Chapter 3 The Right One

Lysander kept moving, not even checking if Bailey was behind him.

Bailey tried to keep up, trying to ignore how cold he seemed. He was supposed to be showing her around the college.

"You always do tours like this?"

He looked over his shoulder. "What?"

"You seem... forced."

His expression stayed blank. "I'm here to show you around, not entertain."

Bailey pursed her lips.

They continued walking through the courtyard. Students were walking in pairs laughing and talking. Some were clearly supernatural beings due to their odd features and confident attitude.

Bailey noticed several people staring at her.

"That's her," a girl whispered nearby. "The human scholarship student."

"Why would they allow a human here?"

Bailey pretended not to hear.

As she tried to keep up with Lysander she accidentally brushed against his shoulder.

"Watch where you're going."

"I'm sorry!" She apologised.

"Pay attention."

He spoke sharply, making Bailey frown. "I'm paying attention! You're going too fast!"

He stared at her for a second like he hadn't expected her to speak back. He turned around and started walking again.

Bailey continued after him, not wanting to let him see how much his attitude was annoying her.

However, she struggled to concentrate due to the loud noises. She felt a little uncomfortable in her chest and slowed her pace.

She reached for her inhaler when suddenly the floor felt like it was moving beneath her.

"Are you okay?"

Trying to answer she felt her energy drain. Her knees wobbled.

Lysander turned around just in time to catch her.

"Bailey!"

His voice was different. It wasn't as cold as usual.

"Get the nurse!" He told one of the students nearby.

He looked down at her, his jaw set.

---

Bailey opened her eyes to find herself in the infirmary of the college.

A nurse was stood beside her bed.

"Easy love. You've had a tough morning."

Bailey sat up slowly. "What happened?"

"You had a collapse during your tour around campus. You need to take more care, especially if you have a medical issue."

Bailey nodded and reached for her inhaler.

"They brought your things. Your guide waited until we were sure you were okay."

"Lysander?"

The nurse nodded. "Yes that's his name."

Bailey looked towards the door but couldn't see him.

A few minutes later a happy girl walked into the infirmary.

"There you are! I've been looking for you!"

Bailey blinked. "Do I know you?"

The girl laughed. "Not yet! I'm Ivy, your roommate. I was told to bring you to orientation once the nurse said you were okay."

Bailey smiled slightly. "I'm Bailey."

"I know. Come on, we don't want to miss out."

---

Bailey arrived to find the orientation hall busy.

Rows were full of students chattering. Ivy led her to an empty pair of seats at the back.

"Just stay close to me," she whispered. "There are some students here who think they're better than everyone else."

Before Bailey could reply the room fell silent.

A tall man walked onto the stage.

Bailey instantly recognised him.

Mario Night.

The same man who had visited Iris' house and offered her the scholarship.

He was confident as he stood in front of the students.

"Welcome to Night Stone College. Here we have students of various backgrounds. All students, supernatural or human will follow the rules."

He went on to explain that they had a human scholarship programme. A select group of humans were allowed to attend the college with supernatural students. They followed the same academic rules, whilst supernatural students must follow strict rules around their powers. They are not allowed to intimidate or hurt others.

Bailey listened intently. At least now she knew she wasn't the only human to have attended.

Mario's eyes scanned the crowd.

They landed on her.

A small smirk formed on his face.

Bailey quickly looked away.

Why was he looking at her?

She leaned in. "Is he always so serious?"

Ivy looked at him too. "That's General Alpha Mario Night. Be careful around him."

Bailey felt her stomach twist. "Why?"

"People like him don't usually do anything without a reason."

Before she could ask anything else the orientation began.

---

Later, Bailey was walking down one of the corridors with Ivy when three girls appeared.

The girl in front smirked. "So you're the human everyone's been talking about."

Bailey halted. "Can I help you?"

The girl laughed. "I'm Mara. You should know your place."

Ivy stepped forward. "Leave her alone."

Mara ignored her. "I was just wondering how you got a scholarship. Did you crawl?"

Bailey held her gaze. "I earned my place."

The smirk faded from Mara's face.

"You think you're better than us?"

"No, I just don't see why I should explain myself to you."

One of Mara's friends giggled. Suddenly she splashed Bailey with her drink.

Ivy gasped.

Bailey looked down at the stain and slowly lifted her eyes.

"Happy?"

"Maybe next time you'll know who you're talking to," Mara smirked.

"Enough."

A deep voice spoke.

A young boy approached with a stern face. Bailey recognised him as one of the prominent Night family members of the college.

Brian Night.

Mara looked nervous.

"We were just having fun Brian."

"Find something else to do. Leave her alone."

Mara hesitated before walking away with her friends.

Brian looked at Bailey. "Are you okay?"

Bailey tried to wipe the stain off. "I could have handled it."

He raised his eyebrows. "I was just trying to help."

"I didn't ask you to."

She nodded shortly and walked away with Ivy.

Brian looked surprised. Most students would be thankful for his help but Bailey seemed more annoyed.

Who was this girl?

---

Bailey tried to clean the stain off in the restroom.

"I can't believe Mara did that! She thinks she can be awful to everyone because of her last name."

"Don't worry. I'm not going to let her spoil my first day."

Ivy looked at her. "You're tougher than you look."

Bailey smiled slightly. "I have practise."

As they left the restroom Bailey couldn't help but think about the weird people she had met since arriving at Night Stone.

Lysander who seemed determined to stay distant.

Brian who had helped her unexpectedly.

And Mario Night who was becoming more interested in her.

She didn't know what they wanted from her but one thing was for sure. She wasn't going to be chased out after coming so far.

She lifted her chin.

No matter what awaited her at Night Stone College she was ready.