Everything about it was ultra-modern and it had a progressive curriculum, which was deeply inclusive. There were lots of HICI core classes—Hybrid Integration Curriculum Initiative—that were both for hybrids and about them, educating everyone and furthering their knowledge. Unlike the old days, hybrid courses were no longer rare. They were deeply present and fully normalized.
This place also had some of the best professors—experts in their fields, revered supernatural beings, battle-tested warriors. And the focus was on safely exploring abilities and power, evolving, rather than the more constraining approach that had been used in the past at other academies.
The entire campus was situated in a massive clearing in the woods, which gave it both a mythical and intriguing eerie edge. The actual building was in an upside-down U-shape, all black stone and marble, glassy and pristine. The marble wasa reflective black, magical lighting glinting off it. Rows of tall, narrow windows stretched across and around and went up two floors.
I eyed the actual entrance that had a grand archway that was a fusion of mythic and modern and was flanked by two slender towers of gray brick and black stone.
Students were filtering in, some solo, some in small groups.
Some returning familiarly for another year, others brand-new like me.
The excitement was palpable.
Many students had way more than a couple of duffel bags like me.
That was because my dad had insisted on having two of his staff set up my room for me so I could just move in, then only concern myself with my clothes and toiletries and any personal items. I’d wanted to tell him it wasn’t necessary, but it was the one thing he’d wanted in all of this, so I’d just let it be. I just hoped nobody else had seen them putting it all together, because I didn’t want thosespoiled royaltycomments coming my way and setting me apart from other students. It was bad enough my grandmother had already thrown her weight around and ensured I’d gotten the biggest suite in the dorms because of my claustrophobia.
I sucked in a breath and made my way through the students and up the entranceway steps.
As soon as I stepped into the space, I couldn’t decide what to take in first.
Although, I did know that I didn’t want to take in the crowded aspect.
So long as I maintained steady breathing and focused on other things in my vicinity, I would be able to deal with it without freaking out.
Given that there was so much to study, that coping tactic my grandmother had taught me was working.
I noted the sleek dark metal staircase at the far right of the space that I knew from my guidebook led up to all the dorms. Most beings were heading up there with their bags and suitcases, some even carrying boxes. I saw a few levitating them with their magic. I smiled when I caught sight of two female wolves holding their bags and boxes up high with a single finger.
My bags weren’t heavy—dragon strength for the win—so I didn’t need to head up right away. And I really wanted to look around for a while.
Black and gray stone walls filled the space with blue magical flames in edgy crystal sconces lighting the way with gold overhead strip lighting. My furry boots thumped on the black marble floor as I went.
I noted the Cafeteria a few feet to my left marked by a gold plaque. Another few feet down were several classrooms.
Each room was designated to a specific class, meaning classes didn’t have to share rooms and reconfigure between.
I saw one room a few feet down designated for one of the classes I was particularly excited about. It was for the theory aspect of the class, as according to the course details, most of it would take place outside.Primal Mastery: Harnessing Instinctwith Professor Willa Rossun.
There was a larger classroom with double arched doors at the end on the left side forHybrid Legacy: From Persecution to Integration (HICI Core)with ProfessorBranok Vire, a Basilisk-Vampire who was a Guest Lecturer from Crossborn, the hybrid organization that consisted of hybrid-only members and had bettered the lives of hybrids across the supernatural world beginning over two decades ago. Branok Vire wasone of its original members, having been there right at the start alongsideNyx Laryn and two of Winter’s parents, Velra Nox and Lazriel Thaine. The space for the class was massive.
I walked down on the right side and saw a sign on a pair of glass doors toCombat Conclave.Again, according to my guidebook, I knew that there was a section inside for hand-to-hand combat where any students could come and spar with whoever happened to venture inside, even when a class wasn’t happening. There were holoscreens embedded in the ceiling for the administration to keep an eye on students who partook in that, as well as an enchantment that halted all combat and briefly froze combatants if things took a dangerous and harmful turn.
I couldn’t wait to head down there. I loved sparring. It was such a rush, and it was so fucking empowering too. Beyond the regimented combat training I’d had to undertake for many years, my dad and I also used to spar for fun in the gym of Vortimer Palace. It had gone along with our other favorite activity to do together of baking savory pastries, like our special quiches.
Just as I was about to peer deeper inside, a familiar scent drew my attention, and had my entire body tensing.
Sandalwood.
I swung my head in that direction.
And there he was talking to a toned woman built like a warrior with gorgeous wavy blond hair. She had the vibe of an It Girl meshed with hardened battle badass, wearing a pair of silver jeans with chains and zips all over them and a flowy tank top.
Her stylish yet edgy attire clashed with his casual and comfortable outfit—a dark gray T-shirt under a charcoal hoodie that looked incredibly soft—that Iknewwas incredibly soft. Dark jeans gave way to a pair of worn boots. He was broad and muscular, a mountainous force, clearing six feet easily.
He was ruggedly handsome with that classic strong jaw, a light dusting of stubble over it. His espresso-brown hair was short on the sides and mussed on top.
And those eyes!Fuck.Their glowing amethyst cut through everything.
