2: Unlikely Tests

The day of the writing exam arrived faster than Blaire expected. Thrive High buzzed with nervous energy as students filled the classroom, fidgeting with their pens and papers, anxiously awaiting the start of the exam. Blaire, however, was far too focused on the task at hand to notice the swirling tension around her.

Sitting in front of the papers, it felt like this was her chance. The chance to escape her past. Her mind raced with possibilities, but the reality of the test hit her in the form of the first question.

The question stared at her from the paper:

"If you had to make a choice between saving a loved one or a stranger who might change the world, what would you do and why?"

Blaire blinked, thrown off by the emotional weight of it. She paused, trying to center herself. This wasn't a question of right or wrong; it was a question of morality, of survival. She scribbled down her thoughts, unsure if they made sense but honest to her nature.

The next question followed, equally strange:

"If someone betrayed you, would you seek revenge or forgive? Explain your emotional response to betrayal."

Her fingers tightened around the pen. The question was like a dagger in her chest, reminding her of the betrayal she'd felt time and time again. She answered quickly, her thoughts both raw and calculated. Forgiveness? No. She never forgave those who wronged her. But revenge wasn't worth the effort.

The exam dragged on, each question more unusual than the last. One about power stood out:

"Do you think power is something to be earned or taken? How would you handle being given power over others?"

Blaire frowned, pondering the complexity of this question. She wasn't sure if it was asking her about her personal ideals or testing her ability to strategize. She jotted something down, the words a mix of hope and skepticism. Power had to be earned, but if it was given? She wouldn't waste the opportunity.

And then, the last question:

"Would you ever sacrifice your personal integrity for the sake of pleasure or love? Why or why not?"

Blaire's heart sank. The question was invasive, and she wasn't sure how to answer. Would she? The temptation of feeling wanted, of being desired, was something she had never known. But she quickly dismissed the thought. Integrity. That's what mattered.

As she sat there, lost in thought, the bell rang, signaling the end of the exam. She didn't feel like she had answered any of the questions perfectly, but she had answered them truthfully. That had to count for something, right?

Meanwhile, in the heart of Belgrave, Aetheris Academy stood as a breathtaking, towering testament to wealth and power. Its enormous campus stretched across acres of perfectly manicured land, surrounded by majestic trees and delicate fountains. The buildings themselves were grandiose, each structure designed with opulent stonework and adorned with intricate, gold-leafed carvings. Columns stretched high into the sky, and enormous windows offered glimpses of luxuriously furnished halls filled with towering bookshelves and sprawling, velvet-clad lounges. The academy's sheer scale was overwhelming, like something out of a dream—a place where only the most privileged were welcome.

Inside, the air felt charged with an energy that was both mysterious and intimidating. Aetheris Academy was the pinnacle of elite education, a place where the brightest minds and the most powerful beings gathered. There was an unmistakable scent of roses and incense that lingered in the air, blending with the soft hum of magic that seemed to pulse through the very stones of the academy itself.

In one of the academy's many opulent chambers, Orion Kingheart, the lion shapeshifter, lounged lazily on a velvet sofa, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief. The room smelled of expensive perfume, the lingering scent of indulgence clinging to the air. He had just finished another round of pleasure, having spent the afternoon entertaining one of the academy's many adoring students.

The girl, flushed and wide-eyed, tried to regain her breath, her hands trembling slightly as she fumbled with the buttons of her blouse. Orion's grin widened as he observed her struggle—half amusement, half satisfaction at the effect he had on her.

"Now, darling," Orion purred, his voice smooth as silk, "there's no need to look so surprised. I'm sure you knew I'd make this fun."

The girl, still breathless, flushed even deeper. "You're… incredible, Alpha Orion. You know that?"

He chuckled, clearly pleased. "Of course I am, sweetheart. Now, I'm afraid I have to move on. There are always more pretty faces around here to entertain." He patted her cheek lightly, letting his fingers linger on her skin just long enough to make her shiver. "But don't worry, darling, I'll be back soon enough."

With a flirtatious wink, Orion stood, stretching like a lazy predator. The girl watched him with lingering admiration before quickly gathering her things and slipping out the door, her heart still racing from his attention.

Before Orion could fully bask in his satisfaction, he sensed another presence entering the room. The air shifted slightly, the warmth of playful indulgence giving way to something colder, heavier.

Larkin Ashborne stepped into the chamber, his red eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. Unlike Orion, who exuded confidence and charm, Larkin carried an air of controlled intensity. Tattoos curled along his forearms, dark ink etched against his light skin, a stark contrast to the loose, unbuttoned black shirt he wore. His expression was unreadable, a perpetual mystery wrapped in something far more dangerous.

Orion leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed over his broad chest. "Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Brooding himself. What's the matter, Larkin? You look like you're ready to tear someone apart."

Larkin's lips curled slightly, a smirk playing at the edges of his mouth. "I'm not here to play your little games, Orion. But I see you've been busy."

Orion's grin widened. "Oh, you know me. Always having a bit of fun." He let out a low chuckle, his voice filled with amusement. "It's what I do best."

Larkin exhaled, leaning against the back of one of the plush chairs. His red eyes flicked over the room, taking in the lavish decor—deep crimson curtains, golden chandeliers, and the remnants of Orion's most recent conquest. Finally, he spoke, his voice smooth but edged with something darker.

"I'm not interested in your distractions," Larkin murmured. "I have other things on my mind."

Orion tilted his head, intrigued. "Oh? And what exactly would that be?"

Larkin's voice dropped lower, colder. "The humans. The new ones." His eyes darkened, as if he were already envisioning something beyond the walls of the academy. "I want to see how far they'll go. How much I can break them." His smirk sharpened. "I'm not here for games. I want control. And when I find one worth breaking, I'll make sure they don't escape."

Orion raised an eyebrow, intrigued but clearly amused by Larkin's choice of words. "You're always so serious, Larkin. You need to relax a little. The fun comes from seeing them squirm, sure. But the pleasure?" His golden eyes glowed as he stepped closer. "That's in watching them give in."

Larkin's gaze was unwavering, his voice dripping with skepticism. "And what do you get from that? Pleasure?" He almost spat the word, as if the mere concept disgusted him.

Orion, however, just chuckled, unfazed. "Yes, Larkin. Pleasure. But not in the way you think. You can break them, control them… but I'll be the one to enjoy them, in every way possible."

Larkin's smirk remained as he stretched out on the plush chair, flicking his gaze to Orion, who was already pouring himself a drink from a crystal decanter. The golden liquid swirled in his glass as he took a slow sip, savoring the taste.

"You know," Orion mused, "I think she might be the one."

Larkin arched an eyebrow. "Who?"

Orion's grin widened. "One of the new ones. It's about time I had some fresh company to share my bed."

Larkin chuckled darkly, watching with faint amusement. "Careful, Orion. You might find more than you bargained for." He tapped the side of his temple. "Not every human is as... easy to break as the last one."

Orion's golden eyes flashed, excitement lighting up his features. "You know I love a good challenge, Larkin. But it's the chase, the thrill, that gets me going. Fresh prey always makes things interesting."

Larkin hummed in response, but his mind was already elsewhere. His calculating gaze flickered toward the window, where the academy grounds stretched out beneath the night sky. The physical exams were starting soon. A chance to see the new faces up close. To gauge their worth.

"Let's see what the physical exam has to offer," Larkin muttered, his voice edged with anticipation. "Maybe we'll get a better look at who we want to have a little fun with." A slow, dark smirk curved his lips. "But I'll make sure it's more than just fun this time. I like to leave an impression."

Orion's laugh was low and flirtatious as he swirled the remnants of his drink. "Sure, Larkin. You do you. I'll just enjoy the ride."

They shared a knowing look before Larkin pushed himself off the chair, rolling his shoulders as if preparing for battle. They had their own plans for what came next.

The physical exam wasn't just about testing the humans—it was a stage. A playground. And they would be watching.

It was time to pay the dean a little visit.