CHAPTER FIVE
The Unexpected Arrival
Eliana linked her arm with Seraphinna's as they listened to the seniors' instructions while walking.
"Now, everyone, go and collect your uniforms. Your names are written above each one. Once you've changed, you must report to the Convivium Hall. I hope you all know where that is."
"Yes!" the students answered in unison.
Satisfied with their response, Astrid immediately left, leaving the students to search for their uniforms.
After searching for a while, Eliana found hers. Unfortunately, they couldn't seem to find Seraphinna's.
"I don't think I have a uniform," Seraphinna said irritably.
"Oh, come on! We probably haven't looked properly."
They resumed their search. Fortunately, with the crowd gradually thinning, it became easier to look through the remaining uniforms.
"Found it! Now, let's go and change!"
Eliana grabbed Seraphinna's hand and hurriedly dragged her towards the changing rooms.
Eliana was the first to finish changing.
She stepped in front of a mirror and admired her reflection, unable to suppress a smile. Her uniform consisted of a milky-white top tucked neatly into a white skirt that was neither too long nor too short. A white jacket and a matching bow tie completed the outfit.
Together, the pieces gave her a rather youthful and innocent appearance.
Instead of tying up her silky black hair, she let it fall freely, its ends reaching just past her shoulders.
As she stepped outside, several students passing by couldn't help glancing at her admiringly.
Eliana took a seat beside the changing-room door to wait for Seraphinna. One girl after another emerged, but there was still no sign of her friend.
A thought suddenly crossed Eliana's mind.
Could she be having trouble putting on the uniform?
She was just about to stand up and check when the door finally opened.
"Sorry. I had a little trouble putting on the clothes."
When no response came, Seraphinna glanced at Eliana.
Her friend seemed frozen.
Eliana herself had no idea what had come over her. She simply couldn't take her eyes off Seraphinna.
The uniform looked just as it did on her, yet somehow, Seraphinna made it seem entirely different.
Perhaps it was her long, silky black hair, neatly gathered into a ponytail that exposed her slender, pale neck. Perhaps it was the delicate shape of her face, somewhere between oval and round.
Or maybe it was those striking green eyes.
Whatever the reason, there was something about Seraphinna that made looking away surprisingly difficult.
For a moment, Eliana could only stare.
Seraphinna, who was growing increasingly uncomfortable under her friend's intense gaze, finally waved her fingers in front of Eliana's face.
"Snap, snap!"
"Eliana? Eliana!"
At last, Eliana snapped out of her daze.
Her cheeks turned bright red, and she immediately lowered her gaze, avoiding Seraphinna's eyes.
She had never felt so embarrassed.
"Let's go," Seraphinna said.
Eliana nodded quickly and began walking.
Fortunately, Eliana wasn't the only one who seemed captivated by Seraphinna's appearance.
As they made their way through the school, they noticed several students staring at them.
Feeling uncomfortable, Seraphinna glanced down at her uniform.
"Is there something wrong with our clothes?"
She examined herself from head to toe but couldn't find anything unusual.
"W-well, m-maybe it's b-because you're t-too eye-catching," Eliana stammered.
"I don't think so. Besides, they aren't only looking at me. They're looking at both of us, so I guess we're both eye-catching."
Seraphinna smiled.
Eliana's heart skipped a beat.
Her cheeks grew even redder.
"C-could you please not smile like that?"
Seraphinna's smile disappeared almost immediately, replaced by a frown.
"Why? What's wrong with my smile? And why is your face so red?"
Eliana took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
"Just don't smile so often, all right?"
Although Seraphinna wasn't particularly pleased with the request, she decided not to argue.
"Okay."
Finally, they arrived at the Convivium Hall.
Through its entrance, they could see students moving about inside, most of the seats already occupied.
As they walked in, Seraphinna suddenly remembered something.
"I forgot to ask. What's a Convivium Hall?"
"It's a hall mainly used for eating and holding certain gatherings," Eliana explained.
"So, are we here to eat or attend a gathering?"
"Both. We'll eat while they tell us whatever they need to tell us."
"Oh."
Seraphinna nodded in understanding and surveyed the crowded hall.
"Where should we sit?"
Eliana looked around helplessly. Almost every table seemed occupied.
"Over there!"
Seraphinna pointed towards a table in the corner and pulled Eliana along.
They settled into their seats and watched the students moving in and out of the hall.
As Seraphinna continued observing her surroundings, she noticed something peculiar.
Some students had strange creatures following them, while others had none.
Curiosity got the better of her.
"Why are those creatures following those students?"
Eliana followed her gaze.
"Oh, those are called familiars. They're companions who assist or accompany certain students. Usually, only a few students from royal families have them."
She paused, then pointed towards several tall, rather imposing figures moving through the hall.
"Those taller ones who look much older are called messengers. They deliver important messages. I wonder why they're here today."
Seraphinna listened carefully, absorbing the information.
With every passing minute, she was learning more about this strange school and the world she had unknowingly entered.
Suddenly, the noise in the hall died down.
Seraphinna frowned.
"What's going on?"
"The Mystic Quintet are coming in," Eliana whispered.
Seraphinna turned towards the entrance.
"Does that mean we have to keep quiet every time they enter?"
"Not exactly. But they have this oppressive presence that's difficult to ignore."
Eliana subtly pointed towards two girls walking alongside the other members of the Mystic Quintet.
"See those two girls dressed differently from the rest? They're both from the House of Umbra, which is for vampires, demons, and dark witches."
She pointed towards the girl standing to Astrid's right.
"The one with her hair tied in a ponytail is Sophia Valtor. The girl on Astrid's left, with her hair flowing freely, is Gabriella Celestial."
Eliana lowered her voice.
"They share a unique bond, and every member of the Mystic Quintet has a specific role to play in the group."
Seraphinna listened attentively. At least now she understood a little more about the mysterious five.
She watched as they crossed the hall and settled at their designated table.
Each of them possessed a striking beauty of their own. It was hardly surprising that they attracted so much attention, considering their high status within the school.
The moment they sat down, the hall gradually returned to its lively atmosphere.
However, at the far end of the room, the Mystic Quintet seemed anything but relaxed.
Each member appeared lost in thought, their expressions unusually serious.
"What do you all think?" Zora finally asked, breaking the silence.
"Well, we can't be certain of anything yet," Gabriella replied after a moment's consideration.
"It all depends. What do you think, Astrid?" Ophelia asked, directing everyone's attention towards their leader.
Astrid frowned thoughtfully.
"Gabriella has a point. We can't be certain of anything for now. After all, nothing unexpected has happened yet."
She paused before continuing.
"I suppose it's also possible that the prophecy is false. Let's not dwell on it for now. We should focus on the event at hand and wait for further developments."
The others nodded in agreement, and the table fell silent once more.
Meanwhile, Seraphinna had been observing the Mystic Quintet ever since they entered the hall.
She turned towards Eliana.
"Are they always like this?"
Eliana followed her gaze towards their table.
"No. I suppose something is troubling them, and they're trying to figure out a solution. That might explain why they're so quiet."
Seraphinna nodded.
She turned her attention back to the surrounding students, her bright green eyes gleaming as she continued to observe the hall.
Then, without warning, the noise gradually faded.
Once again, the hall became unusually quiet.
Seraphinna frowned and looked at Eliana.
"What's happening now?"
"They're coming."
Seraphinna blinked in confusion.
"Who?"
"Them."
Eliana pointed towards the entrance.
Following her gaze, Seraphinna turned around.
A new group of students had appeared at the doorway.
At the centre stood a boy dressed in a black uniform.
There was something unsettling about his face. His cold expression commanded fear, yet an undeniable allure lingered beneath it.
He was what people would call a devilishly handsome young man.
Several boys in black uniforms and girls in brown uniforms walked beside him, their presence drawing the attention of everyone in the hall.
As the group entered, whispers spread from table to table.
Students watched them curiously, some exchanging hushed comments as they passed.
It wasn't until the newcomers had taken their seats that the hall gradually returned to its usual noise.
"Who are they?" Seraphinna asked, her gaze still following the group.
"The students call their group the United Kai," Eliana replied, her expression unusually serious.
"Why?"
"Because they're quite unique."
Eliana pointed towards a girl whose hair fell loosely around her shoulders.
"That girl is Nyx Dakota. She's a werewolf-vampire hybrid. The person she's holding is her mate, Caspian Frostbite. He's a lycan, and his father rules the Blood Moon Pack, one of the strongest packs in history."
Seraphinna listened without interrupting.
"The other girl, the one with short, straight hair, is Akira Wolfram. She's a werewolf from the Wolfram family."
Eliana gestured towards the boy beside Akira.
"Her mate is Hunter Blackwood. He's a witch-vampire hybrid. His parents died in a war, and he's now being raised by his uncle, who's a werewolf."
She paused, looking towards the group with a mixture of admiration and apprehension.
"Their group is like a gathering of gods and goddesses."
Then her expression changed.
"And the last one—the one sitting in the middle—is Khaos Xandros."
"Khaos..." Seraphinna repeated softly.
Her eyes drifted towards the group, settling on the boy at its centre.
As though he had heard his name, Khaos suddenly turned his head in her direction.
Their eyes met.
For a brief moment, neither looked away.
Seraphinna found herself staring into his eyes, unable to explain the strange sensation that passed through her.
Something about him felt different.
Unfamiliar.
Yet strangely compelling.
And Khaos seemed just as interested in her.
Their brief exchange did not go unnoticed.
At the Mystic Quintet's table, Astrid suddenly stiffened.
Gabriella noticed the change in her immediately.
"Astrid, is something wrong? You look pale."
Astrid forced a smile and slowly turned her gaze away from Seraphinna and Khaos.
"Nothing."