Damien.

As I walk silently behind them, the two students who have essentially kidnapped me. On my side is a pretty blonde head of House Coralheart, with her striking mismatched eyes, and on the offending are the renowned first year top students of Tavill Academy, Selene Vitalis and Nathaniel Shadowcrest. How did I, a random commoner, catch the attention of someone like Nathaniel?

The sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over my robes that I despise. They always seem to give off a soft glow that draws more attention than I'd like.

Suddenly, I feel animosity in the air, and I instinctively search for the source.

My eyes land on a large man dressed in black robes, his gaze filled with anger and hatred directed at me.

Who is the fuck is he? and why or when did I manage to piss him off?

Today's morning was average how did we get here?

*

I wake up to the hard floor digging into my back. Last night was my roommate's turn to use the bed, a simple arrangement we made to save merits.

"Damien," my roommate calls me. His name is John? Or was it Josh? I chose not to say his name out loud; I'm afraid I'll make a mistake.

I get up, fold the sad excuse for a blanket, and begin to prepare for the day. We met at the entrance ceremony, and he decided we should be acquaintances. I just went along with it. I don't know much about human interaction.

I head to the communal shower. Despite its small and cramped nature, the standards are far better than anything I've experienced. I spent most of my life on the streets, and I was lucky that some random mage saw potential in me. That mage gave me a ticket to Tavill Academy. He was a strange one.

My life's goal is simple: become a skilled mage, maybe Tier 2 or 3, graduate, get a stable job, and lead a stable life. I look into the large mirror, hating the tacky golden-colored robes of House Golden. It looks out of place on me, and the sheer brightness burns my eyes. In my second year, I'll have to change to a house with a less conspicuous color.

The rest of my day is mundane and average. I have the bland porridge for breakfast and lunch, attend my classes, and eventually make my way to my last class of the day: combat and weapons training.

The weapon chooses you, they say, and I must say, my weapon is a ruthless beauty. I love her.

We spar randomly, complete exercises set by the bald-headed twins, and by the end of it all, I find myself sitting on the floor, completely exhausted.

Suddenly.

I'm off the floor.

Why am I not on the floor?

What's happening?

I try to struggle, but my assailant effortlessly picks up my weapon and starts to walk away with me in tow. I realize I'm being dragged somewhere against my will. Am I being bullied? I haven't wronged anyone, have I? I even got these fake, ugly glasses because the gangsters in the streets said they hated the way I looked at them.

I resign myself to my fate as I'm dropped onto the floor next to two beautiful girls. The one with pink hair eyes me curiously for a split second before turning her attention to my assailant. Unfortunately, he's a very handsome boy, and my frustration grows.

They argue about my fate as if I'm some kind of toy, completely disregarding my feelings and desires.

As the instructors dismiss class, I try to make a break for it, but I'm dragged back by my captors. I sit there, resigned to whatever fate.

**

It's dinner time, and Gregory, Elizabeth, and I are seated together. Today, we have an additional guest— the boy Nathaniel essentially kidnapped earlier. Nathaniel, in his usual carefree manner, decides to order a large and lavish meal for everyone, seemingly unconcerned about the cost in merits. Our extravagant meal garners attention from the other first years, but I'm not bothered. I indulge in the food without hesitation.

However, the boy seems hesitant to join in. Nathaniel notices this and doesn't hesitate to threaten him, urging him to eat so that the merits aren't wasted. Reluctantly, the boy joins us at the table. I watch with amusement as Nathaniel feeds the boy as if he's a child, the boy initially resisting but eventually giving in to his hunger.

This situation reminds me of a similar incident back on Earth. During a vacation in a European town, we heard about a ruthless serial killer on the loose. Nathaniel took it upon himself to find the killer and essentially recruited -kidnapped, tied up in chains and threatened - him to work for his Mafia company. I wonder how he reacted to our deaths —probably happy, I think to myself with a smirk.

I glance at the boy, realizing that Nathaniel's interest in him signifies something is definitely not right. Nathaniel never gets involved with good people; if you're in his sights, there's likely something dark about you. As for Elizabeth, I turn to observe her. There's something peculiar about her, a hidden depth that intrigues me. I make a mental note to ask Nathaniel about her later; he's a better judge of character than I am, anyway.

**

Alarm bells are ringing loudly in my head.

This boy, Damien— he introduced himself— is somehow going to take my position. I can feel it happening, and it fills me with fear and anger. This is the first time I've seen Master show interest in something other than his lover, Selene. I'm scared and frustrated.

What's so special about that scrawny thing? I hate him. When the head chef bought me from the slave market and introduced me to Master, I was ecstatic. Finally, I thought, I found my place in life. And now, suddenly, this scrawny newcomer thinks he can just show up and take my place?!

I'm seething with jealousy, but there's nothing I can do about it. It's so frustrating to feel powerless in this situation.

I watch helplessly as Master sends him merits to get a better room. The transfer feels like a dagger through my heart.

I know I need to leave before I do something drastic. Like snap that scrawny bug's neck.

*

A sharp slap to the back of my head jolts me out of my thoughts as we make our way back to the House of Shadows. Elizabeth has already left for the House of Skies, and Damien has returned to the House of Golden.

"What?" I ask Selene, rubbing the back of my head where she hit me.

"Deal with that," she replies, pointing ahead. I follow her gaze and see Gregory stomping away in the distance.

"What's up with him?" I ask Selene, puzzled by his sudden departure.

"Seriously?" Selene shoots me a look, clearly exasperated. She taps her finger on my chest. "You brought Gregory to Tavill. Then you proceed to ignore his existence here, and now you decide to pick up another stray? How do you think your first pet will feel, huh?"

I chuckle sheepishly, knowing she has a point. "I guess I haven't been the best at managing relationships."

Selene's expression softens slightly.

"I know what kind of person we are, Damien. But I don't think he can handle it when we eventually do morally questionable things. He doesn't seem cut out for this." I say finally.

Unhelpful she merely shrugs. Moment of silence. I give in.

"Yeah, you're right. I'll talk to him and see where he stands. You go check on the serpents, I'll catch up with you later."

With that, Selene gives me a nod and heads towards the forest near the House of Shadows, leaving me to track down Gregory.