New Roommate and Dormitory

The ceremony had concluded, and everyone made their way to their dormitories, ready for the start of school classes.

"Hey guys, see you in class!" Drekaron called out as he ran off towards his room in the south wing.

"Right. The Vanguards' dorm is in the north wing. Let's go, Layna, Leo," Arian said, signaling to his teammates. They then parted from the group.

Syrun headed to his room in the east wing, and Maro moved toward the west wing.

They all walked their new paths. They passed other groups of first-years whose laughter now filled the hallways.

The path to the north wing ran alongside the entrance to the oak forest that stretched down to the shore. Because of this, the scent of the sea beckoned to everyone from there. The damp smell of the forest logs, like a perfume with a dry undertone, caressed each of their nostrils.

All three had fallen into a silence, lost in their thoughts, replaying the day's events. Leo was thinking of his father, of Layna whose sole desire was to earn the king's approval, and of Arian, who was chasing after new experiences.

"Arian, Leo, I have to go this way. The sign says the girls' dormitory is here, so I guess this is goodnight." Layna stood facing her friends, waving, before heading off with the other girls toward their dormitory.

"Take care of yourself," the two boys said in unison, bidding farewell to their team's witch so they too could head to their rooms.

They arrived at the entrance of a tall building whose stone walls, intertwined with vines, offered them a majestic welcome.

The entrance was opened by a tall figure whose white fangs were visible even from a distance.

"Greetings, dear newcomers. I'm Abtin, a third-year from the Vanguard faction. Welcome to our humble boys' dormitory." He welcomed the students with a warm smile and fiery, enthusiastic eyes.

"Well, come on in! Why are you standing outside?" Abtin gestured for everyone to enter with a wave of his hand.

Slowly, with hesitant and wary steps, they all stepped into the new space.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Senior," Arian said, his hand outstretched, waiting for the other to take it.

"Likewise, Prodigy of the Century." Abtin gave his hand a firm shake, his handsome smile appearing once more. Then he bent down to stroke Shadolf's soft, silky fur.

"I wonder why every Bloodasham I meet calls me that... 'Prodigy of the Century'." Arian drew his attention away from Shadolf, his gaze fixed on Abtin's dark eyes.

"Well, it's my kind's... attraction to power. Don't take it personally."

"I know. But I'd appreciate it if you'd use my actual name instead." The soft smile on Arian's lips didn't match the predatory look in his waiting eyes.

"As you wish, Arian." Abtin turned toward the other students to show them around the dormitory.

"Hey Arian, I think you should rein that tongue of yours in a bit," Leo whispered into his ear with a smirk.

"Yeah... you're right. My tone got a bit harsh. But I just don't have a good feeling about this school. It's like there's a voice in my head constantly telling me not to trust anyone." His gaze swept the surroundings, cataloging every detail in his mind.

He saw study halls where light and shadow danced upon the stone-walled tapestries, and colorful flowers that had opened their embrace to the sunbeams streaming in from outside.

He saw game rooms and common areas, filled with assorted cushions and couches, ready to welcome the fireplace on cold winter nights. From within these rooms, staircases led upward toward the private bedrooms.

"Alright, now that I've shown you all the ground floor, my job here is done. I should just add that this building has four more floors above this one, and that's where your rooms are located. Yours is on the first floor. We've written your names on each door. If you wish to change rooms, just let me know tomorrow." Abtin bid everyone farewell and headed up to the third floor himself.

One by one, they all climbed the stairs to reach their cherished rooms. As fate would have it, Leo and Arian had been assigned as roommates.

Their room had a window that opened toward the oak forest, scenting the space with the aroma of the woods. A two-poster bed beside it created a cozy nook for rest. On the other side of the room stood a brown wardrobe, providing a place to safeguard each person's belongings.

"What a room, man. It's bigger than the one I had in my cabin." Arian didn't know where to sit; he was buzzing with an excitement usually reserved for his birthday.

"Hey Arian, what's up with you? You act all mature in front of others, and now you're acting like a kid!" Leo couldn't contain his grin.

"Well, you'll have to get used to it. Whenever I experience something new, I revert to my default state." He bounced onto his bed, his eyes alight with the wonder of a toddler. He held Shadolf in his arms, closed his eyes to the world, and slipped into the sleep of the Seven Kings.

Leo, who had been gazing out the window, let his eyes linger for a moment on Arian's sleeping face. In his heart, he thought, "What in the world am I going to experience because of this boy?"