_______

Location: Aurelia Academy

3rd Person Pov

Kuden sat under a large, ancient tree in the academy’s sprawling garden, taking a moment to catch his breath. After the overwhelming events of the day, he needed some peace. The wind carried the soft rustling of leaves, and the distant chatter of students created a serene backdrop.

Kuden: Maybe this place isn’t so bad. I just need to figure things out… one day at a time.

As he rested his head against the tree trunk, a shadow flitted across the sky, barely noticeable. Kuden didn’t pay it any mind until something soft and leathery landed squarely on his head.

Kuden: W-Wha?!

He froze, unsure of what had just happened. His first thought was a stray leaf, but then he felt tiny claws gripping his hair. His heart raced as he reached up slowly, feeling the unmistakable texture of fur and wings.

Kuden: Oh no… please don’t be what I think it is.

Turning his eyes upward, he caught sight of a small vampire bat perched comfortably on his silver locks. Its black, beady eyes stared back at him, and it let out a soft squeak.

Kuden: A bat?! Why is there a bat on my head?!

Panicked, he tried to shoo it away, waving his hands wildly. The bat, however, refused to budge and clung stubbornly to his hair.

Kuden: Get off! Go find a tree or something!

A giggle interrupted his frantic attempts, and Kuden turned to see a tall, elegant girl leaning against a nearby fountain. Her crimson eyes sparkled with amusement, and her long, dark hair flowed like silk. She wore the academy’s uniform, though her black cloak and pointed fangs made it clear she was a vampire.

Vampire Girl: Oh my, it seems you’ve met Ezra.

Kuden: Ezra? Wait, this bat belongs to you?

The girl approached, her steps graceful and deliberate. The bat squeaked happily at her, seemingly recognizing its owner.

Vampire Girl: Indeed. Ezra is my familiar. He seems to have taken a liking to you.

Kuden: A liking?! He’s on my head!

The girl chuckled, reaching up to gently pluck Ezra from Kuden’s hair. The bat fluttered its wings before settling onto her shoulder.

Vampire Girl: There, there, Ezra. You’ve made your point.

Kuden sighed in relief, brushing his hair with his fingers to make sure no tiny claws had been left behind.

Kuden: Why was he on me in the first place?

The vampire girl smirked, her fangs glinting in the sunlight.

Vampire Girl: Ezra has a knack for sensing those who stand out. You must be someone special, human.

Kuden blushed, shrinking under her intense gaze.

Kuden: I’m not special… I’m just trying to survive here.

The girl raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to mild curiosity.

Vampire Girl: Surviving, you say? That’s an interesting choice of words. I’m Selena von Drach, by the way. And you are?

Kuden: K-Kuden Richach.

Selena: Kuden… a peculiar name for a peculiar boy.

Her tone was teasing, but Kuden could tell there was a hint of genuine interest. Before he could respond, a group of students passed by, whispering among themselves.

Student (Elf): Look, it’s the summoner. And he’s talking to Selena? Unbelievable.

Student (Beastkin): She doesn’t talk to just anyone. What’s so special about him?

Kuden’s cheeks burned as he caught their words. Selena, however, seemed completely unfazed.

Selena: Ignore them. People love to gossip, especially about things they don’t understand.

Kuden: I-I guess…

Selena tilted her head, studying him closely.

Selena: You’re intriguing, Kuden. A summoner who can call forth machines from another world… I wonder what else you’re capable of.

Kuden: I don’t even know myself. I didn’t ask for this power…

Selena’s crimson eyes softened slightly.

Selena: Sometimes power finds us whether we want it or not. The question is, what will you do with it?

Kuden didn’t have an answer. He stared at the ground, unsure of himself.

Selena: Well, whatever your path may be, I’ll be watching with great interest. Ezra, too.

The bat squeaked in agreement before nuzzling against Selena’s cheek.

Selena: If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to seek me out. Until then, take care, Kuden.

With that, she turned and walked away, her cloak billowing behind her. Kuden watched her go, feeling a mix of confusion and awe.

Kuden: *thinking* Why do I keep attracting so much attention? I just want to stay out of trouble…

As he headed back to his dorm, Kuden couldn’t shake the feeling that his encounter with Selena was only the beginning of something much bigger.

{To Be Continue}

______________________

Next Chapter: The Dorm

(A/N: The third chapter has return :))