The SUV slowed to a stop, the low hum of the engine idling for a moment before cutting out.Through the tinted windows, I caught a glimpse of the ancient stone walls crowned by ivy, the proud towers of Alfea rising like weathered sentinels into a pale blue sky.
The door swung open.I stepped out into the sunlight without hesitation, letting the warm air wash over me.
No burn.No smoke.Just the satisfying, muted shock from the students gathering near the entrance.
I caught the whispers almost immediately.
"He's a vampire…""But he's in the daylight. How is that even possible?"
Their fear was not subtle, to say the least, but understandable. A creature of the night, they probably all heard tales about a night when a kid could walk during the day, one of their main weaknesses.
I adjusted the hem of my sleeveless black top, the material pulling tight across my shoulders and chest.The dark-washed jeans I wore were relaxed but clean, practical. Around my finger, the black heron ring of House Herondale gleamed in the sunlight, pulsing faintly with a hidden gateway spell.A doorway to the human world, should I ever get tired of diluted animal blood. So if I needed a real meal, it was only a thought away.
Eyes followed me as I moved up the steps toward the figures waiting at the entrance.
Headmistress Farah Dowling stood, calm and composed, the breeze barely tugging at the edges of her dark cloak.Her expression was controlled but not unkind. A woman could command a certain level of respect without raising her voice. That's something I can get behind.
Next to her stood Queen Luna of Solaria, a carefully pleasant smile fixed in place.Warm enough to be welcoming.Distant enough to remind me it wasn't real.
I stopped a few paces away, just close enough to be respectful but not self-inviting. I dipped my head in a shallow, courtly nod.
"My name is James Herondale," I said, letting the words carry clearly across the courtyard. "Crown Prince of Buredunia. Hereby, by invitation of Queen Luna and at my father's command."
Luna stepped forward slightly, her voice smooth.
"Welcome to Alfea, Prince James," she said. "It's a pleasure to have you join us. I'm sure you'll find your time here enlightening."There was warmth in her voice, but her eyes were cool, assessing.Pure court training.
I returned the smile she offered, just a sliver.Farah gave a small, professional nod.
"We're honored to host you, Your Highness," she said, tone even and polite. "If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your accommodations."
Without waiting for confirmation, Farah turned on her heel and started toward the entrance.
I followed, unhurried.
The heavy doors swung open, revealing the cool stone hallways of Alfea proper.Magic hummed through the walls—old, heavy, familiar.
Farah kept her pace steady but not rushed, walking a half-step ahead.I matched her stride easily, hands loose at my sides, posture relaxed but alert.
We passed students gathered along the corridors.
A few Specialists lounged nearby, pretending not to stare while making very sure they saw everything.
One of them, broad-shouldered with a smirk that tried too hard, muttered to his friend.
"He doesn't look like much."
I let the corner of my mouth twitch in amusement but said nothing.
Alfea's halls stretched wide and high, banners drifting lazily from the rafters.Stained glass windows bathed the floor in fractured colors as we walked.
The entire place reeked of magic, ambition, and control.
Near the far end of a long corridor, Farah stopped before a heavy oak door reinforced with iron bands.She turned toward me, arms loosely folded.
"These are your quarters," she said, voice still polite but distant. "Private, as requested. Orientation is available, should you choose to attend. Your schedule will be delivered to you shortly."
I nodded once, the black heron of my ring catching the light.
Farah's expression softened slightly, barely noticeable.
"I hope your time here proves insightful, Prince Herondale," she said, the closest thing to a personal note she'd offered yet.
There was no threat, no sharp edge.Only a professional courtesy.
"I'm sure it will be, Headmistress, and please, from now on, call me James," I replied smoothly.
Seeing her response. Without waiting for further conversation, I pushed open the door.
The room inside was better than expected, with stone walls, heavy rugs, and a wide bed with dark linens.
The door clicked shut behind me.
I stood there for a moment, scanning every inch of the room out of habit. Nothing unusual. No hidden spells, no wards beyond the basic protections. Good.