Chapter three: First night

Drifting lush green grass dotted with bright flowers, birds fluttering through the open clear blue sky above. My eyes snapped open as I looked down seeing I was donning a lovely velvet royal purple dress decorated upon the sides with silver colored ribbons. Over the stomach of the dress, dancing up my torso were thin black laces crossing over each other until they stopped just under my bust. My hands reached up gliding the fingers over the fabric when I noticed my nails were painted in purple as well. Was this a running theme in this dream? Purple?

I glanced around and saw a lake that lay calm and still like pure glass reflecting the beautiful blue of the sky above. I walked over to the bank and looked in seeing a reflection that I couldn't make out. It was blurry at best and hard to make out who it was because it couldn't be me, I didn't have purple hair. The more I stared at the reflection the more this sudden eerie feeling started to come over me, making my spine tingle and my stomach churn in sickening ways. When the reflection moved on its own I freaked trying to back away but two hands darted from the water and grabbed me pulling me into the water.

One arm was wrapped around my neck and the other rested the hand tight to my brow. I found myself reaching for the surface; feeling the air bubbles drifting pass my fingers as I struggled to get away. But the more I struggled the further I sank away from the surface with this person pulling me down. I was… dying…

I sat up quickly and found myself in a cold sweat; bangs matted to my brow as I glanced over at the clock. One hour before classes was to start. My heart was still racing so bad I could hear the thudding in my ears as I flopped back on my pillow. What was that dream about? It was peaceful and beautiful then it turned murderous like that. I'll admit it scared me about almost how real that was. All I remember was the murderous intent and the color purple. Was it a message to be wary of someone who dressed in and even had hair colored in royal purple?

I shook my head and brushed back the wet bangs feeling the stitches I had on my forehead. They were mostly dissolved away now and really I'd forgotten I had them really. I sat up and glanced over seeing the feline I fell asleep beside was still there snoozing away. I thought cats were nocturnal? Maybe she was just tired and wanted to sleep. Pushing the blankets from my legs I got up and glanced over at Rebecca who was still asleep. I don't know what it was about her but she looked cutely peaceful in her sleep.

I shook my head and smiled heading into the bathroom. I stripped off my clothing and turned on the shower stepping in. The hot water pouring on my head was relaxing and allowed me to just think for a moment but it wasn't about the dream I had. It was about what happened yesterday but then I'd find myself thinking about… oddly my roommate and how she's been huggy and clingy to me. I didn't understand why but for some reason I was okay with it more than most might be. I mean she was rather friendly and open with me about her human life. Rebecca is pretty amazing in her own way.

I grabbed my shampoo; a coconut scent that I found myself taking a long whiff of until I finally tore myself away to finally put some in my hair and lather up rinsing it out soon after. I think I was in the shower for like 15 minutes or so and when I came out I wrapped a towel around myself grabbing my clothing and stepping out putting them in my hamper basket before grabbing new clothing. I didn't even notice there were two fledgling eyes on me until I turned around seeing Rebecca was waking up. I stopped and gave a wave to her seeing her eyes kind of examine my figure.

From what she could see was my long legs with the perfect toned calves and because the towel was a bit short she could see up to my thighs. My arms were as muscular as a girl my age with physical exercise could look without being 'manly' in my muscle tones. My hair was wet of course and it was easy to see my cleavage from my bust of about a comfy C Cup peeking just over the towel. Rebecca blinked a few times and gave me a once more look over before she spoke. "You're up early,"

"Yeah I couldn't sleep," I said grabbing a pair of black lace panties from my dresser. I swear I could still feel Rebecca's eyes on me. When I turned around she seemed to have darted her head down to keep me from seeing her looking at me. "Something wrong there, Rebecca?"

"No I'm fine,"

"Then look at me," She peeked up a bit. "No head all the way up,"

"Ali…" I simply sat on her bed and lifted her chin. I noticed almost a childlike look in her eyes that made me smile. She reached up and lightly lowered my hand giving it a slight squeeze. "You should go finish getting dressed," I gave a slight chuckle and stood heading back into the bathroom to finish getting dressed. That's when it hit me. This was my first day—night in this new school but this time it was going to be in the classes.

I was nervous as ever as I glanced at my face in the mirror, eyes instantly darting to the mark on my brow. I brushed the damp bangs back to get a better look at it then realized that the cut on my forehead was nearly healed already. I had always heard that Vampyres; even fledglings had fast healing abilities along with other changes to our bodies. That actually made me wonder if anyone had the chance to become a Vampyre it just all ended up chancing if you got picked by the goddess or that you even made the change if you were picked.

I was Nyx's voice, hand chosen by her to be only her second True Daughter of Night in this day and age. Then my mind zipped back to when I actually saw Nyx. She was beautiful but she donned a lot of Tattoos that beautifully seemed to enhance her already stunning beauty. When I tore my mind away from the train of thought my eyes moved to a small statue that we had in our bathroom of the goddess holding up the crescent moon. I guess I had to also be on my best behavior being the Goddess's handpicked chosen one. Wow that sounds so cliché I'm laughing on the inside.

But in all seriousness, tonight was my first time in these classes and I didn't know what to expect going into them. What was I going to learn? Was it any different from what I was learning in my human school? And more importantly… what time was lunch? With a soft sigh I simply put on my uniform of a blouse that had the third former symbol on the left side just over my breast and my favorite dark jeans. I used my blow-dryer to quickly dry my hair as well as style it with semi curls. My dark flat hair was kind of boring.

When I finished and exited the bathroom, I found Rebecca getting out her clothing to get ready for class too. I went over to my bed and sat down grabbing the schedule paper. I saw my first class was with Thanatos in fact with Vampire Sociology followed up with the choice of Drama with Zoey or Sketching with this Professor Lenora. I think I'll go with Zoey's class as the elective one. After was Literature with Rebecca's mother. Ah my question from before was answered that after Literature we'd head to lunch. After lunch though I had Spanish with Professor Garmy and last class was with Lenobia in Equestrian Studies but before that, I guess Tae Kwan Do was their form of gym class? Eh I wasn't complaining.

You're looking at a girl who was good in parkour and some Tae Kwan Do already. I actually enjoyed a bit of physical activities but my favorite thing to do was Volleyball. I always loved that sport but I never was on a big varsity team being I was a freshmen and in my human school they never allowed freshmen on Varsity; junior varsity yes.

I have to admit I am glad that my schedule looked pretty easy to get used to and I seemed to have all cool teachers and with Spanish that was pretty easy since well… my mother was Puerto Rican and taught me a lot of Spanish. Thanatos and Zoey would be really awesome teachers but I don't wanna be a teacher's pet either. I wonder if Rebecca had the same literature hour as me but as for Lenobia's class being last, since I loved horses that would be a great way to finish out the day.

I folded the paper and stuffed it in my pocket looking up as Rebecca stepped out of the bathroom dressed but towel drying her hair. She sat on the bed and looked over at me. "So what elective class did you pick?"

"Zoey's Drama class for hour two," I absently ran my hand over the cat's fur that slept on my bed. The feline stretched out her paws and yawned before simply curling back up. "Hey do you really think she picked me?" I looked over to the lilac point cat sleeping peacefully.

"I think so, only way to know is if she follows you or keeps appearing in our room," I peeked over at the clock seeing it was nearing about 7:30pm remembering that the paper said classes start at 8pm and ended at 3am. Night classes… wow I got a bit to get used to now. "Kind of weird to think you're waking at night instead huh? I felt that way when I started too,"

"Yeah so what about breakfast," I stood hearing my stomach growl so loud even Rebecca heard it and gave a giggle. Even her cat looked at me with a 'how dare you wake me' gaze. "I'm starving,"

"That's very obvious, c'mon I'll show you to the kitchen where you can have cereal, toast or hard boiled eggs for breakfast," I started toward the door and when I opened it I could hear some girls chattering in a lower room. I followed the sound and peered in finding a nicely sided kitchen with 2 large fridges and well stocked shelves. Guess this was where we'd come for breakfast huh? "I said I'd show you,"

I jumped nearly clear outta my skin as I clutched my chest over my heart, I didn't even hear Rebecca behind me but the bad part was I jumped out into plain view through the doorway. Every girl in there turned their gazes to me; well more like to my freaky mark. I really got to use my bangs to cover it a bit, this staring was getting annoying. I felt my cheeks burn hot as I gave a sheepish wave and did the extend leg and exit stage right move. I swear I've never felt so nervous like that since I had to do verbal presentations in class.

I hated doing public speaking because no matter how good my presentation was I always got sick to my stomach. Not kidding, third grade, I had to do Lincoln's speech and sure enough I got real sick. Try "four score and seven—PUKE!" yeah that's what happened. I didn't even get through the first part before hurling my breakfast to the floor. I felt Rebecca nudging me back out as I was trying to backpedal away from the door, looking at her. "Stop I ain't going in there!"

"Yeah you are," I felt two new hands grab my forearm and pull me into the kitchen only to realize it was Simone. She dragged me over to the table in the kitchen where I saw Lulu with a bowl in her hands tipped at her lips chugging down the last of her cereal milk. When she set it down she had a milk mustache too. I got to glance around the kitchen a bit more and seeing as some girls have left there wasn't as many staring at me. Better than the crowd stares.

On the counter was those little boxes of cereals; good enough for one bowl each or at least a small bowl. A small bowl of bran muffins sat nearby as well as one filled with fruits. Beside that was a larger bowl of hard boiled eggs already peeled nice and cleanly. I don't know about you but I don't put normal salt on my hardboiled eggs, I prefer season salt. It's a red seasoning that one had less sodium and two gave it more flavor than ordinary salt.

I grabbed a few hard boiled eggs cutting them in half then putting some of the season salt on to them before sitting down at the table with Rebecca and Simone. Rebecca had warmed herself a bran muffin while Simone was tipping back a box of corn pops cereal into her mouth. I looked around noticing we were the only four left and that it was about 7:52pm meaning—HOLY CRAP! Class starts in 8minutes! I saw Rebecca's face when she noticed the time which made her bolt with me behind her cramming the last hardboiled egg in my mouth to chase after her.

We ducked into our first class that I shared with Rebecca which was Thanatos's Vampyre sociology class. Rebecca flopped into her seat with a relieved huff while patting the back of the seat before her. "The boy who sat here before… didn't make the change," great I was going to sit in a dead kid's seat. That's lovely; just lovely. When Thanatos swept in after the bell sounded I sat quickly in the 'dead kid' chair staring like some deer in headlights. I couldn't help it because she didn't seem so grim tonight.

Instead she was wearing a lovely deep purple blouse with frills that flowed down the middle of her bust, reaching the end of her top around the black buttons. Over her left breast was an emblem of the Goddess with her arms raised up holding a crescent moon. Pairing nicely with her top was a black skirt that stopped just above her knees revealing dark stockings that then vanished under her knee high black boots. The boots had straps that crossed over the front fastening on the side with gold buckles. The underside of her boots was a mild grey going from the sole of the boot up and to the thin sharp heel.

On her wrists were a few clanking silver and gold bracelets that she hand matched to the two rings she had on her right hand's middle finger and thumb. I even noticed her nails were painted in a deep crimson and her face was flawlessly painted with light blush, lipstick and eye shadow. The colors in her makeup she picked even made her dark eyes seem a bit lighter. The grim reaper didn't look so grim anymore.

"Merry meet class," She smiled as her eyes looked over everyone present in the classroom. Her gaze soon fell upon me and I shrank down in my seat a bit, reaching up to fix my bangs over my mark again so that any gawking students didn't go 'look at the weird kid' again. Then the Priestess's eyes moved behind me to Rebecca. "Rebecca, can you show Ali where her books are?"

"Sure thing Priestess," Rebecca stood and patted my shoulder telling me to walk to the back of the class with her. I stood and followed along as I heard Thanatos tell the students to open their books to chapter one as a review was in order. "You see, your first class is your homeroom and we get one of these kinds of cubby-holes here for our books and whatnot for classes."

"That's… awesome and easy," I grabbed out a notebook, two pens and the sociology textbook before going back to my seat and hearing Thanatos tell me they were on page 12 going over the review key words.

"Okay so can anyone tell me the formal greeting?" I glanced around seeing about nine of the twenty students raising their hands but one was overly excited. I noticed those who didn't raise their hands either were doodling in their notebooks or yawning in boredom. Thanatos caught two of the drawing lazy students and simply took their notebooks shutting them without a word as she picked the girl who was waving her hand excited to answer. "Yes Melissa?"

"We fist our hand over our heart and bow, it's a formal greeting to Priestesses or elder Vampyres in general," She smiled proudly.

"Nerd," I turned seeing a big guy who seemed too bulky for his seat; perhaps one would consider him the big jerk jock of the class. The other kids started to laugh and I saw Melissa frown putting her head down. I don't know what made me angry but I stood and turned to the big guy.

"I didn't see you raise your fucking hand big guy, maybe you should think more about school rather than who's the next bitch to be in your bed. Failure jock fledgling just learned to use his opposable thumbs say what?" the whole class erupted into that old fashion "OOOOOH!" in union as he glared at me and I felt Thanatos's hands grab my shoulders making me sit back down. She leaned down to my ear whispering.

"Ali, though I commend you for sticking up for a fellow student cussing is against the rules. Because you didn't know I'll let you off with a warning, okay?"

"Yes ma'am," She stood and headed back to her desk to return to the lesson. I glanced over to Melissa and gave her a wink mouthing 'I got your back,' to her. I saw her smile and to back to reading the textbook. I felt good sticking up for someone but I felt that big ape's eyes still staring at me probably wishing I didn't embarrass him in front of everyone. We went through different things that I jotted down in my notebook not even noticing time was flying by until the bell rang releasing us from class.

"Alright everyone please read chapter two tonight," I stood putting away my things in the little cubby-hole only to turn finding Melissa behind me.

"Hi, Thanks for standing up for me… no one's ever done that before," I smiled and shrugged as she hugged her books tighter.

"It's nothing alright? He had no right to speak to you like that," I patted her shoulder and headed toward the door when I heard Thanatos's voice call to me from her desk, making me back pedal to see what she wanted. "Yes?"

"Something tells me bullying gets on your nerves," She smiled setting her forearms on the desk top. I shrugged modestly because yeah bullying is something I got into fights for a lot growing up. I saw someone get bullied and I'd be the type to beat up the bully. "When he said that I saw the expression on your face change before you stood, like I said I commend you on standing up for a fellow student but try not to cuss in class anymore okay?"

"I will, Thanatos, I promise,"

"Alright good, now you best be off to Drama with Zoey, I'll let her know you'll be late," I nodded and headed out of the classroom taking out my schedule to reread the classroom location only to bump into something purple. Wait purple? I glanced up to see someone that made me freeze with a lump in my throat. A girl with purple hair turned and looked down at me. I felt a cold shiver chill my spine as I looked up at her.

"Watch where you're going," She actually had a sweet voice but she reminded me of my dream last night—I mean morning—whatever. Around her neck was a necklace of three moons. Two on the outer sides were crescent moons and the one in the middle was a full moon. I should look up what that necklace was. "I'm Púrpura it means 'Purple',"

"I know; I speak Spanish…" I choked out. "Uh, I have to go, I'm already going to be late for class," I started to walk away fast feeling her gaze on my back until I turned the corner and looked back to ensure she didn't follow only to run into someone again. Damn was it bump-into-things day? I fell back on to my butt and looked up seeing Dragon Lankford standing there. He was shorter than me yet he was certainly more solid. I wonder if all male Vampyres were like that.

"You should watch where you're walking Ali," He extended a hand to help me up.

"Yeah I'm bumping into everyone today… guess I'm just nervous or something," I took his hand and stood up with his help. I then noticed behind him was Anastasia walking out of a classroom holding the small white feline in her arms. "Hi Anastasia," I waved as the red Vampyre looked at me and smiled, the small kitten mewed and snuggled into the vamp's arms purring loudly.

"Off to class Ali?" I glanced back to Dragon and nodded.

"I just don't know where the Drama class is," I rubbed the back of my head chuckling a bit.

"That's down this hallway then you take a left, it'll be on your right," Anastasia answered, pointing down the hallway. Then I noticed her eyes move behind me making me look back and nearly jump clear out of my skin and outfit. Púrpura was behind me and I never heard her coming. The cold chills started again with that eerie feeling that makes your legs go numb. "Perhaps Púrpura can take you; she is the Sixth former leader of the Dark Daughters,"

"What's the Dark Daughters?" I asked turning my head back toward Anastasia and Dragon's direction. But of course the one giving me the creeps behind me answered.

"The Dark Daughters and Sons is an organization for only the most gifted and talented fledglings. But if I'm correct…" She lifted her hand brushing aside my bangs, but when I felt her fingernails I wanted to shrink back from her hand. "You're that unique new fledgling under Professor Redbird's mentorship. I think you might fit in well with our Organization,"

"Uh… can I think about it first?" I stepped back from her hand and started scooting away toward the open hall. It'd be easier to escape at least. "Yeah I'll think about it but right now… I have to go," I turned and left down the hallway knowing that at least Púrpura still staring at my back until I rounded the corner. I don't know what it was about her that made me scared. Was maybe the dream responsible? Seeing purple made me freak now? Well that's just lovely; just fucking lovely.

"Mee-uf-ow," I looked over and down seeing a small orange cat with one white paw. For some reason she looked like some marsupial because of the pouch look on her belly. I saw her turn and trot down the hall. Uh was she leading me somewhere? I didn't really think on it but followed being led right to the Drama class. Zoey was leaning on the desk a bit reading the lines two students were reading out before looking up at me and smiled. The small cat leapt onto the desk and did another grumpy Mee-uf-ow at Zoey who lifted her tattooed hand and petted the feline.

I smiled back at my mentor noticing she had her hair brushed so that the dark tresses fell over her right shoulder. Her top was an expensive blouse and not one you could see through at all. Well that and it was a deep red. The long sleeves fanned out around her wrists. Then she had on nice pinwheel black pants and I noticed she wasn't wearing heels but she was instead wearing converse shoes. Guess she preferred being comfortable rather than seem taller with heels.

"Good to see Nala found you," She held out a booklet to me opened to the page they were reading. I took it and found an open seat sitting down near Lulu. I started to read along but was soon drawn away by the feeling of something rubbing against my leg. The feline from my room before seemed to have followed me here. I even noticed Nala on the desk watching the small cat. I guess I did have a cat now? I returned to reading the booklet as Zoey soon closed the lesson and with five minutes left we were allowed to talk. Seems my run in with Púrpura earlier caused me to be really late.

When I shut the booklet and leaned back in my seat, the small feline that'd been following me leapt onto the desk and meowed, pawing my hand on the desk softly. I lifted my hand lightly scratching behind her ears. "What is it? Oh you don't have a name huh?" I heard her purring loudly and leaning into my hand. "I think Lela would fit you nicely," the feline seemed to perk up and purr even louder.

"Nice cat, has she chosen you?" my head snapped up seeing Zoey beside me. She reached over and lightly scratched her finger under Lela's chin. "She's a nice color too,"

"Yeah she was in my bedroom when I went to bed and stayed there until I woke now she popped up here,"

"That means she chose you or something, anyway how's everything so far? I know it's a bit hard to feel like you fit in when you first start a new school like this," She set a hand on my shoulder as I realized she had a ring on her middle finger that looked like a crown. I think it was made of silver lined in black onyx stones.

"Yeah doesn't help when everyone stares at my mark…"

"I know how you feel, I had it happen to me but they get used to it; accept it and then most likely just stare at drying paint," I chuckled when suddenly something hit me, a scent that made me freeze and turn around not nearly as fast as Zoey did. Three seats back and two over was a girl coughing nonstop. I saw something red spilling through her fingers that were cupping her mouth. When I looked closer the red was flowing from her eyes and ears too. That's when the realization hit me. The girl was dying of the change.

Zoey bolted over to the girl as one of the other students ran out the classroom door to most likely seek help or the Priestess. I couldn't stop looking back no matter how horrified I was watching that girl coughing up blood. Zoey brushed back the girl's blonde hair trying to comfort her as much as she could. Everyone around me was in shock only to have our attention drawn to Thanatos running in with some tall female teacher with red blonde hair wearing several rings and bracelets ad well as a muscular man with large black wings on his back.

The tall red blonde professor had perfect skin and was wearing a grey top with darker grey pants paired with a belt of gold leather around her waist. The man didn't have a shirt on most likely due to the wings on his back making it hard to put on a shirt comfortably. But he had on dark blue jeans with a black belt and no shoes. It was then that I finally noticed he pulled in a stretcher with him that Thanatos and the other professor helped the girl get onto. The winged man and the professor left the room with the girl as Thanatos moved to the front of the class followed by everyone's shocked and even scared gazes.

She glanced to each one of us but her eyes stopped on the empty and partly bloodied desk that Zoey was cleaning up with a frown and look of sorrow for the girl. Thanatos sighed softly.

"That as you third formers may or may not know was… a body rejecting the change, but don't feel sad for her because she's dying but you should be happy that she will reunite with the goddess and no longer feel pain or worry. Nyx will welcome any of her children with open arms. So do not be frightened or sad," I glanced down at the small feline on my desk seeing she was flat on her belly with her head rested upon her paws and ears pulled back. Her soft green gaze was staring over at the desk the girl had been seated. When I glanced back up at Thanatos even she seemed sad in a way.

I don't think anyone wanted to see a person die like that not even the professors. Though she said not to be sad for her I could have sworn Thanatos looked like she wanted to shed a tear for the girl. When the bell rang though, everyone shuffled out acting completely gloomy and depressed. I stood and lightly gave Lela a small poke making her look up at me and meow sounding sad herself. I always had a feeling cats had unique ways to show emotions. She stood and leapt down following alongside me toward the door and to the hallway.

"Ali," I looked up seeing Rebecca running over smiling until she got to me probably noticing I seemed a bit pale from watching a girl die. She stopped as her smile faded. "What happened?"

"Someone died of the Change, just a few minutes ago…" She frowned and hooked her hand around my forearm leading me to the next class which was with her mother. I don't know what it was but having my roommate there made me just think what if I lost my friend? What if Rebecca died of the change? I was scared to think of that and shook it from my mind when my roomie's hand squeezed my arm a bit. When we got to the literature class I swear my eyes nearly bursted from my head the teacher I saw before when the girl died was standing by the desk.

She didn't seem at all phased by what happened before either that or she was used to it. Guess that means she was professor Penthesilia. When she glanced over seeing her adopted daughter she gained a big smile on her face. I got to see her marks better and I think they were Celtic knots that went down to her cheekbones. The marks seemed to also make her hazel eyes seem lighter; well that or seeing her daughter was what made that happen. Then her eyes fell onto me as she walked over which mind you I'm short. Only the average five foot four inches tall and Professor P was towering over me. Her tall heels didn't help either. Oh look it was the Chihuahua standing before a Great Dane.

"So you must be Ali Flair, Rebecca was telling me a bit about you," She smiled and then looked over to Rebecca. "You girls should get to your seats we start reading the Hunger Games tonight," I didn't even get a chance to speak before Rebecca hauled me sideways causing me to follow bouncing on one foot until I was able to get to both feet when she finally released me and sat down. I took the seat behind her and leaned forward.

"Your mother was the mentor I think of the girl that died…" Rebecca leaned back a bit and frowned.

"Then that girl was Terra Silver, she was only marked a month before you from what my mother said," I rested my brow on her back shivering at the replaying images of the girl coughing up blood. My head only shot up when after the bell rang Professor P clapped her hands loudly and smiled.

"First person of each row please head to the back and get a stack of books for your classmates each," Rebecca happened to be the first one in our row so she got up and headed to the back with the other row leaders grabbing enough books and handing each one out before taking their seats with their own book. I'll admit I've never read the Hunger Games before and I'm not sure what to expect really. It wasn't long until I was indulging in the literature of the book as well as Professor P's amazing reading skills. It was as if she was simply bringing the book to life and when I glanced around it seemed I wasn't the only one either.

Everyone was reading along; not a slacker in sight. No one balancing a pencil on their nose, or drawing in a notebook—oops… spoke too soon. The goon from first hour was here, remember that big bulky guy? Yeah he was seated two rows over sleeping yet Professor P didn't stop her reading to deal with him. Guess here if you slack off that's your problem really. I was really hoping she'd grab a hard eraser from the board and chuck it at him. Maybe a hard whack to the head with a ruler could work too. I mean he pretty much deserved it anyway.

Soon enough we finished the first chapter and assigned the second for homework before heading back to her desk letting us have the last few minutes of class to quietly talk amongst ourselves. I noticed though that that was when the big lug woke up and yawned. Professor P glanced at him and her usually soft expression turned stern. "Craig, come here for a moment," He stood rubbing his head of messy dark brown hair, scuffing his way to her desk.

"Yeah professor," he said in a groggy voice. I lazily set my chin on Rebecca's shoulder peering down to see she was playing candy crush saga on her phone while listening in on the conversation.

"Craig, you do realize you're failing this class and you still have that report to hand in by tomorrow to try and get your grades up," She spoke calmly though I swear she probably wanted to bite his head off for being stupid and failing a class that seemed so easy to do.

"Not like I'd do it anyway, Teach," his blunt and blatant disregard for his grades made Professor P pinch the bridge of her nose and sigh before looking up at him again. "What's the big deal anyway?"

"Craig don't you get that even a male Vampyre has a role? If you make the Change there is a very big chance you'll become a warrior like most other male vampyres and keep in mind they are highly educated men fluent in many art forms and everything you learn now can benefit you in the long run," When the bell rang she stood leaning her hands on the desk top. "I expect that report done tomorrow," Craig was already heading to the door waving back.

"Don't expect too much," with that he left the class, while Rebecca scurried up to her mother after everyone left; well except me. I wanted to walk to lunch with my roomie. Rebecca leaned up giving her mother a cheek kiss and hug. Professor P smiled putting an arm around her adopted daughter and kissing her head.

"You two should be off to lunch," I was standing by the door leaning on the frame waiting for my roomie to hurry up which she soon did, hooking an arm around mine and pulling me along with. Wonder why she liked doing that; taking my arm and dragging me with. Was she afraid I'd get lost? Not that that isn't a possibility, I'm not exactly used to the layout of the school yet. She led the way to the dining hall and it instantly hit me what was for lunch. Grilled veggie pizza with four cheese mac n cheese, or you could have a grilled corn salad. Guess today's lunch was grilled themed or something.

We got in line and each got two slices of the grilled veggie pizza, some iced tea and I got the mac n cheese while Rebecca decided to have grilled corn salad instead. We wove our way to the booth we were at yesterday during dinner taking a seat with Lulu and Simone.

"Hey, how's classes been, Ali?" I looked up seeing Simone had been the one to ask. Lulu was busy painting her nails a nice deep red color. I was about to speak when Púrpura appeared behind me beside the booth making me jump.

"Hello again, I'm here to extend a formal invite to the Dark Daughters and Sons next ritual in two days," I wanted to reject the offer but I heard Lulu suddenly speak up.

"No way… a third former, getting a formal invite to the most exclusive group of the school? I'm so jealous!" I guess that was a good thing then? Well even though Púrpura kind of scared me, I thought why not. It was exclusive and I was getting formally invited to it.

"Uh yeah sure, I'll attend."

"Wonderful, we meet in the Rec hall, I'm sure your roommate can show you where that is," With that she turned and left while I had to calm the weird chills I had again whenever she was near me. Usually, when I got those it meant something bad or to not trust that person because they had a meaner side. I don't know if I should listen to that feeling or just brush it off as nervousness. Eh, it might just be nerves.

"So did you guys here that Terra Silver died?" I felt my appetite fading.

"Can we not talk about that while we're eating?" Rebecca gave Lulu a disgusted face. Simone laughed nudging Lulu's side before leaning on the table a bit toward me.

"Say are you and Rebecca dating? We always see you with her on your arm," I blinked rapidly in thought then shook my head slowly glancing over at Rebecca whose head was down and I saw a faint blush on her cheeks. Think I might as her about this later when school's over. "Well even if you are you're lucky as hell because in vampyre society gay and lesbian relationships are perfectly okay. You won't get judged like in the human world,"

"You make it sound like we're two totally different ends of the coin,"

"Because we are, if we make the change not only will we live longer, we'll have more money, more talent than humans. Those singers, actors, really any celebrity happen to be ALL Vampyres. Just they have to cover up their marks in the movies, or in concert or whatever," Simone shrugged and leaned back. "Vampyres are just better,"

"Stop that," I hissed. They all glanced at me with a questioning look. "We were all human once, can we really forget that? So what we were marked but you have to think no matter what we were first born human,"

"Thy death shall be thy birth, Ali, we ain't human anymore,"

"But we were and do you really think Nyx wants her children to forget their roots? To forget who they really are? No," I sighed. "Nyx would want us to retain the fact that though we're stronger, faster and smarter we were all inferior to other vampyres even fledglings at one time. It's that mindset Simone that made Neferet turn as dark as she was!"

They all froze with wide eyes as I stood; food only half eaten and left the dining hall to be greeted by one thing that could make me smile right now. Lela, my feline companion trotted up to my side with a soft meow, rubbing against my leg. I headed to one place I knew I could think and at least I know the professor wouldn't mind me being there. I walked to Lenobia's stables and smiled as the familiar smells all came back to me happily. It reminded me of the stables of the horse sanctuary. I smiled walking over to a rather large mare that had to be over 18 hands at least.

She was a grey and white with tons of spots. Her gaze was inviting and friendly. I lifted my hand lightly setting it on her muzzle rubbing up to her forehead hearing her snorting from her nostrils. Thing was I remember from the night I was brought here I did not see this mare before. Was she new or just not here when I arrived? I glanced to the stable nameplate reading 'Bonnie'. That was a very cute name for a big mare like she was.

"Hello there little lady," I jumped a bit and turned seeing a rather tall man with a cigarette in his mouth. He was wearing a cliché cowboy hat and his clothing told you he had just been working. I reached out and snagged the smoke from his mouth putting it out.

"I hate smoking around me,"

"I'll keep that in mind then," He dusted off his hands which had a few callouses on the palms before patting the mare's neck. "I see ya meet my girl Bonnie here,"

"Are you Travis by any chance?" He chuckled and nodded. "Rebecca told me you're Lenobia's human mate,"

"He is," I swear I could have jumped to the ceiling. What's with these Vampyres and sneaking up on people? When I jumped I spun around and had a hand over my racing heart.

"Good goddess woman scare me to death before the Change has a chance why don't you! Be still my beating heart," I hung my head. Do all Vampyres do that though? Just pop up like a jack in the box clown or a weasel, or perhaps it was just they moved a bit faster? Lenobia smiled patting my shoulder before she moved beside her human mate.

"So what brought you here Ali? Your class isn't until later,"

"I needed some place to think, I feel a bit more at peace around animals rather than crowds of people," I rubbed Bonnie's cheek as she playfully lipped at my bangs. "You've got a very big mare, Travis, she's tall,"

"Yeah Bonnies a big girl," He smiled proudly at his mare, putting an arm around Lenobia's shoulders.

"Well you should be off soon Ali, new hour classes are bound to start soon," I rubbed the back of my head with a sigh. Kind of wish I could remain here longer but I would when I have class later tonight. I nodded and left waving behind me as I stopped to look at the Siamese seated on the fencing. It slowly blinked and swayed its tail.

"Your cat loves to stare Lenobia,"

"She always has, either that or she starts meowing a lot," I chuckled and ran off to class with Professor Garmy. Though I was good in Spanish it never hurts to brush up on it. I did like that Garmy spoke solely in Spanish. Reminds me of me and my mother always speaking in Spanish until my stepfather told us to stop because he didn't know what we were saying. I'll admit though that Spanish class went by pretty fast and I was off to Tae Kwan Do standing in a gym room with a few other third formers.

The teacher who walked in was a tall man with spiked up black hair cut to maybe mid-short. He was muscular and his stance was completely serious. I felt two hands grab my arm, when I looked back it was Rebecca. Damn did I have a lot of classes with her or what? She smiled and whispered softly.

"That's Professor Silver; Sterling Silver, he's the Tae Kwan Do National Champion and he teaches most warriors how to use hand to hand combat fighting," I blinked and looked up at Professor Silver, his blue eyes scanned the crowd of cowering third formers then fell onto me and Rebecca standing a few paces away from the crowd.

"Good evening class, I'm your instructor Sterling Silver, and you kids are in this class like how many other fledglings are in some type of physical conditioning to keep you as healthy and active as possible," He glanced to me. "Because as you may not know, becoming sick is the first sign of your body rejecting the Change," The crowd of scared third formers all shifted to follow his gaze at me.

"What are you guys all looking at me for?" I asked.

"Unlike most of the other fledglings here you were chosen by the goddess meaning you are in her favor, at most you'll be alive but the girl on your arm still has the 50/50 chance of dying," I felt my chest tighten even remotely thinking of Rebecca dying while her hands gripped my arm tighter as well.

"You sure don't hold back with honesty…"

"Hiding is from fear,"

"Or scaring kids is an intimidation thing to drive some of the fledglings out of your class; weed out the weak," He narrowed his eyes at me. "I think I'd prefer the fencing class over this, at least the teacher there isn't going to try and scare me off, but I also hate teachers who try to point out people being 'weak' compared to himself," I turned and started toward the exit with Rebecca following after me. I heard a few other students following after as well obviously not wanting to deal with Professor Silver either.

When I pushed open the door to leave, I stopped and slowly looked up to see Thanatos's grim face. She raised a brow at me in confusion then her eyes fell to the few students behind me before darting her dark gaze to me. "Mind explaining?"

"Professor Silver seems to enjoy exploiting people's fears to weed out the weak and we don't agree with it, we wanted to come to you and ask to change over to perhaps the Fencing class," Thanatos glanced up at Professor Silver as her brow arched in question.

"Sterling, you are aware that this is the 3rd time this has happened… why is that?" What the—third time? Wow was he that bad of a teacher? He didn't say anything but shake his head. Thanatos sighed and looked down at me. "Fine, for now all who wish for Fencing have this hour off, then you will return to your normal class afterwards, that way I can set up the new fencing class within this hour,"

I nodded and went to step around Thanatos when she put a hand on my shoulder leaning to my ear. "Zoey wanted to speak with you," she said before letting me head off with Rebecca who re-latched to my arm. I headed off to find my mentor with my roomie following with. Though there was something I just had to ask her, because it's been sort of on my mind lately.

"Why do you always hold onto my arm?" She seemed to tense and then glance at me.

"Well when you're alone in a room for a while you'd want to be close to your friend too…" I guess she was right there and it was just as I thought she'd reply with. She was just happy she had a friend and roommate so she wasn't alone. But the way she tensed… could she be hiding something? I shook it out of my head and led the way toward Zoey's classroom poking my head in. Sure enough Zoey was there grading papers with her head down.

"Come in Ali, Rebecca I'm sorry but you have to wait in the hall, this is between me and Ali," I looked back at my roommate who hesitantly pulled her hands away from my arm and stood by the door as I stepped in closing it behind me. When I looked up, Zoey had her gaze upon me as her grumpy cat leapt up to the desk and flopped down by the papers she was grading, to lick her paw pad clean.

"So… what did you want to talk to me about?" I stuffed my hands in my jean pockets. Zoey set down her pen and lightly to scratched Nala under the chin. Her gaze was drawn away from me onto the feline purring on her desk.

"That letter from you mother, I don't know where HE is but there is a way you can find out," Her gaze moved back to me. "If he is your father, than there is a way to use my DNA to see if that's so, because he is my father."

"You have no clue where he is?"

"If I did, I might admittedly punch him for leaving my mother like he did," It was easy to see Zoey didn't have the best male figures in her life. Her father was a dead beat who ditched the family, and the bad part is that very dead beat could be my father.

"Would it be weird finding out if I was related to you?"

"Well it'd be one reason explained as to why Nyx chose you like she did," I rubbed the back of my neck. To me it'd be a bit weird to find out if my Mentor was a half-sister. If she was I won't be surprised if I pass out from shock even if I was expecting it. "Also, how is everything going? Thanatos said you're being a bit rebellious and mouthy at times,"

"I—Uh…" I hung my head with a chuckle. "I'm sorry; it just the first time a guy was bullying someone in my class then—." Zoey held up her hand almost as though she had physically stopped my words. I clamped my mouth shut and looked over at my mentor who simply gave a smile.

"It's fine Ali, you stood up for someone and that's why Thanatos let you off with a warning," I shrugged a bit and when I heard the bell ring, my head shot to the clock. "And you better be off to your last class, trust me on this Lenobia is a strict teacher but she's rather caring,"

"She seems that way, anyway, thanks I'll see you later, Zo-ster,"

"Zo-ster… what's that?"

"I tend to nickname people I care about," I opened the door and stepped out instantly feeling Rebecca grab my arm and dragging me off toward the stables outside fast enough so we wouldn't be late. We stood in the crowd of new Third formers who were chattering away as we waited for Lenobia to arrive. Some of the girls were gazing at the horses in the stables with wondering expressions. While me on the other hand walked into the stable and was petting Lenobia's main Mare Mujaji, she was a lovely quarter horse and no one was brave enough to actually get acquainted with the horses they'd be working with.

I soon heard the crowd fall silent as Lenobia strolled over but she seemed extremely prideful in her stance and her walk. I patted Mujaji's neck and then went back to the crowd as Lenobia's unique slate grey eyes scanned the crowd. "Welcome to Equestrian Studies, I'm your professor Lenobia but you may address me as just Lenobia, no need to add any title to it."

"Lenobia, what will we be learning in this class?" I heard one of the students ask from the back of the crowd. I couldn't see anything for her hand but my gaze darted back to Lenobia who smirked a bit before she answered.

"You'll learn how to take care of horses as well as ride them, and do not think a horse is some girly fantasy of a tea party companion. That's not what a horse is; they are work and responsibility only then are they your companion."

"Aww but Lenobia you're best friends with horses," I said crossing my arms. Lenobia's eyes shifted to me as she smiled and patted my shoulder.

"Ali, you're half right, I have an affinity to understand horses' emotions even when I'm a bit away from them. Literally speaking I can be in my apartment in the teacher's area and still communicate with Mujaji," she pointed to the solid black horse that snorted within the stables as if to show the students who she was talking about.

"So you're close to your horses, Teach?" a taller guy behind me spoke and when I said taller, I mean he was taller than everyone and it made Lenobia have to look up more to see his face that was hidden behind a curtain of bangs covering his eyes partly; well more his left eye than the right. He was thin too but like that muscular skinny look. His chin seemed pushed forward and he had some dark stubble over his chin and jawline connected to his sideburns.

"I am in fact close to them, even when I was human long before I was marked, Jason." Lenobia turned and walked into the stables with the crowd following after. I stopped by a stable section looking up at a dark grey horse with a lightning bolt shape on her muzzle that led all the way up to her brow, partly covered by the dark hair. I reached up lightly petting her thick neck as we listened to Lenobia explaining what we were about to do. We'd be in charge of cleaning the horse stalls once we were assigned to a horse; lay new saw dust and fill their hay for them to eat.

For me I was admiring the mare I was petting softly, glancing to the bronze nameplate seeing the name: Lightning. I guess she was named after the marking on her head. I was luckily assigned to her and instantly got to work cleaning up the stall, laying the new saw dust and finishing with giving her new hay. When I had finished, I found a brush nearby and went about brushing her side as she ate. The sound of her munching and the, swoosh of the brush made me feel a bit more at ease. It did remind me of when I would care for the horses at the sanctuary I lived by once.

"You're done quickly," I looked over seeing Lenobia leaning on the stall doorway. She was smiling as she let her eyes scan the stall. "Then again you did mention caring for horses before,"

"I always loved animals of all kinds," I set the brush down. "I admire horses for being both a powerful yet gentle giant; a stomp of their hoof shakes the ground but I've known some horses to go as far as protecting their owner out of love,"

"They have big hearts," Lightning lifted her head and snorted at me before leaning up and lipping at my bangs. I reached up and rubbed her neck. "You certainly have something about you animal's like too,"

"Always been that way, same went for my mother. When she was alive we had two cats and a dog, but when she died… my stepfather took the pets to a shelter and dropped them off, That was around the time I started hanging around the Horse Sanctuary and helping out there." When the bell rang ending the classes for the night Lenobia patted my shoulder and smiled.

"If you need to come here and relax with the horses you're welcome to,"

"Thanks, with everything happening lately I need some place to just think," I gave Lightning a soft pat then headed out meeting up with Rebecca talking to a few other girls. When I walked up one of the girls, a blonde, glanced over at me with a smile. Luckily she didn't stare at my mark like others would have but instead she glanced down seeing my little feline friend trot up beside my feet, purring and rubbing her head on my sneaker. The small cat batted my shoelace playing with it and lucky for me I double knotted it so she couldn't untie it.

"Hey Ali, this is Sylvania, she's a fourth former," I smiled and picked Lela up and held her close kissing her head only for her to bump her head into my mouth and chin. I looked over to Sylvania.

"Nice to meet you,"

"And nice to meet you too, you've become rather famous around the campus. The second Fledgling in history to have a colored in mark," I rubbed the back of my head and didn't act at all happy about it. In truth I was not pleased at all. I didn't want to be famous for being a freak with a unique mark. "I take it you don't like being known for being chosen by the Goddess?"

"I don't like being seen as so different," I turned to Rebecca letting Lela leap from my arm. My roomie frowned and grabbed my arm hauling me off toward the dining hall. She seemed to always know when it was best to lead me away from things that made me uncomfortable. When we opened the door to head inside I saw Zoey and Anastasia standing by the dining hall chatting. I felt my body tense wondering and hoping Anastasia wasn't telling Zoey what I told her. I didn't feel like explaining why I haven't told her or anything.

"Hey Ali," Anastasia turned to look at me with a smile. "How'd your classes go?"

"Uh, they went okay…" my eyes were darting from her to Zoey and back, chewing the inside of my cheek. Anastasia turned to Rebecca and said how she wanted to have a talk with me. Zoey raised a brow in question, glancing over at me as I looked away rubbing my head trying to remain nonchalant as possible. With Rebecca heading into the Dining hall saying she'll bring me something to eat if I don't get back in time to eat. The blonde Red Vamp put an arm around my shoulders leading me off down the hall. "You didn't tell Zoey did you?"

"I promised I wouldn't, and I haven't," She replied, putting me at ease. "But you'll need to tell them sooner or later Ali, your step-father needs to be punished for what he did,"

"I…I know, I just…" Anastasia stopped, turning me to face her by lightly taking my chin in her hand.

"He has no authority over you now, if he dares to come after you the warriors will stop him and he will be arrested for attempting anything," I sighed and simply leaned into her as she wrapped an arm around me. I don't know why but being around Anastasia felt like I had my mother back. "You have to tell Zoey and Thanatos, they can help you best,"

"Okay… Thanks Anastasia, but where is Thanatos anyway?" the blonde vamp scrunched her lips to the left side in thought and shrugged.

"She's usually lurking around somewhere,"

"Who's usually lurking?" I jumped but the red vamp seemed as though she was not bothered, turning her head to see Thanatos standing there with a raised brow. I flopped back sliding down a nearby wall until I was seated on my rear trying to slow my racing heart. I swear I was not ready for these sudden appearances by these Vampyres…

"Oh well speak of the High Priestess and she appears," I said from my seat on the cold floor. The dark priestess glanced from me to Anastasia with a more questioning look on her face. "Is Zoey going to pop up next? You vamps tend to appear like ninjas,"

"Could be because full vampyres are fast and silent at the same time," I sighed and crossed my arms. The high priestess leaned on the wall. "So why was I brought up?"

"I needed to talk to you," I said keeping my gaze away. I didn't feel like staring at her dark gaze when I had to tell her something like this. Anastasia moved over beside me, setting a hand on my head, brushing back my bangs a bit, giving a nod. "Thanatos…" I looked over to her. "I may be in danger if I tell you this but I have to… my step-father killed my half-sister and made me at only nine help him bury her, threatening me with death if I said anything…" I watched the priestess's gaze go from dark and calm to raging and dangerous. I tensed up wanting to hide from her at the moment, pressing back into the wall just wishing I could sink into it.

"Ali, thank you for speaking up about that, and I will make sure you are kept safe from that murderous man, but because of that until he is in prison you cannot leave the campus unsupervised," I slowly nodded watching her gaze slowly change back to a softer side more of concern than anger. She sighed pinching the bridge of her nose. "I will have to up the warrior security around the school, Anastasia, when you can have Dragon meet with me. He and Kalona will be head of security around the campus,"

"Of course," she gave a nod, brushing her hand through my dark hair. My arms hugged around my knees as my brow came to rest upon them. I told them, and if HE finds out he'll more than likely take any chance to try and kill me now…

Oh Nyx, help me…

Review me! I apologize for the slow coming of chapter 3 but school has been driving me up a wall, and trust me it's not easy studying to be an IT professional. But fear not! Chapter 4 is on its way!

~Dana Prince