Claw

As soon as I got out from the floating door, I was sprawled all over the floor, my stomach churning. I quickly shut my mouth to stop myself from vomiting.

I will never get used to that freaking door!

When I finally recovered, I look around and scanned my surroundings. I was in a place which looks like a studio apartment. There's a small kitchen, a bathroom and two beds. 

There were also two brown closets. I opened both of them and can't help but to stare with amazement as I saw different kinds of clothes. The other closet has spare brown suits while the other has white. Obviously, the latter was mine.

I think I'm currently in the girls' dormitory. Maybe Flynn and Levi got transported in the boys' dormitory.

I wonder who's my roommate?

While waiting, I quickly freshen up and changed my clothes. I decided to wear a white trouser, tucking my navy sweater in. I used to tie my hair every time but decided to let it down for a change. 

After an hour of fumbling through things inside the room, I accidentally found a map so I decided to walk out for a bit.

But before that, I cooked some food if ever my roommate will arrive. I left a note at the refrigerator. Yes, they have refrigerator and it was freaking full of foods.

As soon as I stepped out of the room, a large hallway greeted me, girls walking around as they chatted with their friends. I can't help but to pout as I stare at them enviously.

"I'm right. It's the girls' dormitory." I mumbled as I saw a huge sign outside the building. I started walking away, my eyes darted on the map in my hands.

I decided to go straight at the library. Since I'm very new in here, I decided to know more about this world and the academy. 

My mouth flung open as I stepped inside. The smell of books welcomes me as huge shelves stand still. There were no students around, making it more serene as the faint ray of sunset lightens up the place.

I decided to walked around and get every history books they have. I got ten and started reading on a corner, beside a large window with the emblem of Claw.

 The pages made a crisp sound as I flipped through them. 

 Welcome to Claw. 

 About 50 years ago, the Claw decided to put a halt in the bloodshed this world has seen. We never want to partake in such a horrendous event, but circumstances has forced us to do something beyond our will. 

 Nevertheless, we vowed to correct the mistakes of the past, do what is right, and revert everything back to what it was. 

 We pledged unity. 

 And thus, the Claw will accept every creature who wants to dwell with us, in exchange of their vows to uphold peace. 

 We are the werewolves of this time, seen as ruthless by others, but the truth is we just want harmony to prevail. 

 No matter who you are, what color and power you hold,our arms are open. 

 -Arthur Lake 

 "Lake?" I mumbled, my forehead forming into a crease. 

 Is he somehow related to my CEO? 

 But what's more important is the fact that Claw used to be the home for werewolves. I heard Sir Lake was the last Alpha remaining. 

 Does that mean their kind is in the brink of extinction? 

 Why though? 

They seem like powerful beings. 

 In the stillness of the mahogany chamber I was in, an idea struck in my mind. 

 Does the depletion of their kind somehow related to that shapeshifter I fought with? 

 I felt shivers ran down my spine. 

 If it is, I might have really dug my own grave. Now I get it why Laurent is so concerned. 

 I brushed off my thoughts and went scanning other books. 

 But before I did, I look on my surroundings. There are a few students who were reading just like me. They are also wearing casual clothes for the meantime. 

 No way, I'm going to stay here alone. Who knows ghosts or that shapeshifter might popped out here? 

 I sighed out of relief and went back reading. 

 "The History of our World," I read the title written in the ash gray book cover. 

 This is the World of Tempest. 

 It is once a dark turbulent, stormy continent everyone might see. 

 But in the stillness of the dark is where we are created. 

 Guardians, Werewolves, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Wizards, Alchemists, and Chambers. These are what the Tempest is comprised of. 

 The whole continent of Tempest was divided into seven regions, each kind has their own territories. 

Guardians and Chambers - Region of Order, Center of Tempest

Shapeshifters - Morph Region of the North

Fairies - Wings Region of the South

Vampires - Gore Region of the West

Werewolves - Claw Region of the East

Alchemists - Alchemy Region of the Northwest

Wizards - Wizardry Region of the Southeast

The large oceans of Cordelia and Kairi remains majestic in the Southwest and Northeast respectively.

This is the world of Tempest. 

It was almost dark when I finished reading. The dimly lit fire dance elegantly as the candelabra rests in the wide table. I stretched my arms and yawn, all the information tiring my brain cells at once.

"Done reading?"

I almost scream when I heard someone. Good thing I didn't fell on my chair or I could've put myself in utter humiliation in front of a beautiful man.

Mother of cow, he's hot.

Sitting across me is a man with jet-black hair reaching up onto his shoulders. He was wearing a relaxed white blouse and a black slim pants. He had his top tucked in, accentuating his tiny waist.

"Pardon? May I know you?" I asked, trying hard to sound like a noble woman. This doesn't really suits me.

He put his elbow on the table, his chin resting on his open palm as he stared at me. He was sitting across me and I have no idea how long he was sitting there.

His eyes glimmered in the dark as he smiled. "I'm the librarian, Kieran Hunt."

"What?" My eyebrows furrowed. "I thought librarians are supposed to be old and knowledgeable?" I whispered at myself.

That's what I saw in every fantasy movies I've watched. I didn't recall any having sexy hot guys like him.

He let out a soft chuckle.

Mother of cow, even his voice laugh sounds sexy.

"I'm pretty old myself," He muttered and started carrying the books I've used. I quickly stood up and helped him put the books back in place. "You know I was supposed to close the library awhile ago but you look too invested I decided to wait until you're done."

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" I took a peek on the other side of the shelf where he is in. His sparkling blue eyes smiled at me.

"Don't be. I like it when someone's reading passionately."

Does that means he likes me?

I quickly stopped myself from smiling like an idiot. 

Get a grip, Harper! Remember what a handsome guy named Laurent did to you!

"Oh, I should get going now," I mumbled as soon as we reunited. He's really tall.

"Let's walk together shall we?" His dashing features made my cheeks burn red as he leaned on me.

This guy is dangerous! He's too flirty!

We walked together the moment he finished locking up the big doors of the library. The moon shone brightly as the cold wind brushed on my skin, the swaying of leaves whistling calmly. Since the night was still young, there were still some students walking around.

I have to stop myself from smiling as we walked together side by side. 

Mother of cow, will I really get a boyfriend this time?

"Do you live in the boys' dormitory?" I asked. But as soon as I said that, I flinched immediately when I felt his warm hands on my shoulder.

"It's pretty cold." He said and put a warm blanket on my shoulder.

"Thanks." I couldn't hide my grin.

"By the way, since I noticed that you've been reading about history, I want to recommend this book." He handed me a book which was entitled Kairi.

"Oh, thank yo-"

"Harper!"

I turned my head only to find Levy running her way towards me.

"We're roommates!" She blurted out and hugged me tightly, suffocating me to death.

"Where did you go? I've been waiting for you!"

"Oh, I was in the library and then Kieran here offered to walke-"

I turned my head but found nothing behind me.

Kieran Hunt vanished.

***

First day of classes had begun.

"Harp, be confident!" Levy whispered as we walk in the hallway, her arms clinging onto me.

"It's not like that...It's just this suit..." I can't help but pout. I am the only one wearing a freaking white suit!

"Hey, it makes you more special!" We went to the second floor and bid our goodbyes. It's a little sad that we are not in the same class.

You know, the school's system is really far from what I've been introduced to. In Claw Academy, each class only has six students in total, one for each kind. That's why my heart can't stop beating excitedly. Just thinking of having a class with diverse kinds of people is really interesting! I hope I'll be friends with everyone.

Though it's still a mystery to me as to where Kieran Hunt could have gone, it's a good thing that I decided to read stuff yesterday. I learned more about the levels they had here. 

Tier 1 - Ages 18 to 20

Tier 2 - Ages 20 to 22

Tier 3 - Ages 22 to 24

That explains why I'm in Tier 3 since I'm 22.

I also learned about the assigned color of suits for each creature.

Chambers - White

Werewolves - Dark Blue

Wizards - Dark Violet

Alchemists - Dark Brown

Fairies - Dark Green

Shapeshifters - Black

Levy looked at me with a frown face. "Tsk, should I just threaten Sir Vein and force him to put us in a class together?"

I immediately burst into laughter. I think Levy is obsessed with me right now. This is why it's so hard to be charming.

"Don't be down. We're already roommates. I'm sure the time will come when you'll get tired of this face."

But she only leaned on me and smirked. "I won't get tired. You're too pretty, baby." She winked at me.

I was about to say a word when someone got in between.

"Classes are about to start, ladies." It's Levi. He grabbed my arm and started dragging me towards our room. "Don't get too close to her. She's dangerous."

"Someone caught jellyfish!" I heard Levy screaming as she walked away.

Mother of cow. I couldn't help but stare in awe as I saw our classroom. The walls were of cream color with intricate designs carved on each wall. There were large windows with the emblem of Claw, giving a faint ray of sunshine that brightens up the room. Three chandeliers are hanging above and there are six long tables.

I immediately frowned upon realizing the fact that I can't cheat easily.

"Move aside." A deep voice came from behind.

Mother of cow! Don't tell me I'm inside a class with my CEO?!

My hands immediately went cold when I turned over, only to find Sir Lake wearing a uniform, his suit is dark blue. He's really oozing with Mr. popular vibes. He's dashing.

"Oh, sorry." I immediately moved aside but then Levi grabbed me by the wrist again.

"Sit." He dragged me to the last row and pulled the chair beside the window.

"Oh, thank you." I was about to go near the chair when he quickly sat on it.

"This is my seat. You can go there." He pouted, pointing to the seat next to him. I immediately scoff when I saw a sly smirk on his face. "What?" He innocently muttered, putting his legs on top of the table.

This guy! One day I'm going to strangle him with my chains.

I slowly trudged towards the seat next to him while cursing at him all over my head. I hope he fell on his seat. Just you wait Levi, I won't let you copy my homework ever.

"Hey, Flynn!" I called. He was too behave I just noticed now that he was seating in front of me. His green eyes gazed at me as he turned over. His suit is dark violet.

"Oh, hi Harper!" He waved at me with a genuine smile.

I guess he's the only normal friend I've got.

I looked wearily around before whispering something. "Please let me copy when there are quizzes! I'll treat you in exchange." You know, bribes can solve anything.

He chuckled. "I'm not sure about that."

"Good morning, Class A!"

Our conversation was interrupted when the professor came in. He was carrying a thick large book and made his way towards the table in front. He had round eyeglasses on and a perfectly trimmed mustache.

I noticed Sir Lake sitting on the front seat, his chin resting on his open palm.

This is really awkward. What in the world should I call him?! Sir? CEO? By his given name?

Just the thought of calling him by his first name was giving me the chills. I hope we don't have many interactions. Talk about total awkwardness.

"Since there are only six of you, let's skip the introductions. Besides, I already familiarized myself with your names." He snapped his fingers and a transparent fishbowl appeared. I noticed names are written on the inside. "Let's have the ladies pick their partners first."

Partners? What does he mean by that?

"You'll have to work closely with your partners for the whole academic year. The six of you will only team up when there are grand battles or tournaments."

Please team me with someone except for my CEO!

"Let's have the ladies pick their partners first. The remaining two will obviously be a pair." The professor explained. "Miss Adriana, would you please step forward?"

The girl sitting next to Sir Lake stood up. She's wearing a dark green suit, a fairy. Her ears are pointed and her hair is a flowy mix of green and brown. I couldn't help but gape the moment she turned and faced us.

Mother of cow. Her looks are ethereal.

She had tan skin which perfectly compliment her yellow eyes. She went in front with a shy look on her face. "Uhm, I hope we could all get along!" She bowed to us and then put her hand inside the fishbowl with a nervous face. How cute!

"I-it says Grave." She mumbled upon opening the piece of paper.

"Well then," The professor clap. "Please sit next to Miss Adriana, Mister Yard."

Yard?

"Graveyard?!" My eyes went bigger when I connected his given name and family name. I quickly shut my mouth when I noticed I said it out loud. Now everyone was looking in my direction thanks to my mouth.

"Pft!" I heard Levi suppressing his laughter as he stared at me amusingly.

"Do you have a problem, Miss Williams?"

"No, I'm very sorry."

Out of all names out there, why would he be named graveyard?!

Since it was already my turn I quickly went in front. I swallowed hard as my hands tremble upon touching a certain piece of paper.

Please tell me it's not my CEO.

Heaving a sigh, I slowly opened the piece of paper.

But my whole world crumble as I saw the words written. Maybe it was karma for insulting Grave's name.

"Killian..."