Artemis followed the stream of students through the towering gates of the academy, her heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. The entrance pathway was lined with glowing lanterns, their soft golden light casting a warm glow against the grand marble structures surrounding them. Beyond the towering statues of ancient Greek gods stood the academy itself—an architectural marvel that combined classical elegance with an ethereal touch. The towering columns and massive archways shimmered faintly as if woven with strands of divine energy.


    Mt. Olympus Academy was more than just a school—it was a realm unto itself, a breathtaking fusion of history and mysticism. Vast courtyards stretched between grand halls, each pathway lined with silver-threaded ivy that pulsed faintly in the evening light. The air carried the faint scent of ambrosia and wildflowers, as if the very land recognized the presence of those destined for greatness. Floating orbs of light danced above the pathways, illuminating the intricate mosaics embedded in the marble floors, each depicting legendary tales of gods and heroes.


    “Stick close,” Lydia murmured as they stepped onto the pristine courtyard, where students milled about, whispering excitedly to one another. “They say it’s easy to get lost on your first day.”


    Cyrus grinned. “That’s part of the fun, isn’t it?”


    Before Artemis could respond, Vice Headmistress Clarke’s silvery voice rang through the air, effortlessly commanding the attention of the students. “Welcome, first-years. You stand at the threshold of your new home, a place where you will grow, learn, and embrace the power within you.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she surveyed the crowd. “Here at Mt. Olympus Academy, we do not merely teach—we prepare you to step into your destiny.”


    As she spoke, the massive double doors of the main hall opened on their own, the creaking sound echoing through the courtyard. Artemis’s stomach twisted as she realized she was truly stepping into an entirely new world.


    “You will now be assigned your dormitories,” Ms. Clarke continued, gesturing toward two figures who stepped forward. “Mr. Elio and Ms. Lucine, your dormitory managers, will escort you.”


    The first, Mr. Elio, was a tall, lightly sun-tanned man with neck-length, slightly spiky yellow-orange hair. His fiery reddish-orange eyes gleamed with a warmth that mimicked the very essence of the sun. Dressed in relaxed, slightly unbuttoned attire, he exuded an easy-going confidence, his smirk making it clear he was the more laid-back of the two.


    Beside him stood Ms. Lucine, a stark contrast to her counterpart. A thin woman with very pale skin, she carried herself with an air of refined discipline. Her long, silvery-white hair cascaded down her back, and her narrow purplish eyes observed the students with a cool, assessing gaze. Her crisp, high-collared attire only reinforced the notion that she was the stricter of the two.


    Mr. Elio clapped his hands together. “Alright, guys, listen up! If you’re heading to Eagle Dorm, follow me. That means you, gentlemen. We’ve got the best view in the academy and the comfiest beds—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”


    Ms. Lucine cleared her throat sharply before addressing the girls with a measured tone. “Ladies, you will follow me to Peacock Dorm. Our dorm values elegance, intellect, and discipline. I expect you to uphold these values at all times.”


    Cyrus shot Artemis a look. “Guess this is where we part ways for now,” he said with a grin. “Try not to let the peacocks ruffle your feathers.”


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Artemis rolled her eyes but smirked. “Enjoy your ‘best view’ in the academy.”


    Following Ms. Lucine, the girls made their way through a velvet-covered walkway lined with ivy-covered columns before arriving at an elegant, towering building. The Peacock Dorm was stunning, its exterior adorned with intricate carvings of peacock feathers and gemstone-like accents that shimmered under the evening light. The entrance doors were a rich, polished wood, their handles shaped like curling feathers.


    Students gathered in clusters just inside the entrance, some chatting excitedly while others peered at a large board set up in the grand common area. Artemis and Lydia pushed through the crowd to get a closer look.


    “Suite 7B,” Artemis murmured, spotting her name alongside Lydia Swan and another unfamiliar name—Kayla Liu.


    Lydia let out a relieved sigh. “Well, at least we’re still together.”


    Before they could move away, a sharp voice cut through the din.


    “This must be a mistake!”


    Artemis turned just in time to see two girls standing face to face, their tension palpable. One, a tall brunette with piercing green eyes, clenched her fists at her sides. The other, a shorter girl with auburn curls, had her arms crossed in defiance.


    “I was supposed to be in a suite with Delia,” the brunette snapped. “This makes no sense!”


    “Maybe they thought you needed to branch out,” the auburn-haired girl shot back, her tone saccharine. “Or maybe Delia specifically requested not to be with you.”


    Gasps rippled through the nearby students. The brunette’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, Artemis thought she might actually lunge at the other girl. But before anything could escalate further, Ms. Lucine’s sharp voice sliced through the air.


    “Is there a problem?”


    Both girls stiffened. The brunette inhaled sharply and forced a tight smile. “No, ma’am. No problem at all.”


    “Good.” Ms. Lucine’s gaze lingered on them for a moment before she turned away. The tension remained, but the argument had been effectively cut short.


    Artemis exchanged a glance with Lydia. “Well, that was dramatic.”


    “Welcome to Peacock Dorm,” Lydia whispered with a smirk.


    They made their way up the grand staircase, passing more students who were already making themselves at home. Their suite was a spacious set of three private rooms connected by a cozy common area, furnished with a sofa, bookshelf, and a small dining table. A large window overlooked a tranquil garden filled with softly glowing flowers.


    Sitting in an armchair near the window was a girl Artemis hadn’t met before. She was quiet, her posture poised yet relaxed, as if she had been expecting them. Her long, tightly curled hair was swept towards the left side of her face, accentuating her striking dove-grey eyes that seemed to hold a depth of wisdom beyond her years. Her features carried a unique blend of African American and Asian heritage, evident in the rich warmth of her skin and the graceful angles of her face. There was something undeniably commanding about her presence, despite her silence.


    Kayla stood and offered a brief nod. “You must be Artemis and Lydia.”


    Lydia smiled. “That’s us. And you must be Kayla?”


    Kayla nodded again, her expression obscure. “Yes.”


    Artemis studied her for a moment before setting her bag down. “Nice to meet you.”


    Kayla’s gaze lingered on Artemis briefly before she responded, “Likewise.”


    There was an air of quiet observation about Kayla, as if she were constantly analyzing everything around her. Artemis had the distinct feeling that their suite-mate wasn’t one for unnecessary conversation, but there was a confidence in her demeanor that suggested she was more than just reserved—she was someone with knowledge beyond what most first-years could claim.


    Lydia flopped onto the couch with a sigh. “Well, this will be interesting.”


    Kayla merely gave a small  smile before returning to her seat by the window, her eyes drifting to the world outside.