[Beginning of Academy] II

Then, after allowing time for the commotion to pass, the old man snapped his fingers once more.

In an instant, a boy with hair the color of gold and similarly colored eyes stepped onto the stage. His wolf-like ears twitched on top of his head as he gazed about in a lazy state.

"Our second privileged student, Kaelen Lazareth," Veymar declared.

Kaelen yawned, clearly unimpressed by the commotion, and strolled toward one of the nine empty seats, plopping down without even looking at the rowdy audience.

The Tharador werewolves stood up with a rousing cheer, howling and chanting his name, though Kaelen didn't even look their way.

With another snap of his fingers, the next student materialized—a girl with black hair, fox ears, and bright yellow eyes.

"Our third privileged student is, Nova Socratos," Veymar declared.

Nova glanced around hastily, then narrowed her eyes at the principal and demanded, "Where is my sister?"

Veymar's mouth twitched, but not answering, he merely waved toward the empty seats.

Nova pouted, obviously not happy, but still came over and sat in one of the vacant chairs.

Cheers erupted again from the back—members of her race applauding and shouting at her.

And then, with another wave of his hand, another girl was brought onto the stage.

She was red-haired, had fox-like ears, and yellow eyes that shone like gold. Her face was a little flushed—obviously embarrassed by her sister's behaviour.

"Our fourth privileged student, Sienna Socratos," Veymar announced.

Sienna gracefully made her way to the front and sat next to Nova, giving her a small, resigned smile as the crowd buzzed again.

Then the next student to appear on the stage was a boy with black hair and striking red eyes, his face lit with visible excitement.

"Our fifth privileged student, Blake Ravencourt," the old man announced.

Blake practically bounced in place as he started to walk toward the seats—but in his enthusiasm, his foot accidentally flailed against his own leg and he fell face-first onto the stage.

Laughter rocked through the auditorium. Some of the vampire students hid their faces in their hands, obviously embarrassed by the display.

Red with embarrassment, Blake instantly sprang to his feet and rushed to the remaining free chair and sat down and averted his face, not daring to look into the eyes of the other privileged class members.

Veymar let out a faint sigh and flicked his fingers again.

A girl with flowing black hair and golden eyes appeared next, her presence calm and poised.

"Our sixth privileged student, Elowen Montclair."

Elowen offered a polite smile to the crowd and gracefully walked forward, taking a seat beside Stella.

Whispers of appreciation burst forth among the students in the midst of the back rows. There were some who recognized her immediately.

"That's the Montclair duchy heir… she just came back after fifteen years."

"She's even more graceful than the rumors said."

And then, with a second wave of Veymar's fingers, a boy appeared on stage—blonde locks, piercing green eyes, and a dashing face that brought instant gasps from the audience.

"Our seventh privileged student, Alaric Thorne."

Alaric grinned at the shocked faces around him, his own confidence shining as he walked forward and sat down next to Elowen.

Whispers spread fast throughout the auditorium like fire.

"Isn't he the one who failed to awaken any affinity in his ceremony?"

"Yeah, but after he left the capital, he returned with three affinities—and defeated every bully who ever taunted him."

"He's so handsome—kyaa!" a lovestruck girl squealed, her hands clutched to her chest.

More murmurs buzzed in the crowd.

And then, with a second snap of Veymar's fingers, a girl appeared on the stage.

Her loose white hair glowed in the lights, and her entrancing violet eyes swept the room with subdued elegance. The long, slender ears sprouting from her hair identified her unmistakably as an elf.

"Our eighth privileged student, Idril Krisgella," Veymar announced.

A cheer burst from the crowd of elf students, Idril gave one small and lone smile. Her face stayed peaceful as she headed for one of the last few vacant seats and sat down demurely.

Next, with another snap of his fingers, a boy with hair as white as snow and blue eyes flashed onto the stage.