Several servants from the academy were waiting at the station. They rushed forward to put my luggage in the school carriage. I got in and settled down on the plush seat. I looked out of the window and saw the picturesque town of Tresville roll by.

Monteverde Academy was located in the forest on the outskirts of the town.  Soon, the view changed and trees appeared. The dense forest didn't allow sunlight to penetrate inside which enabled us to move around during the day. The smell of soil filled my nostrils. I leaned forward, hoping to catch a glimpse of the castle.

The sight of it made me happy. I wouldn't have to be so alone any more. The castle had a mystical feel to it, and its ancient beauty had captured the hearts of many. The carriage pulled to a stop. We had arrived.

I jumped out and climbed up the stairs. Many students had already arrived and were roaming about in the great entrance hall. The entrance hall was huge with grand paintings of ancient Carthans hung all around. The letters M.A. were engraved on the door. Even doorknobs had these letters embossed on them.  

I saw Eryx and Airell leaning against a pillar and went up to them. They had been my friends since first year. Both of them were from noble families. They were good-natured and fun-loving. Eryx was more brash and daring than Airell,  who was charming and generally more polite.

"Hey," I said and was immediately engulfed in a hug by Eryx and then by Airell.

"Ver! Long time no see," said Airell, grinning. "It's great to be back. Eryx and I have a few new tricks up our sleeve this time."

"Really?"

"Yeah," said Eryx. "Kuperus is going to have a heart attack."

"Those are my favourite kind you know," I said. "We have to make this year count. Next year is our senior year and we will have to act all responsible."

Airell rolled his eyes. "I can't even imagine you acting responsibly."

I shoved him and Eryx laughed.

"Hey, where is Bianca?" he asked.

"Don't know. She said she was going to come by car." I shrugged.

"That's weird. She never comes by car." He ran a hand through his red hair.  

'"Hey, where are Yves and Aria?" I said.

"Aria has gone up to her room to change for tonight's feast and Yves hasn't arrived yet," said Airell.

I rolled my eyes. There were still three hours to the feast and even that was probably not enough for Aria. She loved dressing up in the latest fashions and she liked to take her time doing so.

I looked around the room for Bianca when a boy with dark brown hair caught my eye. He had a sullen look on his face and he looked about our age.

"Who's that?" I asked.

"I haven't seen him before," said Airell.

"Isn't it odd? Nobody new ever comes in this late."

The guy saw me looking at him and scowled.

"He looks like a bad piece of work to me," said Eryx. "Well, we shall find out soon enough."