Whispers of fate

The occasion at Oscar Island unfolded under the bright flashes of cameras, each click capturing the grandeur of the event. Students, their eyes filled with determination, began envisioning themselves within the prestigious halls of Oscar's, eager to be part of its renowned legacy.

Across the room, Liana's gaze met her son's. Their eyes locked briefly before she made her way toward the exit, aware that Damien preferred to keep his true identity concealed from the other students.

Damien Ravenscroft, the youngest son of the Ravenscroft family, stood apart from the crowd. His father, Valtor Ravenscroft, ruled the country as the feared and respected vampire king. To the human world, Valtor remained a mystery, a figure cloaked in secrecy, while Damien's elder brother, Magnar, the first prince, ran the family's empire as CEO of their numerous companies.

"I didn't know you'd be coming today," Damien muttered as he approached his mother, standing silently behind her. Liana smiled warmly, her hand reaching up to gently touch his cheek. "Well, you didn't have to know. It's a surprise," she replied, the affection in her eyes unmistakable.

Damien chuckled, his hand instinctively reaching for his mother's, feeling the weight of her love. It was both a blessing and a curse—blessing because who wouldn't want such devotion, but curse because their family's history carried burdens from centuries past. They had been reincarnated, along with Damien's closest friends, Maximilian and Leonard. Their past lives were still fresh in their souls, and that history was impossible to escape.

"I hope you understand that you're the next king," Liana said, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "No distractions. This path is already set for you."

Damien stiffened, his expression unreadable, but his mind raced. He didn't want the throne. He would much rather follow in Magnar's footsteps and manage the family's business empire. "There's nothing for you to worry about, mother. I don't want to be king. Let Magnar have it."

Liana's expression softened, but there was firmness in her gaze. "We've discussed this before. You're the next king, and that's final. Magnar has already refused, and you can't turn it down either. By the way, who was that masked girl you were with earlier?"

Damien's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Cora. "Someone you don't need to concern yourself with," he replied curtly, trying to push away the thought of her.

Liana nodded with a smile that seemed to hide something more, but she let it go for now. Her thoughts lingered on the mysterious girl.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the gathering, Cora felt the weight of countless eyes on her, each stare a reminder of the discomfort she had felt since arriving. Her mind wandered back to her earlier encounter with Damien. One thing was certain: she had to avoid him from here on out.

The woman who had initiated the evening's festivities took the microphone once again, her voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd. "Hello, students. I hope you're enjoying yourselves at your welcoming party here at Oscar's," she paused, allowing for a few enthusiastic responses before continuing. "Now, let's move on to the next part of the evening—change into your modern clothes!"

Amelia let out an audible sigh of relief, clearly thrilled at the thought of shedding the restrictive Victorian gowns. "I can't be happier to be rid of these dresses," she remarked, her face lighting up with excitement. Cora, agreeing wholeheartedly, followed her friend as they made their way out of the hall and back to their dorm.

"You don't have to be so tense, Cora," Amelia reassured her, squeezing her hand. "No one will dare say anything with me by your side."

Cora offered a small smile beneath her mask, grateful for Amelia's support, even though she had yet to see her face. It was rare to find someone so selfless in this world of prestige and power.

As they reached their room, Amelia glanced at Cora with a teasing smile. "I think I saw you walking out of the hall with Damien earlier. Am I wrong?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Cora hesitated for a moment before answering, unsure whether to admit the truth. Finally, she relented. "I just needed to get away from the stares. Damien offered to help me escape the attention."

Amelia's eyes widened with a knowing smile creeping onto her lips. "I think Damien's already smitten with you," she teased, a playful tone in her voice. Cora blushed, though she still couldn't figure out why Damien seemed so drawn to her. Even offering an alliance—something she wasn't sure she wanted.

"I have to stay away from him," Cora murmured softly, more to herself than to Amelia.

The two friends quickly changed into their modern attire, Amelia donning a beautifully designed gown, while Cora opted for something equally striking, though her mask remained firmly in place—a constant reminder of who she truly was.

Stepping back out into the hallway, the sky had darkened slightly, signaling the approach of the next part of the evening's festivities. Students buzzed with excitement as they gathered around, ready for what was to come.

Once again, they passed the towering clock tower, the sight of which made Cora's feet come to an abrupt halt. Her eyes lingered on the clock, which seemed to ominously stand still at 11:59, just as it had in her dream when she had witnessed a mermaid being dragged away by two men.

A chill ran down her spine, but Amelia, ever the optimist, pulled her along. "This clock always gives me the creeps, but tonight won't be ruined by it," she said, her grip firm around Cora's hand as she guided her toward a large bonfire, where the night promised excitement—and something more mysterious beneath the surface.

Cora couldn't shake the feeling that something unexpected was about to happen, something that would change everything. She felt it in the air, and she knew—whatever was coming, it would not be an ordinary night.