Academy

The castle's grand windows were shrouded in thick, heavy curtains, blocking out the sunlight. Jenna, unaware of the reason behind the drapes, wandered to the window, curious about the view outside. She grasped the curtain's edge and pulled it open.

As the curtains parted, a sliver of sunlight sliced through the room, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. But for Jenna, the sunlight proved disastrous. Her skin began to sizzle and burn, as if exposed to flames. She cried out in pain, recoiling from the window.

Jenna stumbled backward, her skin blistering from the brief exposure. She frantically sought shade, her hands covering her face and neck. The curtains, once closed to conceal the castle's occupants, now seemed like a necessary shield against the sun's intense rays.

Damien's ears picked up Jenna's cry of pain, and he sprang into action. He burst into her bedroom, his eyes scanning the room for the source of her distress. Spotting her stumbling away from the window, he rushed to her side.

With swift reflexes, Damien swept Jenna into his arms, shielding her from the remaining sunlight. He kicked the curtains closed, plunging the room back into darkness. Jenna's burns still seared her skin, but Damien's prompt action had minimized the damage.

Damien's expression softened as he gazed at Jenna's pained face. "I'm sorry I didn't reach you sooner," he whispered, his voice laced with concern. He cradled her close, his eyes burning with a mix of worry and protectiveness.

The door to Jenna's bedroom burst open, and Vlad, Luther, and Darren rushed in, their faces etched with worry. "What's happened?" Vlad demanded, his eyes scanning the room for signs of danger.

Luther and Darren's gazes landed on Jenna, cradled in Damien's arms, her skin red and blistered. Luther's expression darkened. "Sunlight," Damien said, his voice tight with anger. "She opened the curtains."

Darren swiftly moved to assist Damien, helping him gently lay Jenna on the bed.

Vlad's hands glowed with a soft, blue light as he hovered them above Jenna's burns. The gentle hum of his powers filled the air, and her skin began to heal at an incredible rate.

As the last of her injuries faded, Vlad's hands dropped to his sides. "Your healing factor isn't yet developed," he explained, his voice soft and reassuring. "You're still adjusting to your new...condition." Jenna's eyes met his, and Vlad continued, "As a newly turned vampire, your body is still learning to harness its new abilities."

Vlad's words were laced with patience and understanding. "With time, you'll develop your own healing factor, and injuries like this won't be as severe. But for now, I'll help you when I can."

His gaze held a deep concern, but also a sense of guidance, as if to reassure Jenna that she wasn't alone in this new world.

Jenna's eyes widened in realization as she sat up, her mind replaying the events that had just transpired. "I forgot," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. "I forgot I'm a vampire."

The words echoed in her mind, and Jenna felt a pang of frustration. She had been so caught up in her plans and emotions that she had let her new nature slip her mind. The consequences of forgetting could be dire, and Jenna knew she needed to be more mindful.

"I won't forget again," she vowed silently, her determination growing. Jenna took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room where the four vampires watched over her. She would learn to navigate her new existence, and she wouldn't let her forgetfulness put her in harm's way again.

Jenna rose from the bed, her movements smooth and unencumbered after Vlad's healing. The four vampires accompanied her to the dining hall.

As they sat down, Jenna's gaze landed on a newspaper lying on the table. She picked it up, her eyes scanning the headlines. Her heart sank as she read the words "Heiress Declared Missing, Presumed Dead." The article detailed her disappearance and the search efforts that had been underway.

Jenna's emotions swirled as she read the news. A part of her felt detached, knowing she was very much alive, albeit in a different sense. Another part of her mourned the loss of her old life, the life she had known and loved. The vampires watched her, their expressions sympathetic, as Jenna grappled with the reality of her new existence.

The vampires and Jenna sat down to a unique meal, one that consisted of blood rather than traditional food. They drank in silence, their faces serene.

As they finished, Jenna's gaze fell upon the newspaper still clutched in her hand. "How did this get here?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. "This castle is so isolated, I didn't think anyone would bother bringing a newspaper."

Vlad's expression was thoughtful as he replied, "We have a human butler who takes care of certain...necessities. He brings us newspapers, mail, and other things we might need." Jenna's eyes widened slightly, intrigued by the idea of a human serving vampires. "What's his story?" she asked, her curiosity growing.

Vlad's eyes took on a nostalgic quality as he began to explain. "The butler's family has been serving us for generations," he said, his voice low and rich. "They've been loyal to our kind for centuries, providing for our needs and keeping our secrets."

Vlad's words painted a picture of a long-standing tradition, one that spoke to the butler family's dedication and discretion. "They know the risks, of course," Vlad continued, "but they've chosen to serve us nonetheless. It's a bond that's been forged over the years, one that we value deeply."

Vlad's expression softened, and for a moment, Jenna glimpsed a sense of gratitude and appreciation. "We're fortunate to have them," he said, his voice sincere. "They're more than just servants; they're allies and friends."

The butler, Luca Morfield, stood tall with an air of quiet confidence. His silver hair was neatly trimmed, and his brown eyes sparkled with warmth as he bowed slightly before Jenna.

"Good morning, milady," Luca said, his voice smooth and respectful. "I am Luca Morfield, butler to this estate. It's an honor to make your acquaintance." Jenna smiled, charmed by Luca's old-world courtesy. "I'm Jenna," she replied, her voice friendly. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Morfield."

Luca's face creased into a gentle smile. "Welcome to the estate, Miss Jenna," he said. "I trust you're finding everything to your satisfaction?" Jenna's eyes met Vlad's, and she nodded. "Yes, thank you, Mr. Morfield. Everyone's been very kind." Luca nodded, his expression pleased. "I'm glad to hear that, milady."

Vlad cleared his throat, drawing Jenna's attention. "Jenna, there's something important we need to discuss," he said, his expression serious. "As a vampire, it's essential to learn how to navigate your new existence, and there's no better place to do that than the prestigious Argentum Academy."

Vlad's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he continued. "Argentum Academy is a renowned institution for vampires, where you'll learn about your kind's history, politics, and traditions. You'll also receive training in combat, etiquette, and other essential skills." Jenna's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned forward, interested.

Vlad's voice took on a gentle but firm tone. "Enrolling in the academy will be a crucial step in your development as a vampire, Jenna. You'll make connections, learn valuable skills, and gain a deeper understanding of your place in our world." Jenna nodded, sensing the importance of this decision. "Tell me more," she said, her eyes locked on Vlad's.

Vlad's expression turned thoughtful as he elaborated on the academy. "Argentum Academy is more than just a school, Jenna," he said. "It's a hub for vampires from all over the world, a place where alliances are forged and futures are shaped." He leaned forward, his eyes intense. "By attending the academy, you'll not only learn the ways of our kind, but you'll also have the opportunity to build relationships with other vampires, some of whom may become valuable allies or even friends."

Vlad's words painted a picture of a vibrant, complex world, full of possibilities and challenges. "The academy will teach you how to harness your powers, how to navigate the intricate web of vampire politics, and how to protect yourself from those who would seek to harm you," he explained. Jenna listened intently, her mind racing with questions and doubts.

As Vlad spoke, Jenna felt a spark of excitement ignite within her. She was eager to learn more about her new existence and to discover the secrets of the vampire world.

"What kind of curriculum can I expect?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Vlad smiled, pleased with her interest. "The academy offers a wide range of courses, from combat training to diplomacy and strategy. You'll also have the opportunity to pursue your own interests and passions."

Jenna's thoughts turned inward as she pondered her situation. "If I want to thrive and dominate the conglomerates," she thought to herself, "I need to learn everything I can about the vampire world." She knew that the key to success lay in understanding the intricacies of vampire politics, history, and culture.

Jenna's mind was made up. She would absorb every lesson, every piece of advice, and every secret that the academy had to offer. She would learn from the best and use that knowledge to further her own ambitions. The thought of tapping into the generational knowledge of the vampires sent a thrill through her veins.

"I'll learn their ways, their strengths, and their weaknesses," Jenna vowed silently.

"I'll use this knowledge to build alliances, to manipulate situations, and to ultimately dominate the conglomerates."

With a newfound sense of determination, Jenna steeled herself for the challenges ahead, ready to take on the academy and the vampire world.

Jenna's eyes widened as she asked, "When does the academy start?" Her voice was laced with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Vlad's expression was matter-of-fact as he replied, "Today, actually." Jenna's eyes snapped to his, surprise etched on her face. "Today?" she repeated, her voice rising in alarm. Vlad nodded, his eyes calm. "Yes, the term begins today. We should leave for the academy immediately."

Jenna felt a rush of anticipation mixed with nerves. She had so many questions, but before she could ask any of them, Vlad stood up, his movements fluid and purposeful. "Let's get ready to depart," he said, his voice firm. "We don't want to be late for your first day."