SERAPHINA'S POV

Seraphina's POV “The legendary Lobizona.” Her awe-filled words still echoed in my head. She had confirmed my identity just by checking my hands.

How? I had no idea. All I knew was that I was currently following her to Lupine Academy. She had declared that without giving me a choice, and honestly, I felt I could trust her.

And that’s saying a lot, considering my grandma had trained me never to trust anyone.

My heart ached at the thought of my granny and how she was no longer with me. Her death would forever leave a gaping hole in my heart, one that was tugging at my strings now. I pushed the thoughts away and focused on Principal Lena, who walked with precision and determination.

We reached the edge of the trees, where she produced a mystical-looking card. She swiped it across the tree, revealing a large pathway and a towering school castle, which I assumed was Lupine Academy. As we entered the path, my eyes widened in awe at the surroundings. “Keep your eyes focused.

The environment isn’t as friendly as it looks,” Principal Lena said, her face cold and stony. I didn’t need to ask what she meant. I could feel the danger creeping up on me, so I walked closer to her, knowing she was my safest bet. But Lena seemed in a hurry, walking faster and forcing me to increase my speed out of fear.

“Why are you helping me?” I finally voiced the question that had been nagging at me. Lena ignored me. We reached the castle grounds, and the massive stones were decorated with intricate carvings. Statues lined the buildings as though they told a story. Students filled the grounds, chattering and laughing.

Some were taking classes—magical ones. I could hear a teacher explaining the powers of using nature magic. “Those are the witches of Lupine Academy. They don’t appreciate being stared at,” Lena advised, and I quickly averted my gaze. As we moved through the castle, students glanced at me as though sensing something strange about me.

Their stares made me uncomfortable, so I kept my head down. I didn’t even realize we had reached Principal Lena’s office until I sat across her in a well-kept, sturdy room. “I know you have questions. I’m sorry I couldn’t answer them in the forest. It’s dangerous out there, especially for someone with an aura like yours.

” “An aura like mine?” “Yes.” I waited for her to elaborate, but she didn’t. “Why is my aura dangerous?” I pressed. “We’ll get to that. First, I want to know how you knew about Lupine Academy and its creatures.” “My grandmother. She sent me here.” “Your grandmother?” “Raina Blackwood.”

Recognition and shock flashed in Lena’s eyes. “Queen Raina is alive?” Why did she call my grandmother a queen? “No, she passed away a few days ago. Her last dying wish was for me to come here.” “Oh.” Sadness crossed her face but was quickly replaced with a stoic expression.

“I offer my condolences.” I forced a smile, pretending I wasn’t affected by the word. “You called my grandmother queen? Was she one?” “You don’t know?” I mentally cursed my grandmother for keeping so much from me. I felt like a fool, learning about her from a stranger.

“She was keen on hiding things. She said it was the only way to keep me safe.” I wasn’t sure why I told her that. Then again, Lena had a trusting aura about her. “Well, I would doubt you’re the legendary Lobizona if not for the marks on your hands.” “What marks?” “We’ll get to that too. But to answer your question, yes, your grandmother was a queen.

The queen of the Elysian Kingdom. She was married to King Ethel, your grandfather.” That was a lot to take in. If my grandmother was a queen, did that make me a princess? “I’m a princess?” “Well, technically, yes. But morally, no.” I raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Your grandfather banished your grandmother for supporting your father’s actions.” “What did my father do?” “He married a human.” I assumed that human was my mother. “How is that evil?” “I don’t make the rules, but your father and mother were killed for it. King Ethel also ordered you to be killed when he learned of your existence.

Your grandmother pleaded for your life, which got her denounced as queen. No one heard from her or you again, but King Ethel never stopped searching for you until his death.” “He’s dead?” I felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment. “Yes. His son, King Damien—your uncle—is now the king. But don’t worry, he stopped looking for you, so you’re safe.

” This was a lot to process. Now I understood why my grandmother had kept me hidden from this world. They sounded like a bunch of crazies. “Am I safe from you?” “For now.” Her honesty sent a chill down my spine, and her intense gaze didn’t help. “You said I’m the blasphemy of nature. I don’t know what that means, but if I was nearly killed as a baby for it, what’s to stop it from happening now?” “You ask too many questions. If you wish to survive, keep your mouth shut and your senses sharp.

” “But—” “You should focus on settling into this new environment. Your life is in the past. Look only to the present and the future,” she said, with a tone hinting at some deep-seated pain. She dialled a number, and soon after, a girl with orange pixie-cut hair and a bright smile walked in.

“This is Nora. She’ll help you adjust to Lupine Academy.” “Hi! Nice to meet you. You’re—” “Seraphina.” “Off you go,” Lena said. Nora was chatty, talking about how excited she was to have a new student and how we should be friends because she sensed we had a bright future together.

At one point, I thought my head might burst from the chatter. Thankfully, she showed me around the academy and handed me the rules and regulations before showing me my room. “Thanks for everything,” I said. Her smile was almost blinding. “It’s my greatest pleasure. Get some rest. Tomorrow will be hard, and you’ll need all the energy you can get.

” I forced a smile. Once she left, I collapsed onto the bed, my mind racing with everything that had happened. But as I lay there, staring at the ceiling, a strange feeling settled over me. Something wasn’t right. I could feel it—something dark lurking just beyond my reach. Suddenly, a sharp knock sounded at the door. I froze, my heart pounding. Before I could respond, the door creaked open, revealing a figure standing in the shadows.