(Amaia)
The hall in which we have gathered for the welcome feast and orientation is nothing but grand. Magic swirls in every corner from the illuminated white orbs to colour-shifting windows, like watching a kaleidoscope.
The high ceiling has the constellations drawn on it and the effect created makes them appear to be slowly moving.
The high stage at the end has a table for the staff.
The three long tables with chairs divide the pupils into different guilds.
The Guild Serpen has the colours yellow and green. While the Guild Pegasus has white and blue.
The one with the red and black cloth table and the same coloured uniform peeps sitting on it is Guild Leo.
"Come." Kacir guides me forward. A tall boy with dreadlocks and smooth olive skin gets up and welcomes us with a charming smile.
"Hey! There. I am Chastin Hase. The captain of Guild Leo. On behalf of every member, I would like to welcome you to the greatest guild that ever was," he speaks smoothly, his eyes sparkle with intelligence as he offers me his hand.
I politely shake it. "Thank you for welcoming us, Chastin. I am Amaia."
"It's a pleasure to have you with us, Amaia." He guides me forward and we take the seats with the rest of the members of Guild Leo.
Polite hellos and handshakes follow as we introduce ourselves and others do the same. There are about 7 other members apart from me and Kacir. It seems like last year more recruits were selected than this year.
I glance at the table where white and gold marble cutlery has been set up for dinner. Forks, spoons and knives have been arranged in order with plates, but there is no food yet.
Rahria and the twins haven't arrived yet.
We don't have to wait long. When the three of them enter the hall, my breath hitches in my chest.
So handsome and stylish they appear in leather uniforms with red cloaks that rest on their shoulders. Both of them have tied their hair on the top of their heads, creating perfect manbuns.
Alnitak appears serious, his eyes roam and land on me. I offer him an automatic smile and expect him to do the same. But his lips remain tightly sealed and he averts his gaze as if he doesn't even know me.
The simple act cuts deep, like being stabbed with a whetted dagger. I gulp and look away, maybe he is in a bad mood.
Mintaka is in deep talks with Rahria. They seem to be arguing over something as they settle down at the edge of the table, along with some seniors.
Kacir averts his gaze beside me and looks up at the main table. I follow his gaze and observe that the staff table has filled up.
A man who appears to be in his early forties, with a square jaw and shoulder-length black hair, has taken the centre seat. The authority oozes out of him as he tilts his head slightly and speaks to the person sitting next to him. His elbow rests on the table, and his bent hand rests under his chin. But it's the eyes that have me transfixed, so icy blue with gold rings around his irises.
"Who is he?" I find myself asking Kacir.
"That's the headmaster of the Orion Academy, Azian Fallon. He was away on some mission, just returned," Kacir quietly answers. The stubble on his cheeks and chin shows he hasn't shaved in days.
Headmaster Azian Fallon turns his head and stares directly at us.
Overwhelming and heavy, his gaze seems to pierce through all defences one has built up and peer down into the soul. I can only imagine what heavy magic he must possess to have such a kind of effect on me.
And then my attention is snatched away when Alnilam climbs the stage and settles in the seat right next to the headmaster.
A permanent sulk and wrinkles remain on this man's face and forehead, and I wonder if he has ever smiled.
The headmaster Fallon stands up and raises his hands. The hum and chatter in the hall dies down, and silence falls over.
Every eye is turned to watch him. The man demands attention without asking for it. Even after travelling his black and silver costume is impeccably clean.
"Welcome new recruits to The Orion Academy," his heavy voice booms and claps follow. "Another year and we have been blessed with 15 new recruits. It's my greatest honour to announce that we welcome three human recruits as per quota."
More claps follow and I feel my face heating up. Only if they knew who I really was.
"Hazel Aines, Zhou Chan and Amaia Zhāng." A girl from Pegasus and a boy from Serpens wave enthusiastically while I politely smile.
"At Orion Academy, we believe in equality. Be it humans, shifters, witches, wizards or hybrids. We strive to work together and work diligently to make our world a safe place. We are still recovering from the apocalypse that hit us and only through dedication and restraint on our magic can we prevent another similar tragedy from happening."
Nods of approval and whispers of yes follow as he further explains.
"Let me remind you that following rules is taken seriously at the Orion Academy. Listening to your appointed Guildmasters and instructors is mandatory. Anyone found in contempt or breaking the rules will be severely punished and given a strike. After three strikes the rule breaker will be expelled from the institute."
More silent nods follow.
"Your training will commence from tomorrow. Schedules will be available with your Guild Captain and Guildmasters," he pauses, his sharp eyes seem to take everyone in.
"At the end of the year, the student who will do exceptionally well will be awarded the famous White uniform. So strive to do your best and let the feast begin." He waves his hand, and suddenly the tense mood in the hall evaporates, replaced by a happy, giddy feeling.
He sits down and instantly engages in another private conversation with Alnilam, but his gaze lingers on me again.
The food is carted in on huge carts by uniformed staff, and soon the hall is filled with the aroma of the most delicious-looking food I have ever seen in my life.
"Who is our Guildmaster?" I curiously ask Kacir, since he seems to know a lot more about the academy than I do.
"Alnilam," he quietly answers, making dread fall over me.