Chapter 3: A New Start
---
In every bitter chapter of a person's life, there is always a promise of a brighter future. The only question is—will you choose to stay miserable, clinging to past pain, or will you rise, move forward, and start again?
If you're tired, take a break. If you're hurting, allow yourself to heal and move on. And if you're weary of how your life has been, don’t hesitate to return to the beginning and write a new chapter. Start fresh.
That’s exactly what I’ve chosen to do—to start a brand new chapter in my life. I am tired. I am hurting. And the weight of everything I’ve experienced has become too much to carry any longer. That’s why I’ve made this choice: instead of continuing to live in sorrow, I will pursue a new life—one that will not be overshadowed by past pain, one that has the potential to bring healing, strength, and maybe even happiness.
Right now, I’m just beginning. I’ve set foot into a new world, one that I must grow accustomed to—one that I believe I truly belong in. Even though this is only the start of my journey, deep down I can already feel that the happiness I’ve long dreamed of is not as far away as it once seemed.
Tall trees surround me on every side, their branches swaying gently in the cool breeze. The air is crisp and refreshing, calming my mind and helping me think more clearly. Though darkness fills the night, the silver light of the moon guides my every step. It’s quiet, but not the kind of silence that feels empty. No, this silence feels... safe.
I don’t know if I’m lost or if I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. But one thing I do know is that I’m following the path my mother left for me. I believe in her, and I believe that in the end, I will find the place that was meant for me all along—a place where I truly belong.
And I wasn't wrong.
The moment my feet touched the earth at the edge of a cliffside, I caught sight of something that took my breath away. In the distance, nestled in a vast and vibrant landscape, lay a stunning city surrounded by mountains. Lush greenery enveloped the area, and an elegant wall encircled a grand town at the heart of it all. It was as though the entire scene had been painted by an artist—a sanctuary hidden away from the chaos of the outside world.
This is it.
This is the place meant for me. A home that has awaited my arrival since the day I was born. No matter how dark the night is, it can never stop me from reaching this beautiful destination—this place where I know I will thrive.
I made my way down the long path leading to the city. All the fatigue, the suffering, and the hardship I had endured to get here—all of it faded away when I finally laid eyes on the town’s breathtaking beauty.
The people—or rather, the beings—who lived there were just as mesmerizing. They were graceful, elegant, and carried an aura of mystery and power. I approached the city gates, and just before I could enter, a guard stopped me.
“Miss,” he said politely but firmly, “Before we let anyone in, we must check your blood to confirm that you are one of us.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, blinking in confusion. “You need to check... my blood?”
“Yes, miss. Please, give me your wrist,” the guard replied. I hesitated for a moment, then extended my arm. He attached a small metallic device to my wrist, and I felt a slight prick. He was drawing a small amount of my blood.
The guard examined the sample carefully, and after a few tense seconds, he nodded and smiled. “Positive,” he said. “You are one of us. Welcome to the Vampire World, miss.”
I gave him a grateful smile in return.
As I stepped through the gates, I was overwhelmed by what I saw. If I thought the outside was beautiful, the inside was something out of a dream. The architecture was stunning, the streets clean and luminous under magical lights. People strolled through parks, shopping malls glowed in the distance, and towering buildings stood proud like guardians of the city. Despite it being night, the city was alive.
This was home.
Then, something magnificent caught my attention—a towering building that looked more like a castle than a school. It sparkled under the moonlight, its gold-accented gate gleaming. My heart raced. This had to be Warden Academy—the school my mother spoke of in her letter. The place where I would be safe and learn to master who I truly am.
As I approached, the golden gate opened on its own. I wasn’t surprised. In a place like this, anything magical was possible. I walked toward a guard stationed just inside.
“Excuse me, sir. Where can I find the administration office? I’m here to enroll,” I said politely.
He smiled. “Go straight ahead, then turn left. You’ll see a sign. It’s easy to find—and just in time too. Classes start Monday!”
“Thank you!” I said cheerfully before heading toward the building.
The Administration Office was quiet. Inside, several vampire women were busy sorting through documents. A glass partition separated them from visitors, with a small opening for communication. I approached it and spoke.
“Um, hello. I’d like to enroll.”
One of the women turned to me. “Name and age, please?”
“Caster Alcanta, and I’m sixteen.”
Her eyes widened. “A-Alcanta? Is that really your last name?”
I nodded slowly.
“I see… Well, the tuition is 5,000. You only need to pay once. Here’s your uniform and room assignment. Welcome to the Academy, Ms. Alcanta.”
“Thank you,” I replied, my voice steady but my heart pounding.
I proceeded to the dormitory building. After finding my room, I stepped into what looked more like a luxury suite than a dorm. A queen-sized bed, a walk-in closet, a flat-screen TV, a stylish bathroom, a study table, a spacious terrace—it even had air conditioning. It felt like I had just stepped into a five-star hotel.
I took some time to unpack, placing my clothes neatly in the closet, organizing my toiletries in the bathroom, setting my laptop on the desk, and lining up my shoes in the rack I hadn’t noticed before. Once everything was in place, I took a refreshing shower, then changed into a loose shirt and shorts. The bed looked incredibly inviting, so I laid down, letting the softness embrace me.
Just as I was about to close my eyes, there was a knock at the door.
Sighing, I dragged myself to open it. A young man and woman stood there in uniforms, likely staff.
“Hello, ma’am. We’ve brought your school supplies. Everything’s included in your tuition, even your class schedule. Do you need anything else?”
I gratefully accepted the supplies. “Thank you so much. Actually... I’d really appreciate it if someone could bring food up to my room. I’m too tired to head down to the dining hall right now.”
“Of course, ma’am. Any specific request?”
“The most delicious meal you have available. Thank you,” I said, handing them some cash.
They nodded and left. Within minutes, they returned with a full meal. I thanked them again, sat down, and ate in silence.
This is the beginning of my new life.
I promise, Mom, I will fulfill every word you entrusted me with. For our people, for you and Father—I will fight. I will uncover the truth about both of you and your legacy as powerful vampires. I will embrace the identity I was born with. My journey has only just begun.
Because I am...
Caster Alcanta-Luxury.
---