Fated to kill you

Dorm Cottage

Leah tucked her long brown hair behind her ears, her fingers trembling slightly as she followed the other Archery students out of the classroom. They made their way down the wide stone corridor toward the grand hall, where the next phase of their training awaited. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, a prickling sensation creeping up her spine.

Curious, she glanced over her shoulder—and froze.

Liam.

The Swordsmanship group followed not far behind, and Liam was unmistakably watching her. His gaze was piercing, as though he could see through every wall she’d built to protect herself. Their eyes locked, and Leah’s breath caught in her throat. A wave of heat flooded her cheeks, and her heart hammered against her ribcage. His lips curved into a sly smile, his ice blue eyes gleaming with mischief.

Her heart paced. The thought of them sharing another class together sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. What does he think of me? she wondered, but before her mind could spiral, the grand hall came into view.

And what a hall it was.

Leah’s jaw dropped as they stepped inside. The room was breathtakingly majestic, its high walls adorned with ancient murals depicting battles, victories, and long-forgotten legends. Massive chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow across the marble floors, which gleamed like polished glass. Four colossal pillars, gilded in shimmering gold, stood like sentinels in the center of the hall.

The space was vast, large enough to accommodate two separate training areas: one for Archery and one for Swordsmanship. Despite the shared space, the distance between the two sections was enough that their voices wouldn’t carry, yet Leah was acutely aware of Liam’s presence across the room.

In the Archery section, targets were arranged in neat rows, alongside bows and quivers filled with arrows. Leah focused her attention on the professor, who began explaining the theory and mechanics of the equipment. While Archery wasn’t her first choice, she knew she couldn’t afford to lose focus. As a scholarship student, the weight of expectation was always on her shoulders.

When the lesson ended, Leah gathered her belongings and began the walk to her dorm. As she stepped outside, the luxury cars of the elite clans were already waiting. One by one, students disappeared into sleek vehicles, whisked away to their mansions in the Ivory City, the capital of Everon. Leah, however, had no such luxury.

The Shadow Clan village was hours away by foot, and the university had offered her a place in the dorms. It wasn’t a difficult choice—she had accepted the offer immediately. Sierra’s directions replayed in her mind as she navigated the grounds, eventually finding the dorms with little trouble.

The dorms stood just outside the university grounds, nestled against a dense forest. Leah couldn’t help but marvel at the house’s design. While Sierra had described it as a “cottage,” it was far more impressive than the word suggested. The wooden structure exuded warmth and charm, its intricate design a testament to craftsmanship. Yet compared to the grandeur of UL’s halls, she understood why it had been labeled a cottage.

Stepping inside, Leah was surprised to find someone already there.

“Hi,” a familiar voice greeted her.

She turned to see Sath standing in the common area. His short brown hair, somewhat complimented his tall lean built. His deep brown eyes looked emphasized the mystery around him. Unlike all her classmates wearing all fancy clothes, Sath was just wearing a simple T-Shirt and loose pants.

“Oh, you live here too?” she asked, her surprise evident. The air of mystery around Sath was becoming noticeable.

“Yeah,” he replied, his voice steady. “There are four rooms, each with its own bathroom. There’s a common area, kitchen, washroom, and a garden out back. You can pick any room except the corner one—I’ve already taken it.”

Leah hesitated, her unease growing at the thought of sharing a house with someone she barely knew. “It’s just us in the dorms?” she asked nervously.

Sath nodded, offering no further explanation.

Her luggage was neatly stacked in the common area, and she tried to drag it toward her chosen room. The bags were heavier than she’d anticipated, and after a moment of struggling, she sighed in defeat.

“Need help?” Sath asked, already stepping forward.

Leah wanted to refuse but knew she couldn’t manage on her own. “Yes, please,” she admitted reluctantly, hating the helplessness in her voice.

Sath hoisted her bags effortlessly and glanced at her for direction. She led him to the room farthest from his, grateful for the distance. It wasn’t that she had anything against him, she just wasn’t comfortable at that moment.

Her curiosity got the better of her as she watched him. “Which clan are you from?” she asked.

“Ivory,” he said shortly.

Leah blinked in surprise. Ivory? His brown hair and modest attire were far from the golden-haired nobles she’d had seen and heard of. It was rare—almost unheard of—for an Ivory not to fit the stereotype.

“You’re not going home like everyone else?” she asked, unable to stop herself.

“You aren’t either,” he replied as he placed her bags in the room and walked out without another word.

Leah stared after him, curiosity building within her. What’s his story? Sath didn’t fit anywhere. An Ivory who looked like a commoner, staying in the dorms instead of a grand estate—it was indeed puzzling.

Shaking her head, Leah turned her attention to her new room. The cozy decor instantly put her at ease. The bed looked soft and inviting, and the warm tones of the wooden furnishings made the space feel like a sanctuary.Exhausted, she flopped onto the bed and closed her eyes. The thought of unpacking made her groan.

But as she relaxed on the bed, Liam’s face suddenly appeared in her mind, his smile etched vividly in her memory. Her eyes snapped open, and she grabbed a pillow, burying her face in it to muffle her scream.

She was totally crushing on him. He was a prince. And she knew how dangerous that could be. They were worlds apart. ‘Nothing would ever happen, just a harmless little crush’ she pacified herself.