BLOODLINE THREE

"Please fill up the form so you can enter your room," said the woman at the lobby.

"Alright," I replied.

Guess what? I'm in the Emerald Dormitory! I didn't expect this, you know. At first, I was shocked because I went straight to Emerald. After all, I still don't have full control over my power. Remember, I'm a late bloomer.

"Is it true there are two lightning espers this year?"

"Yeah, girl. It's so lucky. It's once in a blue moon to have two rare espers in the same year. I can't wait to know who that person is!"

I overheard two girls talking while I was filling up the form. Of course, I was smiling. Imagine being the topic of admiration, even though they don't know who you are yet.

"Here, I'm done," I said, handing over the form sheet.

"Thank you for your cooperation. Here's your key. Enjoy your stay!" she said with a smile.

I immediately headed to the elevator and pressed the button. It opened right away, and fortunately, I was alone.

I entered and pressed the number 4. I looked at my key. '50' was written on it. I guess my room is number 50.

The elevator dinged, signaling that I had reached my floor. As soon as the door opened, I walked out and started looking for my room.

It took me a few minutes to find it. No wonder it took a while; my room was on the fifth floor and the last one. -_-

I quickly opened the door. Upon entering, I was stunned by what I saw. A king-sized bed with red and white sheets, a white sofa, a 72-inch flat-screen TV, and a private kitchen.

"Wow," I whispered. I knew the Emerald building was luxurious, but I didn't expect it to be this grand.

I placed my belongings on the floor. I'll arrange them later; I need to rest first.

I immediately jumped onto the bed. I bounced a little; it was so soft. It made me even sleepier.

"Finally, Dad," I mumbled before my eyes slowly closed on their own.

°°°

I woke up to the sound of the clock beside me. I rubbed my eyes. I didn't want to go, but I had to.

When I checked the time, it was already 6:30 pm.

I quickly got up to avoid falling back asleep. I fixed the bed and grabbed a towel from my bag.

I headed straight to the bathroom to take a shower. If you're wondering where I'm going, well, it's to the Emerald building. Today is the welcoming party for the new Emerald class students.

After showering, I put on a red polo shirt, black fitted jeans, and white low-cut shoes. I stared at myself in the mirror.

"Do I really look like my mom?" I suddenly asked while facing the mirror.

I can't blame myself for asking. I haven't seen my mom since I was a child. Dad said my mom's sister took me to him, but he didn't know why.

Enough of that. I need to go to the party. I should be early so I can make some friends there.

After fixing myself up, I left my room and headed to the Emerald building.

When I reached the gate, I immediately entered the building and looked for the room where the party would be held.

I didn't know where to go; I forgot earlier. Luckily, I saw a guy, so I approached him and asked.

"Hi, can I ask a question?" I asked him.

He turned to me and smiled.

"Oh, sure. What do you want to ask?" he replied.

"Uh-uhm, where is the reception for the welcoming party for the Emerald transfers?" I asked again.

"What a coincidence, I'm heading there too. Wanna walk with me?" He didn't answer my question. -_- But it's okay since he's going there anyway.

"Sure. By the way, I'm Shione, Shione Andrew," I said, extending my hand.

"I'm Ace Gale, nice to meet you, Shione," he said, shaking my hand.

thumpthump*

My heart skipped a beat. I didn't know why.

"Wow, your hands are as soft as cotton," he suddenly said, still holding my hand.

"Uh, thanks," I said, pulling my hand away.

What the heck, Shione! Compose yourself. You shouldn't act like that! He's a man, for Christ's sake! I scolded myself.

"Shall we go?" he said with a smile, and I just nodded.

We walked, passing some rooms until we reached the door of a classroom. It seemed abandoned. There were no students here. The place was really creepy, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

"Uh, Ace, where are we?" I asked.

"At the place where the party will be held," he answered.

"But--"

I didn't finish my sentence when he opened the door. The place was luxurious. It was beautiful inside, with two chandeliers, tables and chairs, a stage, and some booths. There was also a kitchen-like area, like a cafeteria.

"Shut your mouth, you might swallow a fly," he said to me, so I immediately closed my mouth.

"Come," he said.

I entered, and it was indeed beautiful, even better than five-star hotels. The theme was red and white, just like my room. Looking around, there were many students.

I felt uncomfortable; they were staring at me. Straight at my face. Is there something wrong with my face? Do I have eye boogers?

"Don't panic. They're staring at you because you look like an angel," he said to me, smiling.

He then left and went somewhere. I touched my chest. My heart was pounding really fast.

"What even is this feeling?"