Dhampir Academy

“Welcome to Dhampir Academy, the home for young vampire hunters like you. You are the future and protector of mankind!” A resounding applause followed Madam Delcoix’s closing speech, though Alex could see the students were already eager to return to their classes or dorms. It was a mandatory orientation held every Fall session to welcome new first-years. Alex rolled her eyes, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder. She wore a short black skirt, white T-shirt, and black blazer—her signature rebellious look. Emerald eyes lined with smoky eyeliner and dark lipstick completed her badass vibe. Today marked her first day at Dhampir Academy, a rule-bound rite for every vampire hunter who turned eighteen. Alex Vladimir, daughter of Ethan and Leticia Vladimir—descendants of the original vampire hunters—had celebrated her eighteenth birthday at her father’s gothic mansion in New York City. She’d believed she was an ordinary teenager—until her fangs had popped out that night. She hadn’t exactly been thrilled about being a vampire hunter—especially since her parents hadn’t bothered to tell her the truth until the tornado she’d accidentally caused in the bathroom nearly took out half the house. Elemental powers, mind-control abilities—none of it was a thrill to Alex. The only comfort was she wasn’t a bloodsucking freak. Their excuse? The vampire hunter gene had supposedly skipped their generation for a century, so they figured it had skipped her too. Nice parenting. “Move!” Alex snapped out of her thoughts, blinking up to see the hall nearly empty. Only a few stragglers remained, heading out in clusters. “Move!” the voice repeated—a pale girl with auburn hair and dark brown eyes, lips pursed in an impatient frown. Alex was already annoyed, and this girl didn’t help. “If you’re in such a hurry, why don’t you fly away?” “Unlike some people, I don’t shapeshift into bats,” the girl replied icily. “Wait… that’s a thing?” Alex asked. The girl scoffed. “Yeah, right. Please move so I can get to class.” Alex stood, sighing. “Are you a first-year?” she asked. The girl eyed her warily. “What? Now you want to be friends?” Alex softened. “I’m sorry about earlier. I just… didn’t exactly ask to be here.” The girl’s expression shifted. “I get it. I didn’t have much choice either. I’m Luna Balcoin, first-year. Descendant of the Guardian line.” “Guardian?” Alex repeated, clueless. “Fifth tree in Dhampir origins,” Luna replied. When Alex gave her a blank stare, she laughed. “Seriously? You don’t know anything?” Alex shook her head. “Nothing.” “Walk with me, then,” Luna said. “Our first class is History.” They moved toward the hallway, merging with the stream of students heading to lockers and classrooms. “You got your locker already?” Luna asked. Alex nodded. “Yeah.” As they approached the classroom, Alex saw him—a guy with spiky dark hair and eyes that felt like magnets pulling at her soul. Her heart did somersaults. Bad-boy vibes in black leather pants and a leather jacket. “When you’re done gawking,” Luna said, “you’ll realize that’s Annie’s prize betrothed.” A pang of jealousy hit Alex hard, even though she’d just arrived. She tried to focus on the bright walls instead. “Who’s Annie?” she asked. “Queen Bee of Shadow Academy, descendant of the Enkil line,” Luna explained. “And that’s Jesse La Magra. Also from an original family. So… tread lightly.” Alex smirked. “I just want to say hi. No big deal.” “Not now. We’ve got less than twenty minutes before class starts,” Luna warned. Alex ignored her, walking toward Jesse. He was smirking at her while Annie glared. “Hi,” Alex chirped. Annie’s eyes blazed. “Move along, first-year. Two originals are talking.” Alex’s lips curled into a sneer. “Everyone’s fair game until I see a ring. You’re also a first-year, princess.” “Relax, Annie,” Jesse said, chuckling. “Welcome to Dhampir Academy. I’m Jesse La Magra, and this is Annie Enkil.” “Nice to meet you. I’m Alex Vladimir,” Alex beamed. The moment her surname fell, a hush spread. All eyes zeroed in on her. “Vladimir?” Annie asked, her voice dripping with venom. “Yes?” Alex replied, confused. A wicked smile twisted Annie’s lips. “If it isn’t the traitor’s bloodline returned to Dhampir Academy,” she announced. Alex’s heart sank as whispers erupted around her. Welcome to Dhampir Academy, Alex, her sarcastic mind sneered.