I stepped out of the carriage; I couldn’t help but sigh in relief. I was finally standing at the front gate of my dream school Hippocralis Academy, the alma mater of great healers, herbalists, apothecaries, menders, and even enchanters.
Before me stood a massive white gate, adorned with golden symbols at its center and two on the sides of the gate, a full-body statue of the founder, Hippocrates. The gate radiated an aura of dedication, hard work, and knowledge almost amazingly intense. 
Getting into this school was no easy effort. Whether by passing difficult exams for a scholarship, receiving limited invitations to students that do indeed qualify for the chosen courses, they say they choose students who also have financial support since this school has a reputation they don't want students dropping out in mid year just because of financial problems. 
Students have hardships to enter this school but it is not impossible. 
Many called this school a matter of life or death. Its purpose was to shape students into exceptional professionals, pushing them to their limits to unlock their full potential to save lives.
My heart pounded like a drum as I stepped onto the school grounds, captivated by the breathtaking surroundings.
The area was filled with neatly trimmed green hedges, arranged in a maze-like pattern. Students gathered in the distance, their laughter and chatter carried on the air. At the center of it all stood a medium-sized fountain, its water sparkling under the sun.
The school itself was enormous, built like a grand castle with countless buildings stretching from the front to the far end of the grounds. The sight was overwhelming.
"Can I help you, miss?"
I turned to face a man with a sharp accent, his neatly slicked back hair. Dressed in a blue blazer, clearly he is one of the employees based on his uniform. He studies me with an intense gaze as if trying to assess whether I truly belonged there.
"Zaira Winter Coffey," I said.
"I believe I’ve already sent a letter. I'm here to inquire about securing one of your dorms."
His eyes widened slightly at the mention of my name. He gave me a short bow and immediately assisted me carrying my bags with efficiency. 
"Right this way, Lady Coffey," he said. I followed without hesitation.
As we walked down the hallway, I couldn’t help but notice the crowd of students wandering around, accompanied by some fellow students. 
A shiver ran down my spine. It felt as thousands of eyes were glued to our direction, their stares heavy with curiosity or judgment.
After a few minutes of walking, the staff member stopped in front of a large building. He gestured toward it and explained that the buildings to the right housed the girls’ dormitories.
The sheer size of this academy, feels like I would take months to memorize all the pathways, entrances, and exits.
He stopped by a mahogany door, with a gold door plate engraved by my surname and someone that I am not familiar with. 
"Here we are," he said.
"I believe your roommate is already here," he added, smiling as he glanced at me.
He knocked on the door, and after a few moments, a thunderous noise burst from the other side, startling me. The sound quickly faded, leaving an unsettling silence behind. The staff member gave me a reassuring look.
"Don’t worry, Lady Coffey. Lady Oakley is a kind and wonderful girl. I’m sure you’ll get along in no time," he said warmly before knocking again.
“Lady Oakley, could you please open—”
Before he could finish, the door swung open, revealing a striking red-haired woman with medium-length curls. Her bright green eyes sparkled with friendliness, and her warm smile was inviting. Yet, behind all that she has a strong aura like a dark feminine side. 
"Freddy! Good morning!" She greeted the staff cheerfully.
Her eyes widened in surprise as they met mine, and her lips parted slightly as she took a moment to study me.
“I’ve brought Miss Coffey,” the employee announced.
“She’ll be your roommate this semester. Please take care of her. I’ll be leaving now.” He gave me a final glance before turning to leave.
"Good luck, my lady," he said with a kind smile before marching away. I trailed looking at him as he vanished from the distance. 
“Well, I guess the staff are busy today,” she commented casually.
Our eyes met again, and the intimidating aura she carried seemed to fade as she smiled warmly at me.
"Callista Oakley," she introduced herself, extending a hand.
"Zaira Winter Coffey," I replied, shaking her hand.
"Please, let me help you with your bags," she offered with a genuine smile.
She gestured for me to enter the dormitory, and I was pleasantly surprised to find the space cozy and inviting. Though small, it felt like home, with a mini kitchen, a small sofa, and a door near the kitchen that I assumed led to the bathroom.
“Sorry for the mess, I have paper works, but don't worry I'm not really a mess” she assured me, I smiled at her as I scanned around the place. 
“So, this will be your room,” Callista said, pointing to the door next to her own. “And this is mine.”
“Thank you,” I said with a small smile.
She returned the smile warmly before tilting her head slightly.
“If you don’t mind me asking—just curious—is Lunaria the condition you have?”
So straightforward.
Lunaria is a condition usually caused by genetics, found in humans or animals. My eyes are an exception. I was born this way, and though it's a rare condition. 
I nodded. “Yes, I do.”
“What specialized course did you apply for?” she asked, her curiosity evident. 
“Mystic Chirurgeon,” I replied.
Mystic Chirurgeon specializes in expertise in both magical and physical healing. I already have experience assisting my aunt back in the days making this a reason why I'm here in the first place. 
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Really? that's tough! Not to scare you, the last batch of chirurgeon in the first years were 200, but only 100 got passed for second years” she said. 
“It's one of the hardests, but you'll do great” she added.
“Are you a second year?” I asked our of curiosity. 
“Well yes I am and just because my courses in my first years has less courses to study, we wrapped around very quickly” she explained. 
“How about you?” I asked in return.
“I’m a Vialist,” she said.
My brows raised in surprised, Vialists are one of the hardest because of mixing chemicals and based in their healths their prone to radiations or other other dangerous chemicals. They believe that each ingredient and even the most dangerous chemical has its use if it's used correctly. Vial medicines offers fast recovery but expensive, usually high status individuals are capable if purchasing this medications. 
“Well I wish you good luck, we should go lunch some time. Im sure that all of the students have the same time for lunch” she said. 
I smiled at her “That would be a good idea” 
“Well, I’ll let you rest for today,” she said, her hand resting on her waist. “Oh, and before I forget there’s a student orientation later this afternoon. You could join me if you want.”
“That sounds good,” I replied.
"Alright, see you," she smiled, and I smiled back.
I nodded in response and carried my bags toward my room. As I entered, I was pleasantly amazed. The room was cute and surprisingly spacious.
It featured a large bed that could comfortably fit two people, a table big enough for my needs, and a single closet with drawers. I quickly unpacked my things and lay down on the bed.
After settling in I immediately lay down on the bed feeling tired. I still have a few hours to rest before the student orientation that Callista mentioned. 
I let myself relaxed and closed my eyes. 
Monster. Ghost. Freak.
Fire emerged scattering the house, shattered glasses,blood crawling om the floor. My heart thundered and my breaths raced. 
That nightmare again.
I followed Callista to the campus dome, where the student orientation was held. As we entered, many students greeted her with smiles, clearly admiring her.
I noticed Callista wearing something a badge on her vest. I also saw some of the students I passed by had a similar badge.
It was a circular frame with stars surrounding a gold caduceus, with stylized eagle and topped with a golden crown. Below, a banner read "Hippocralis Vanguard." A wreath of golden leaves encircled the design, with a golden star at the bottom center. The badge was attached to a golden chain on their vests.
Despite the warm reception, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being scrutinized. A chill ran down my spine, and I suddenly had the urge to walk away and hide under a blanket.
“Callista”
A woman with a similar badge to Callista's approached us. 
“He’s looking for you,” she said.
Callista sighed, exchanging a few words with the woman while I searched for a vacant seat.
“Okay, noted,” was all I heard from the conversation.
“Hey, Zaira, I’ll catch up with you. There’s a slight problem at the office,” Callista said, rolling her eyes.
“But she’ll be taking care of you today. I promise I’ll catch up,” she added with a reassuring smile before walking off.
I nodded in response. “No problem.”
As she walked away with a commanding presence, I couldn’t help but watch her as she walked in the opposite direction, with a dominant aura. 
“I-I have a vacant seat for you. Come, I’ll lead the way,” she stammered, her voice wavering slightly.
“Just point it out; I’ll be fine,” I replied, trying to reassure her.
She gestured toward the second row, confirming the seat that Callista had reserved for me. I could hear a slight quiver in her voice as she spoke.
"Thank you," I muttered, walking away, my thoughts still lingering on the girl from earlier. Am I really that bad? I mean, I have lighter skin and hair, but I’m not a monster.
Distracted by the girl’s expression, I collided with something solid. I stumbled back, slightly disoriented, and looked up.
Standing in front of me was a man with raven-black eyes, his gaze intense and unblinking. The rich, sophisticated scent of leather filled the air around him, and I couldn’t help but notice how perfectly his well-built frame fit the sharp lines of his unusual attire. His presence was commanding, intimidating, yet strangely magnetic.
"Like what you see?" His voice was smooth, the words carrying a hint of amusement.
I blinked, momentarily frozen, before I snapped back to reality.
I blinked and snapped back again “You're in my way," I stammered, my cheeks flushing slightly as I tried to regain my composure.
His brows furrowed and didn’t break our gaze. His lips curved into a slight smile. 
"I see... Now go on."
He stepped aside with a graceful movement, like a gentleman, and gestured for me to pass. I forced my feet to move toward the vacant seat Callista had pointed out.
His scent lingered in the air, and my heart raced from the encounter. His presence was overwhelming, still echoing in the back of my mind.
Before long, someone sat down beside me. From the corner of my eye, I noticed her fiery red curls.
“Screw him anyway!” she muttered under her breath, frustrated.
I glanced at her. “Why? What happened?” I asked. 
He sighed heavily and replied “Men” 
I nodded, understanding the sentiment. While she seemed irritated by him, it was a valid response.
A few minutes later, the founder of the Academy stood before us, introducing herself as the president for the year. Despite her age, her elegant formal attire and short black hair streaked with white hair still gave her a bold, commanding aura
Mathilda Sawyer. That’s who she was.
She began with a welcome greeting to the students at the academy, followed by a rundown of the rules and a brief history of how the Academy was built. I was starting to zone out, I did my research before entering in the academy, though what she said was clearly what I've searched.
“I’ll be introducing the set of professors today,” she announced. She listed numerous names and their accomplishments, but I wasn’t particularly interested—I’d already done my research before coming.
“He is known as one of the best doctors in the mortal world and helped countless people with health and medicine in this realm. With his exceptional skills, he has chosen to teach here at our school. This presents a unique opportunity for students interested in working or exploring other dimensions.”
"Let us all welcome, Doctor Thorne Ackerman."
I've already searched and familiaized the faculties in the Academy although the name Dr. Thorne Ackerman. rings a bell, 
As the spotlight aimed to a man walking towards the stage, my eyes widened, pausing my applause. 
Unusual clothing. Raven eyes. Leather scent.
"Holy—he's hot."
I noticed Callista was visibly overwhelmed, her eyes wide as she looked at him like he was her prey.
The guy I bumped into earlier—he’s a teacher!
“Zaira! Did you just see that? It was like a god descended from above!” Callista said, her voice filled with awe.
“H-he’s okay...”
She shot me a look and pointed. “You need to sharpen your eyes, girl! That guy is like the son of Aphrodite!”
“A player?”
“Touché.” I heard Callista laughed with her gaze darted again to Thorne. 
I chuckled softly as the founder continued the orientation. Looking at the direction of Thorne, it was mentioned that he’s a doctor there's a chance that I'll be meeting him or maybe will be one of my professors—Hopefully not with the tension between us, we needed some time to cool off.