Damien's Masked mate

The ferry rocked gently, the sound of waves lapping against its hull growing louder as the majestic silhouette of Oscar Island University loomed closer. Cora clutched her bag tighter, her pulse quickening. Around her, students dressed in tailored coats and couture dresses chattered excitedly, their wealthy backgrounds evident in every detail of their appearance.

Beside her, Amelia Hawthorne leaned against the railing, her fiery red hair catching the sunlight as the wind tousled it. "You're way too tense, Cora," she teased, her voice carrying a mischievous edge. "Oscar Island University. Can you believe it? We actually made it!"

Cora managed a small smile. Unlike Amelia, who thrived on attention, she felt out of place amidst this sea of privilege. Her plain clothing and quiet demeanor made her stand out, though not in a way she enjoyed.

"Relax," Amelia added, nudging her. "With me around, you'll be fine. They won't dare mess with the mayor's daughter."

Cora sighed. "It's not just that. This place feels… strange. Like there's something we're missing."

Amelia smirked. "Strange? It's an exclusive university on a private island. Of course it's strange. That's the fun part."

As the ferry docked, uniformed attendants ushered the students off in groups. The campus was breathtaking—towering gothic spires framed by dense forests and cliffs overlooking the ocean. Yet, the beauty felt oppressive, the air heavy with an inexplicable tension.

The students were herded into a grand hall, its vaulted ceiling adorned with chandeliers and stained-glass windows depicting scenes of battles and shadowy figures. A hush fell over the crowd as the dean stepped onto a raised dais.

The woman was tall and severe, her silver hair pulled into a perfect bun. Her piercing gaze swept across the room as she began to speak.

"Welcome to Oscar Island University," she said, her voice sharp and commanding. "You are among the select few chosen to study at this prestigious institution. Here, you will not only gain knowledge but also discipline, resilience, and a deeper understanding of our unique traditions."

Cora exchanged a glance with Amelia, who rolled her eyes.

"However," the dean continued, her tone hardening, "it is imperative that you adhere to the rules of this institution. Any violation will not be tolerated. Detention here is not a mere inconvenience—it is a warning."

The room grew colder, and murmurs rippled through the students.

"Here are the rules," the dean said, motioning to an attendant who unfurled a scroll. The rules were read aloud, each one stranger than the last:

1. Students must not roam the campus grounds after midnight.

2. Windows must remain closed from dusk until dawn.

3. Do not enter the West Wing of the campus without explicit permission.

4. Blood must never be spilled within the premises under any circumstances.

5. All students must wear their identification bands at all times.

Cora frowned. "What kind of rules are these?" she whispered to Amelia.

Amelia smirked. "Sounds like a horror movie. I love it."

The dean continued, "Failure to comply with these rules will result in immediate detention. And let me be clear—detention is not a matter to be taken lightly. You will not want to find yourself in that position."

The icy tone of her warning sent a chill down Cora's spine. She glanced around the hall, noticing the nervous expressions on some of the other students.

After the orientation, the students were assigned to their dormitories. Cora and Amelia were placed in the East Wing, known for its panoramic views of the ocean—and its notorious reputation for strange occurrences.

"Fancy," Amelia said, stepping into their room. The antique furniture and ornate décor screamed luxury, but Cora couldn't shake the unease that had settled in her chest.

As Cora unpacked, her gaze was drawn to the window. Below, near the cliffs, she spotted a figure cloaked in shadows. He stood motionless, exuding an air of authority and mystery.

"Who's that?" she murmured.

Amelia peered out the window and shrugged. "No idea, but he's got the brooding mystery vibe down. Maybe he's a professor."

"Maybe…" Cora said, though something about him felt ancient and commanding, like he didn't belong to the same world as the other students.

The figure lingered for a moment longer before vanishing into the shadows.

"Creepy," Amelia said, pulling the curtains shut. "Anyway, enough unpacking. Let's go explore."

Cora hesitated but allowed herself to be dragged into the dimly lit hallway. The eerie silence of the dormitory only heightened her discomfort.

"C'mon," Amelia said, flashing her a grin. "This is going to be fun. Just stick with me, and we'll survive whatever weirdness this place throws at us."

As they ventured deeper into the labyrinthine corridors, Cora couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows were watching, waiting.

And somewhere, in the depths of the campus, the figure she'd seen by the cliffs murmured to himself, his voice a whisper carried by the wind.

"She's finally here… after all these centuries."