The Vampire Kings | BDSM Academy

A/N: *Hello readers! Just a friendly reminder that this is a fantasy novel. Oxford University is in a FANTASY context. This is a FANTASY reality of the university, I know oxford doesn't require a uniforms or have VAMPIRE STUDENTS. GOOD DAY and good reading. *

A blend of guilt and excitement surged within me as I embraced my foster sisters one last time. Leaving the orphanage was bittersweet; while I longed for a true family, a fresh opportunity awaited me.

The orphanage had been my only home throughout my entire life. Since as far back as my memory reached, it had sheltered me. Just recently, on my eighteenth birthday, I had set off for college.

The concept of being sheltered didn't even begin to capture the reality. Our orphanage was nestled far away from any bustling town, and our education was confined within its walls. I had only ventured to Zurich a handful of times – mainly for museum trips, shopping escapades with the other girls, and the occasional meeting with potential adoptive parents. But every return to the countryside, with its untouched beauty and serene surroundings, was a welcome one. I couldn't help but feel fortunate to have been raised in such a place as I gazed over the small town and the majestic mountains beyond.

Over the years, countless families had interviewed me, gauging my suitability for adoption. Yet, nothing had ever materialized. As a child, my solitary interests in reading and solo chess matches seemed to scare people off. I wasn't very talkative, preferring my own company over chit-chat with others. As time passed, the prospect of a family grew more distant, but surprisingly, I was content with that. While some of my foster sisters found loving homes, I remained within these walls, entering adulthood.

The support I received within these familiar walls had been invaluable. I had the chance to study extensively, read all the books I desired, and collaborate closely with our teachers, even touring universities. I was fixated on the idea of pursuing higher education in the United States, even though visiting there wasn't feasible. Nonetheless, I did get to explore some of the finest universities across Zurich, Berlin, Prague, and London.

These visits to various cities and universities instilled a sense of humility in me. The scope of my sheltered life became all the more apparent. Witnessing these avenues of opportunity – places where I could forge my independent path, meet new people – seemed infinitely more appealing than any romanticized notions of finding a traditional family.

Among all these cities, London left the strongest impression. During my interview at Oxford, the headmaster challenged me to a game of chess. His scrutiny was palpable, as if I were some alien experiment. After our rounds, and my beating him several times, he extended his hand and offered me a seat.

Now, as I stood before the gates of my childhood sanctuary, holding my soul sisters close in a farewell embrace, a swell of apprehension washed over me. This marked my first time departing from the orphanage. Eager as I was to learn, to explore, a sense of panic nestled itself within me.

I had saved my teacher for last. She had constantly pushed me beyond my limits, urging me to study and excel. When the other girls went to play, I stayed behind, engaging in spirited debates, solving math problems, analyzing literary phenomena, and crafting essays. This summer, when we usually had just an hour of study each day, she had kept me for extra hours, honing my skills and tutoring me in anticipation of my Oxford courses.

"Isabella," she called my name, her voice kind and warm.

"I hope you'll forgive me one day for robbing you of your entire summer," she said with a chuckle.

"I owe everything to you," I replied, and her eyes glistened with emotion.

"You're going to excel," she assured me, giving me a heartfelt hug.

"Yes, yes, I know – I'm a prodigy, gifted beyond measure," I quipped, trying to stifle an eye roll. She let out a sigh and laughed.

And so it begins, I thought to myself.

My first day of classes arrived, and, as luck would have it, I was running late. The morning sun had witnessed my hurried dash, leaving me no time for breakfast and no opportunity to acquaint myself with my new roommates. Dressed in the school's uniform – a navy plaid skirt grazing my knees, a pristine white collared shirt, and a navy blue sweater vest – I endeavored to make an impression. My long hair cascaded straight down my back, tamed by a simple black headband, while pearl earrings graced my ears.

The journey to my first class was fraught with urgency. A brief exchange of greetings with my new professor marked my arrival.

"Ah, everyone, allow me to introduce Isabella," the professor announced.

"Find a seat next to Colton, who will be your lab partner for the year." My gaze swept the room and landed on a young man who occupied the vacant seat to his left. As I approached, a subtle wave of annoyance emanated from him – clearly, he preferred solitary work.

Men. Remember, Bella, you're no longer sheltered. Maintain your composure, I admonished myself.

And these were not just any men; they were exceptionally handsome.

"Hello, I'm Isabella," I greeted him.

"Colton," he replied tersely. I saw no need to engage further and turned my focus to the professor.

"Today, we continue our cell analysis lab. Retrieve your microscopes and proceed from where we left off yesterday," the professor instructed.

The array of microscopes caught my attention. This university was a far cry from my former home, equipped with technology beyond my wildest dreams. The back wall hosted a row of at least fifty microscopes – a stark contrast to the lone, rusty model at the orphanage. Colton swiftly procured the necessary materials and placed a black composition book and lab assignment before me.

"I could have managed it myself," I muttered, perusing the lab assignment quickly.

"I'm efficient," he remarked.

"So, Isabella, where did you transfer from?" he inquired. My heart danced as he pronounced my name. Focus, Bella. I'd never shared a classroom with boys, save for that one male teacher. How did girls concentrate amidst such enchanting distractions?

"Oh—" I began, my words halting as I realized my classes were considered "advanced." While I was a freshman, most of my courses were at an upper-level tier.

"I actually just started here," I admitted, earning a curious look from Colton.

"You're a freshman?" His disbelief resonated.

"Yes, indeed."

"In a four-hundred-level course?" Skepticism laced his words.

"Yes, I was placed in a rather... advanced schedule," I replied, maintaining my composure.

"I too am on an advanced schedule. Let me see yours," he commanded. Tentatively, I retrieved my schedule and presented it to him, allowing him to compare it with his own.

"We share four courses and the same independent study," he stated nonchalantly.

Upon completing the lab, we submitted our work and were surprisingly dismissed for the day. As I made my way to my next class, Colton followed me, continuing our earlier conversation.

"A freshman enrolled in junior courses – and I believed I was ahead," he mused, his smirk catching my attention.

"What do you mean?" I queried, raising an eyebrow as his towering form loomed.

"Just a sophomore, but I was also chosen for advanced courses. Yet, you've outdone me; you're merely a freshman," he admitted, prompting me to clarify.

"Oh, yes. I managed to outplay the headmaster in a series of chess matches during my admissions interviews," I divulged, piquing his curiosity.

"Chess, you say?" he inquired.

"Yes, I've been playing since my youth. It's one of my favored pastimes," I responded.

"Indeed? Well, you must be skilled. I'm a member of the university's chess team. We must play sometime," he suggested.

"Ah, the chess team. The headmaster mentioned it to me," I remarked, though his lingering bewilderment irked me.

"Did anyone mention Arkhaios to you?" His inquiry bore into me.

"Oh, yes, the esteemed society," I replied, concealing my indifference to the creators' self-importance.

"Lower your voice," Colton cautioned, his tone grave.

"Seriously?" I glanced around the deserted hallway.

"Arkhaios is a deeply secretive society. Not a word about it to anyone. The headmaster surely warned you," he stressed.

"Of course," I affirmed, aiming to placate his seriousness.

"A meeting is scheduled for tonight. Dress elegantly. The society is both challenging and prestigious, inviting only a select few from the world's most eminent families. I still wonder, who are your people? I wasn't aware we accepted first-year students," he prodded. His words amused me; was everyone here similarly elitist?

"I hail from a Swiss orphanage. Evidently, some admissions are based on merit rather than parental wealth," I revealed, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Without granting him an opportunity to respond, I strode away, moving toward my next class.