Eve, Cece and Damien had managed to get some muffins and tea after one of the late night staff recognised the ducal siblings of Versailles. They sat at one of the many long tables in the large dining hall. Not many candles were lit at this hour as it was close to eleven at night.
Eve was very grateful to get at least something to eat rather than nothing at all.
"Thank you so much for helping me so late at night even though you were under no obligation to do so." She added, "Not many are willing." The thought of the gorgeous yet rude man she had bumped into earlier crossed her mind, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth at his clear warning.
Damien guessed she must have met someone who refused to help her. "Ah don't mention it." Then with a playful tease he asked "Did you get a chance to interact with anyone else, apart from us?"
Eve took a sip of her tea and then sighed "Actually yes, before meeting you both, I had come across this very rude man who looked at me like I wronged him when it was actually the other way around." she said, a frown forming on her delicate face.
This piqued Cece and Damien's interest. He asked curiously "And who might that be?"
"We didn't even get to introductions before he rudely walked away." Eve said dryly.
Cece smirked, "Well don't be surprised, there are plenty here who don't practice kindness." She then added "In this world, the more power someone holds, the more bootlicking they get but not genuine kindness."
Damien then warned Eve, "We'd advise you to stay cautious on academy grounds, especially at night. Even though the academy has rules for vampires, humans and lumens to co-exist, there are still those who enjoy breaking them just for the thrill of it, right under the noses of the authorities."
Then for the first time since Eve had met him, his expressions turned serious and he said "Trust no one here."
Cece also nodded in agreement. Eve couldn't help but feel a chill down her spine listening to Damien's warning. "I'll be mindful next time. Thank you again. Truly." She offered them a warm smile.
Cece rolled her eyes playfully. "You really need to stop thanking us all the time, we are friends now after all."
They stayed there for a couple of more minutes before heading to the notice board near Mrs. Morris's office. It was situated directly on the opposite the wing where her room was located.
Eve's gaze fell on the rules of the academy and she started to read:
Rule one: Once you enter the Academy's premises, you are not allowed to leave until your term is over.
Rule Two: Students will be allowed to step out of the academy on the weekends only to visit the city. Leaving the city during the term is strictly prohibited.
Rule Three: Students who fail more and two subjects would lose all the privileges and comfort provided by the academy and must work to assist staff and fellow students.
Rule Four: All meals shall be consumed in the dining hall. Timings are mentioned below. No meals shall be served after ten o'clock in the night.
Rule Five: Do not wander campus ground after dinner for your own safety. The hounds are released for Academy's security. The Academy bears no responsibility for any misfortune that may occur should this rule be ignored.
Rule Six: Vampire students are permitted to consume blood only from the willing participants.
Rule Seven: Opposite sex may share their rooms with another only with mutual consent.
Rule Eight: Room assigned is final and is not allowed to change. Those who have roommates are not allowed to change them either. Rooms assigned to royals are strictly off limits to other students.
Rule Nine: Any romantic entanglement involving more than three people or species must be submitted in writing to the Counselor for review.
Rule Ten: Reproduction is not allowed during the entire duration of the year.
Rule Eleven: All rituals must be pre approved by faculty.
Rule Twelve:Black Tower remains forbidden. No student, under any circumstance, is allowed to enter the Black Tower. Should you hear whispers calling your name from within, do not answer. Notify the faculty immediately.
Rule Thirteen: Hounds are for hunting intruders, DO NOT PET THEM or FEED THEM or LOOK THEM IN THE EYE.
Rule Fourteen: Forbidden sorcery is not allowed.
Rule Fifteen: Do not go to the cliff side, they call to you. Should you heed them, the Academy is not responsibile for what follows.
As Eve read through the morbid rules, Damien standing on one side of her commented, "I swear only a deranged person must have come up with these rules."
Cece with arms crossed, muttered under her breath, "Mrs. Morris certainly tops the list. Wouldn't be surprised if she etched them in blood."
Eve would have to agree, she had the same thoughts, shaking her head lightly she thought grimly, 'Just three years. I only need to survive three years in this haunted academy from hell. How hard could that be?'
After this they bid each other a goodnight and headed to their respective rooms as the rooms for royals were assigned along the same corridor. The rest of the ranks of nobles were on the other section of the wing.