Auriella jolted awake with a gasp, her heart hammering against her ribs. She was drenched in sweat, her hands shaking, her breath coming in short, panicked bursts.
The dream.
Again.
But this time it felt different. More real. Like she could still feel his hands in her hair, like she could still smell the forest, still hear that voice in her ear.
She pressed her palms against her face, trying to ground herself. Her room. She was in her room at Blackthorn. Safe. It was just a dream.
Just a dream.
But her body didn't believe it. Her hands wouldn't stop shaking.
Before she could spiral further, a sharp blaring sound cut through the room.
Her alarm.
She grabbed her phone from the nightstand and silenced it, squinting at the screen.
8:00 a.m.
The meeting. The mandatory orientation was at nine.
"Shit," she muttered, throwing off the covers.
She had one hour.
Auriella scrambled out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. Her reflection stared back at her—pale, dark circles under her eyes, hair a tangled mess. She looked exhausted.
But she didn't have time to dwell on it.
She showered quickly, the hot water helping to steady her nerves, then dried off and hurried back to her room. Her closet was still half-organized from yesterday, clothes hanging haphazardly, but she spotted the floral pink dress her granny had bought her last spring—soft, feminine, with little white flowers embroidered along the neckline.
Just perfect.
She pulled it on, the fabric light and comfortable, then ran a brush through her damp hair, letting it fall loose around her shoulders.
Back in the bathroom, she reached for her makeup bag. Just enough to look presentable. She dabbed concealer under her eyes, blending it carefully to hide the dark circles that had become a permanent fixture over the past three weeks. A touch of powder, a little mascara to brighten her eyes, a swipe of lip gloss.
She stepped back and checked her reflection. Better. She still looked tired, but at least she didn't look like she'd been awake all night.
She grabbed her phone, her keys, and her small crossbody bag, then stepped out of her room and nearly bumped right into Penny.
Penny was standing right in front of her door, hand raised like she'd been just about to knock.
"Oh thank god," Penny said, lowering her hand with a relieved smile. "I was just coming to get you. You okay? You look—"
"I'm fine," Auriella said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just woke up late. The dream again."
Penny's expression softened with concern. "The same one?"
"Yeah."
Auriella shook her head, trying to push it away. "But I'm okay. We need to go, right? The meeting's in less than an hour."
Penny hesitated, studying her face like she wanted to say more, but then nodded. "Yeah. Let's grab some breakfast first. I saw a café on the first floor yesterday."
"Perfect. I'm starving."
They headed down the stairs together, Penny linking her arm through Auriella's like she always did when she sensed Auriella needed grounding.
"You look beautiful, by the way," Penny said, glancing at the pink dress. "That color is perfect on you."
"Thanks. Granny got this for me. She had good taste."
"She did." Penny grinned. "And you're gonna kill it today. Fresh start, remember?"
Auriella managed a real smile this time.
"Fresh start."
Even if the nightmares wouldn't let her go.
The café on the first floor was sleek and modern, all glass and chrome with the smell of fresh coffee and pastries filling the air. They grabbed croissants and lattes, eating quickly while making light conversation. Penny talked about her room, about how excited she was for classes to start, clearly trying to keep things positive.
Auriella appreciated it.
By 8:45, they were walking toward the Grand Hall.
The Grand Hall was impossible to miss—a massive Gothic structure at the center of campus, with soaring arched ceilings, stained glass windows depicting scenes from the university's history, and rows of wooden benches that could easily seat a few hundred people. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystal pieces catching the morning light. The walls were lined with portraits of past headmasters and founders, their stern faces watching over the space.
It felt like a cathedral. Grand. Imposing. A place where important things happened.
Students were already filing in, taking seats in small clusters. Auriella and Penny found spots near the middle, settling onto one of the polished wooden benches.
At exactly nine o'clock, the hall fell quiet.
A man stepped onto the raised platform at the front. He was tall, maybe in his late fifties, with dark raven hair slicked back neatly and sharp, intelligent eyes behind thin-rimmed glasses. He wore a tailored black suit that screamed authority, and when he spoke, his voice carried easily through the hall without needing a microphone.
"Good morning, and welcome to Blackthorn University," he began, his tone formal and unkind. "I am Professor Ezekiel Onim, Dean of Students. It is my privilege to welcome you—the newest members of our prestigious institution."
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the room.
"Blackthorn University was established in the early 17th century by scholars who believed in the pursuit of knowledge, discipline, and excellence. For over four hundred years, this institution has produced some of the greatest minds in history—leaders, innovators, visionaries. You are now part of that legacy."
Auriella tried to focus, but Professor Onim's voice had that droning quality that made her eyelids heavy. He went on about the founders, the university's commitment to academic rigor, the honor of being accepted into such an elite school.
It was all very formal. Very long. Very boring.
Beside her, Penny stifled a yawn.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Professor Onim's tone shifted. He clasped his hands behind his back and straightened.
"Now, let us discuss the rules of Blackthorn University. These are not suggestions. They are mandatory, and failure to comply will result in severe consequences, up to and including expulsion."
That got everyone's attention.
The hall went completely silent.
"Rule number one," Professor Onim said, his voice sharp now. "You are not permitted to be outside your dormitory past midnight. Curfew is strictly enforced. No exceptions."
He paused, letting that sink in.
"Rule number two: The abandoned building behind the east campus is strictly off-limits. Entry into that structure is considered a serious offense. If you are found there, you will be expelled immediately. I don't care if your father owns half this city or if your family donated an entire wing to this university. Blackthorn's integrity and laws are absolute. Wealth does not grant you immunity from consequences."
A few students shifted uncomfortably. Auriella exchanged a glance with Penny. Expelled immediately? That seemed extreme.
"Rule number three," he continued. "The library closes at 9 p.m. You are not to remain in the library past closing time."
"9 p.m.? Isn't that too early to close a library?" Penny whispered.
"Rule number four: Lights out is at midnight. When you sleep, your lights must be turned off. This is for your safety and the proper functioning of the dormitory systems."
Auriella exchanged looks with Penny. "What the fuck? How can they tell us when to turn on and off our lights?" Penny muttered.
"Rule number five: The east wing of the main academic building is restricted. Do not attempt to enter. It is for research and reserved for the elites of the academy."
Auriella frowned. Another restricted area?
"Rule number six," Professor Onim said, his gaze sweeping the room again. "You are expected to attend all classes and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Blackthorn does not tolerate mediocrity. If you cannot keep up with the coursework, you will be removed from this institution. We have no interest in wasting resources on students who lack dedication."
The weight of his words settled over the room like a blanket.
"There are additional rules outlined in your student handbook, which you received during registration. I expect you to read it thoroughly."
He paused, and then his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Are there any questions?"
The hall was dead silent.
No one dared to speak.
Then, from the back, someone whispered something to their friend—just a faint murmur.
Professor Onim's gaze snapped toward them like a hawk spotting prey.
"Silence," he said coldly.
The students froze.
Professor Onim's glare was icy, unforgiving. "When I am speaking, you will listen. Disrespect will not be tolerated."
The hall went even quieter. You could hear a pin drop.
Satisfied, Professor Onim nodded. "Good. Now, I will introduce you to a few professors."
He stepped aside, and one by one, faculty members came forward to introduce themselves and the courses they taught. A stern woman in a blazer taught Advanced Literature. An elderly gray-haired man with a friendly smile taught Physics. An older professor with a thick beard taught History.
Auriella tried to pay attention, but her mind kept circling back to the rules.
The abandoned building. The east wing. Expelled immediately.
Why were they so strict about those places? And the lights and library rules were way out of line. The curfew was understandable, but making them turn off lights when they slept—how did that even concern the school?
Beside her, Penny leaned in and whispered, "This place is intense."
"Yeah," Auriella whispered back. "Really intense."
And for the first time since arriving, she wondered if Blackthorn University was more than just a prestigious school. The rules and restrictions made it feel more like a prison than a school—a college, for that matter.