Dhampir Academy

New Faces and Unwanted Attention

“Classes! Now!!” Madam Delcoix’s voice boomed over the microphone, scattering the crowd. Annie shot Alex one last poisonous glare.

“Watch your back, traitor,” she hissed, pulling Jesse away.

Luna grabbed Alex’s hand. “Come on. We’re already late for class.”

Alex felt the weight of every eye on her as they moved. She’d never felt so out of place, so unwanted.

They slipped into their seats in the front row. Alex tried to focus but the buzz of the hallway incident echoed in her head.

“Are you okay?” Luna whispered.

Alex shook her head. “I don’t even know what just happened.”

“You really don’t know your family history?” Luna asked.

Alex sighed. “They didn’t tell me much. I found out I was a Dhampir after my birthday.”

Luna’s eyes widened. “No training? No warning?”

Alex shook her head. “Nothing. My parents thought the gene had skipped me.”

Luna looked sympathetic. “That’s rough. Especially with the Vladimir name. People are bound to react.”

Alex frowned. “What happened? Why does everyone hate the name Vladimir?”

Luna hesitated. “Your ancestor… betrayed us all. He joined the vampires willingly. It’s the ultimate sin for a Dhampir.”

Alex’s mouth fell open. “What? Why would he—?”

But a sudden hush fell over the class as a huge man entered—dark tan skin, thick brows, and a presence that filled the room.

“Students,” he thundered. “Welcome to Dhampir Academy.”

Alex shrank into her seat, feeling his eyes on her.

“Interesting,” he rumbled. “We have two new students from original families who’ve been… absent for centuries.”

The room buzzed as all eyes swung to Alex.

“My name is Ric Darwin. I expect your undivided attention,” he boomed.

It felt like a spell—and suddenly everyone fell silent. Alex’s stomach twisted as his gaze pinned her.

“Welcome, Alexandria Vladimir,” Ric said coldly. “Try not to taint your family name further.”

Laughter rippled around her. She clenched her fists, seething.

Ric’s gaze shifted. “And Lucas Caligula—also from an old line. Care to explain your presence?”

Alex followed his gaze—and gasped. Blood-red eyes turned warm brown as Lucas Caligula gave her a lazy smile.

“Hi, beautiful,” his voice murmured in her mind, sending shivers down her spine.

Alex’s mouth went dry. What was this place—and why did it already feel like a trap?