His blood,his moon, my curse

Chapter Three – The First Day

Sophia's POV

My alarm had gone off twice before I finally forced myself out of bed. I still remember my dream from last night,the forest, the eyes, the voice calling her name. Even as I brushed my teeth and changed into my uniform I couldn’t shake the shiver it left behind.

“It was just a nightmare,but why do everything seem really strange, maybe this was a wrong town to start afresh. It's only making matters worse”

“Today's my first day at Ashwood College. Maybe I shouldn't go” I crouched to the ground trying to compose myself.

“You can do this sophia, I wanted this, new life,new college,new town.”

I stared at the outfit I had chosen for about 2 minutes, a simple black top, a soft gray cardigan, and dark jeans. Nothing too flashy. “This should do”

After a quick breakfast of dry cereal and coffee, I gathered my bag and other neccesary stuffs then stepped outside. The morning air was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine from the woods that bordered the town.

“Campus isn't far from here. Maybe a 25 mins walk.” I forced my legs to start moving, I tried to move as slow as I could but my nerves made thar really hard.

---

The campus came into view at the top of the street,a collection of old stone buildings covered in ivy and tall windows. It wasn't as big ans fancy as colleges at the city but it would do. There was something timeless about it, like the place had stood for centuries, untouched by the world outside. Students milled about in clusters, laughter and conversation drifting across the courtyard.

I slowed, gripping the strap of my bag. For a moment, I considered turning back. Blending in had never been my strength.

I forced myself forward, walking through the courtyard, past groups of students who seemed to know exactly where to go. Most of them glanced at me, whispering behind their hands. Others stared openly, their gazes lingering too long.

This is nothing close to what I envisioned my first day to be.

My stomach twisted inside. I really wished the ground would open up and swallow me.

I kept my head down until I reached the administration building. Inside,the hall smelled faintly of paper and polished wood. I collected my enrollment papers from a tired-looking receptionist and hurried back outside clinging to the comfort of the schedule printed neatly on the page.

---

My first class was for the day was Literature, held in an old lecture hall with creaking floors and rows of wooden desks. I slipped into a seat near the back, hoping to disappear into the background.I felt it almost instantly,the weight of someone’s gaze one. I slowly lift my head. Near the front, by the tall windows sat a man who didn’t look like he belonged among the other students. He was tall, lean, his posture perfectly straight as though carved from stone. His hair was dark, falling just past his collar, and his features were sharp, almost unreal in their symmetry. His was gorgeous. His eyes held me captive.They didn't seem like they were simply watching me,they look like they were studying me, like he had been waiting for me, like he had already known would be here. When our gazes locked my breath hitched. A strange and cold thrill slid down my spine.

I quickly look away,my fingers tightening on my pen. “Am over reacting again, just another student.”

The professor began the lecture, his voice droning about Gothic literature, but I could barely focus. Every so often, my eyes betrayed me, flicking back to the stranger. And every time I found his gaze waiting for me, Unblinking and unmoving.

Immediately the lecture ended, I shoved my notebook into my bag trying to slip out unnoticed but the crowd of students in the hallway slowed me and I felt the tension building again,the eyes, whispers. I suddenly felt claustrophobic. I ducked into a quieter corridor, exhaling shakily. The old stone walls seemed to hum around me, faint echoes carrying down the hallway. I pressed my hand to my chest, trying to calm my heartbeat. That was when I heard footsteps behind me.

I froze.

The sound drew closer, steady against the floorboards. I turned my head slightly, pulse racing in my head.

It was him. The man from the class. He stood at the far end of the corridor, half in shadow, his dark hair catching the dim light. He didn’t move toward me thankfully, didn’t speak just stood there watching me.

My throat went dry. My grip on the strap of my bag tightening. I forced my feet to move, walking quickly past him, not daring to meet his eyes again but I could feel his gaze following me.

---

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Class after class, new names, new faces. The sense of unease grew every second, I couldn't wait to get out of here, I felt suffocated. Students looked at me strangely, professors paused when they read my name off the roll, like it was already familiar to them. And that strange guy was everywhere. In the cafeteria,across the library, walking down the opposite end of the quad,always at a distance and always silent. He just watched me which only creeped me out more.

By the time the final bell rang, I was exhausted. I gathered my things and walked home quickly, resisting the urge to glance over my shoulder. But even as I shut the apartment door and leaned against it, I knew the truth. I wasn’t imagining it. Someone was really watching me

And I had no idea why.