Perhaps I Overreacted

The Headmistress's office was a grand testament to a bygone era. High ceilings crowned with ornate plasterwork gave way to walls lined with towering bookshelves, their dark mahogany wood glowing in the soft light. It was a large and comfortable room, lined with file cabinets, and precious artefacts. The well-maintained, ornately carved furniture added to its charm.

Through a separate door, Maya could glean there was also a private library adjacent to the office, stacked to the brim with bookshelves as if walls were made out of them. It was a peaceful little corner where the Headmistress could seek shelter and relax during her workload.

The air carried the subtle, comforting scent of polished wood mingled with old paper that stimulated Maya's senses. Despite its size and the numerous objects, the space was surprisingly dust-free. Maya wondered if someone could live here indefinitely without ever feeling bored.

"Do you enjoy books?" the Headmistress noticed her interest.

"Yes. I had a large collection of books on my Kindle, but I've never seen this many physical books, especially ones this old."

"Have you never been to a public library?" the Headmistress chuckled.

"I had the entire collection available in my hand. I guess I never thought of visiting the actual place." Maya felt a little embarrassed, realizing the absurdity of it.

"If you're impressed with my humble private collection, then you're going to love our vast triple-decker student library on the Academy premises. It's straight from the main entrance. It truly is magnificent. However, I assume books aren't what you wanted to talk about."

"Yeah— Yes…" Maya paused, thinking it would be best if she said it honestly. "I don't think this place is for me."

The Headmistress's wistful expression somehow saddened Maya, as if she had just hurt a kind-hearted woman who only wished her the best.

"I am sorry you feel that way."

Maya couldn't meet her gaze and was left standing staring at her nervously interlocked fingers.

"It truly is unfortunate. I wonder what changed your opinion since I last met with you… However, you do understand that it is impossible to leave? Were you not properly informed beforehand?"

"I…I knew that…"

"I assure you, Elements chose you for a reason."

"Maybe they made a mistake. This doesn't feel like it was meant for me. I haven't left my house for years and all of this is too much."

"Sweetheart, that is the exact reason they chose you. A second chance," Headmistress said with a wistful smile.

"But I was never told of vampires…" Maya's voice trembled.

"I apologize. It must've been an oversight on Daria's side. However, if that is what worries you, I assure you, you are safe here. This place is not as bleak and frightening as you may have imagined. Within the perimeters of the walls is the safe zone."

"They can just climb it. Right?"

"Rest assured, there are rigorous measures taken, and you are in no danger as long as you respect the curfew," Headmistress began, her voice steady and reassuring. "I have talked about it in class today: vampires are here because humans are defenceless against them. We, on the other hand, are very capable of protecting ourselves."

She leaned forward, looking at Maya intently. "And very soon you will be too. Until then, the walls and guards are here to protect you," She leaned back, folding her arms across her chest, "Attacks are a rarity, and the ones that do happen are because students don't follow the rules that are here to protect them. It's all adequately explained in the files I provided."

"But Tanya—" Maya quickly paused, reconsidering. "My mentor said her generation was ravaged by vampires. If there are far fewer third-year students than first-year ones, it can't be that rare."

Headmistress sighed softly. "You shouldn't listen to rumours," there was a hint of concealed anger in her voice. "There are all kinds of them spreading around here," she composed herself.

"The reason there are more new recruiters is because we simply recruited more this year. Given our stability over the past few years, we felt comfortable accommodating more of the chosen individuals. With more resources than ever, it would be selfish not to provide these chances for a better life," the Headmistress stated simple facts.

"And as for Miss Sherman's generation," she continued with a poised expression. "We simply weren't in luck. It was a human variable that was at fault. And, perhaps myself, for not finding a solution fast enough."

Maya listened attentively. She could feel the Headmistress's regret for the loss of life.

"Let me explain," she continued. "A few individuals spread panic and disinformation, fostering distrust. They attracted a considerable following, and in their paranoia, they violated protective rules and met unfortunate ends.

Despite my best efforts to reassure them of their safety here, my influence was limited. If they chose to flee, we couldn't offer much assistance. My priority had to be the safety of those within these walls.

Students here are not imprisoned. You're free to leave, but until you're ready, there's little outside to appeal to you. After three years of education, we're confident in your ability to fend for yourself. We only have students' best interests at heart, striving to mould you into well-rounded individuals. That's our aim.

Unfortunately, Miss Sherman, though an extraordinary mage, succumbed to the pervasive unrest. I had hoped she had mellowed over the years, but if she frightened a new student, I must have been mistaken."

"Oh, I don't believe Tanya had any ill intent," Maya said, suddenly feeling frightened that she might have put another student in a tough spot. Remembering Tanya's hope for a position in this academy, Maya regretted that she might have jeopardized it.

"I am quite familiar with Miss Sherman's character. It may be understandable that she can't view the situation objectively, so I would suggest taking her words with a grain of salt. After all, misinformation was the root of many problems a few years ago."

"I understand," Maya nodded, glad that she understood Tanya a little better.

The Headmistress smiled to ease the tension.

"You are safe," she continued and squeezed Maya's hand across the desk to provide comfort. "You have magic and a new family to take care of you. And if anything is bothering you, you can come to me, whenever you feel the need."