Diamond's POV
Vampyr University exceeded my expectations. Nestled within an ancient forest, it boasts a sprawling castle-like structure that reaches towards the sky. Its grand towers showcase carvings of mythical creatures and vines, entwined with the stones as if nature itself is reclaiming the architecture. The university's walls form a mosaic of deep red bricks, reminiscent of dried blood, lending an eerie and mysterious aura to the campus. Lush, overgrown gardens surround the castle, with gnarled trees and twisted pathways that enhance the sense of enchantment.
"Welcome to Vampyr University, Ms. Baudelaire. I'm Headmaster Lustre, and I'm here to extend my welcome to you."
I offered him a gentle smile.
"Nice to meet you as well, Headmaster Lustre. I'm truly excited to be here."
Headmaster Lustre exudes an initial air of intimidation, a presence that could effortlessly command anyone's attention in the room. However, as my gaze lingers, I discern a glimmer of tenderness concealed within the depths of his obsidian eyes. Draped in a meticulously tailored black suit, he effortlessly embodies an aura of authority. What truly captivates me, though, is his distinctive choice of hairstyle: a cascade of ebony strands meticulously gathered into a man bun, an unconventional touch that enhances his enigmatic allure.
"Here's the key to your dorm. Additionally, meet Olivia and Solace; they will be your guides."
"Hello, we're delighted to meet you. I'm Olivia, and I'm a witch. Would you like to be friends?"
"Wait, Olivia. Don't frighten her. I'm Solace, also a witch."
"Hello, I'm Diamond, and of course, I would love to be your friend."
Olivia is stunning with her blue eyes and black hair, while Solace gives off a chilly vibe with her white eyes that match her pale skin. Overall, they appear approachable.
"Alright, ladies. I'll leave Ms. Baudelaire to the two of you."
"Goodbye, Headmaster Lustre," we said in unison.
"So, what are your thoughts on Headmaster Lustre? He's attractive, isn't he?" Olivia giggled.
I blush. "He appears younger in his role."
"Young? Girl, that man is literally a hundred years old. He's a vampire, a pureblood," Solace answered.
Headmaster Lustre is a vampire, which explains why he has the same aura as Cassius.
"Do all vampires have the same aura?" I asked, full of curiosity.
"I think so. Wait till you meet the prince of vampires. You can tell that all vampires are attractive, but I'm not into sucking blood."
"Please, they talk about how skilled vampires are in bed."
"What do you mean, vampires are good in bed?"
Olivia smirked. "It means they're skilled at intimate activities."
I gasped.
My eyes widened in shock, and I could feel my face turning red.
Solace laughed. "Oh no, Diamond is blushing. Look!"
"Uh-oh, someone's innocent."
I chuckled awkwardly, saying, "Well, I never imagined that my first lesson at this school would be about the expertise of vampires in such matters."
"Dear, I believe I will greatly enjoy teaching you many things."
"Don't corrupt her, Olivia. It's already enough that everyone here is corrupted. It's refreshing to meet someone who isn't."
"What do you mean by that?" Olivia asked Solace, and they seemed ready to argue, so I interjected.
"Uhm, can we head to my dorm now? I'm curious to see it." They looked at me and smiled.
It's fascinating to encounter beings other than fairies. Witches are stunning, yet there's something about them that I can't quite understand.
"Of course! Headmaster Lustre specifically allowed us to choose your room, and we're neighbors!" I froze as Olivia took hold of my arms. "Let's go!"
I offered her a smile and a nod. It's a good thing that I'm wearing my gloves. What if I weren't wearing them? I'm sure it would be a disaster. Olivia and Solace walk by my side as I scanned the hallway with my eyes.
In the bustling hallway, filled with students engrossed in their activities, I paused as my attention was drawn to a cluster of students who seemed to be fixated on me.
"Who are they?" I stopped walking because I could feel their stares at me.
"Who?" Solace asked.
"Argh, that's Malika and her gang," Olivia answered me. The girl with long, black, wavy hair smirked at me. I suppose that's Malika. She looks gorgeous, but her piercing black eyes are staring at me as if she wants to devour me. "Oh no, she's staring at you."
"Tsk, of course, Malika will stare at her. Did you see, Diamond? I'm sure the girl is now afraid that someone will take her title as the queen of Vampyr University. Not that it matters; she's just some wannabe queen," Solace said, rolling her eyes.
"Shh, she can hear you. Did you forget she's a vampire? But you have a point. Don't mind them, Diamond. They're just curious about you. I mean, everyone thinks you're a myth."
"A myth? Why would anyone think that?"
"First of all, everyone thinks that you don't exist. I mean, they say that Fairyland has a princess, but no one sees you. Secondly, because of that, everyone is intrigued by how mysterious you are."
"Solace is right. Now that you've suddenly shown up here at Vampyr University, everyone can't help but gawk at you. Did you see yourself? I'm so jealous of how gorgeous you are — a true fairy princess in the flesh!"
"Um, well, it's because my mother is quite protective of me," I explained.
I can't believe everyone believes I'm merely a myth—a non-existent princess.
"Oh no, here comes Malika,"
"Quiet, Olivia."
"Check out who's here: the two peculiar witches and the renowned fairy princess," Malika sneered, her confidence oozing.
"Leave us alone, Malika," Olivia demanded.
"I'm not talking to you, weirdo. Diamond, right? We're throwing a party tonight. Why don't you join us?"
I smiled; partying with this girl was bad news. Literally, my mother warned me about parties: blend into the crowd and be a loner.
"Sorry, I'm not into parties, but maybe next time."
Malika's smile faded. "You're turning me down?"
"Did you hear her? Back off, Malika," Solace said, pulling me away from her. "Let's go, Olivia."
"Uh, excuse me," I said as I walked with Solace and Olivia, leaving Malika behind us.
"You're going to regret this, Princess." I heard her say.
"What does that mean?"
"Typical Malika; that's a threat, Diamond."
Solace and Olivia smiled. "Welcome to Vampyr University."