Riki could feel his body go cold. Whatever they were about to discuss,it would be important. He could feel it.

"Your imperial highness,take a sit. We need to have a conversation."