The teacher instructed us to hand over our smartphones. After collecting them, she distributed new devices.
"The phones you're holding are special models made exclusively for students of this school," she explained. "You won't be able to contact the outside world or connect to any external networks. For the next four years, you'll be completely isolated—holidays excluded, of course."
None of us liked this arrangement. But apparently, it had been mentioned in the school's application forms... not that any of us had paid close attention.
Next, we had to vote for a class president. The process was simple: we each wrote a name on a slip of paper.
The problem? We had just met and barely remembered each other's names. It was a difficult task.
I ended up voting for Eliza—because Maria had told me to.
Turns out, I wasn't the only one. Most students did the same. Eliza was popular, after all. She was the IJzerhart Daughter and Maeve's lookalike. It made sense that she'd win.
"You'll also need to elect a vice president, Eliza," the teacher said. "And it has to be a male student."
"Do I have to decide right now?"
"No. You have until Friday."
"Alright," she replied.
The teacher dismissed us. "You're now free to explore the school."
I was about to leave and report everything to Maria when Eliza stopped me.
"Why don't you tag along with me and Hidde?"
"For what?" I asked.
"To check out the school grounds."
The three of us wandered through what felt like an actual shopping mall—packed with shops, restaurants, cafés, an arcade, a cinema, even supermarkets. This school truly had everything.
As we walked, we passed Maria speaking to a strikingly beautiful girl—tawny skin, wavy dark-brown hair, golden eyes. But something was off.
Maria looked... tense. Her eyes glowed red. She had fangs. Was she cosplaying as a vampire?
Eliza, lost in conversation, didn't seem to notice.
"Are we done?" I asked, just as my phone vibrated. A notification popped up.
Princess Maeve has invited you to Mandane's room for an emergency meeting.
Eliza glanced at her own screen, reading the same message.
"Emergency meeting?" she murmured. "Did Lilith do something again?"
"I have no idea..." I said.
"What is going on?"
"I guess we'll find out soon enough. But honestly? I'm afraid to go."
Hidde looked at us, confused. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, don't worry," Eliza reassured him. "I just have to go somewhere. I'll see you later."
Then, casually, she leaned in and kissed him.
So... these two were dating.
"Message me if I can help with anything," he told her.
"Will do, thanks!" she replied with a smile.
With that, the two of us headed toward Mandane's dorm.
As we walked, I turned to her. "So... Hidde is your boyfriend?"
"He is," she said, her expression softening. She looked like a girl truly in love. "As my sister, do you approve of him?"
I hesitated. "Are you sure Maria didn't orchestrate your relationship?"
Eliza froze for a moment, staring at me. The question had caught her off guard.
"I..."
"In any case," I cut her off, regaining my composure, "she'll probably use him as a means to destroy you."
My words sent a chill down her spine.
"What will you do to prevent that?"
Eliza had no answer. She clearly had never even considered it before.
By then, we had reached Mandane's room. I knocked, and Maeve opened the door.
"What's going on?" Eliza asked, scanning the room. "Why is almost everyone here?"
"Not everyone is here yet," Maeve said. "We're waiting for Haniya."
Eliza scoffed. "She's probably busy with her fans."
"Of course she is," Benesha sighed.
A knock at the door.
Eliza opened it.
Finally, Haniya had arrived.