The towering iron gates of Silverwood Academy creaked open, and Ishani stepped onto the cobblestone path leading to the main building. The campus was breathtaking—an opulent blend of Gothic architecture and pristine lawns—but the atmosphere was anything but welcoming. The air felt heavy, and the faint whispers of students passing by only deepened the unease settling in her chest. Silverwood had a dark aura, one that seemed to follow her every step, as if the shadows themselves were alive.
Ishani clutched her bag tighter and pushed open the door to the principal’s office. Behind an ornate mahogany desk sat Principal Thakur, a stern yet composed man whose sharp gaze seemed to assess her in mere seconds.
“Miss Ishani,” he said, gesturing for her to sit. “Welcome to Silverwood Academy. I trust you’ll adhere to our standards. Here at Silverwood, we value discipline, excellence, and discretion.”
He slid a copy of the student handbook across the desk. “Inside, you’ll find the rules. You’d do well to familiarize yourself with them. For now, I’ve arranged for Rajveer, one of our student heads, to assist you in settling in. He’ll show you around and answer any questions.”
“Thank you, sir,” Ishani replied, her voice steady despite the gnawing unease.
Moments later, she met Rajveer outside the office. His warm smile and approachable demeanor were a stark contrast to the coldness she’d felt since arriving. “Ishani, right? I’m Rajveer,” he said, extending his hand. “Let’s get started with the tour.”
As they walked through the campus, Rajveer’s tone became more serious. “Silverwood isn’t like other colleges,” he said quietly. “The rules here aren’t just in that handbook—they’re unwritten, passed down through traditions and… other things.”
“Other things?” Ishani asked, frowning slightly.
Rajveer hesitated. “You’ll figure it out soon enough,” he replied, his voice guarded. “You’ll hear about The Ivory Circle soon, if you haven’t already. They’re—well, let’s just say they’re the ones who set the tone around here. Best to stay out of their way.”
Ishani nodded, though her curiosity was piqued. As Rajveer guided her through the library, the dormitories, and the grand courtyard, she noticed how students moved with an unspoken awareness—eyes darting away at the mention of certain names, voices lowering to murmurs.
Finally, they arrived at the canteen. The bustling chatter and clinking of cutlery filled the air as students gathered at their designated tables. Ishani observed the structured social groups, the divisions clearly marked by wealth, confidence, and alliances.
“This is where you’ll probably feel the pulse of the campus the most,” Rajveer said. “Everyone eats here, but where you sit says a lot about you. Just find a spot and—”
His words were cut short as the background noise dropped to a hush. Ishani glanced around, feeling the shift in atmosphere. It was as though a storm had entered the room—silent, yet commanding. The doors to the canteen opened, and The Ivory Circle stepped inside.
The six of them moved like they owned the space, their presence magnetic and unsettling. Aarav, at the helm, exuded authority with every step, his sharp gaze scanning the room like a predator surveying his territory. Ishani couldn’t help but stare, her curiosity overpowering her caution. Devika and Maya whispered to each other, their laughter soft but purposeful. Karan walked silently, his unreadable expression adding to the group’s mystique.
As Aarav’s gaze swept over the canteen, it landed on Ishani. Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, the world around her seemed to fade. His piercing stare was as much a challenge as it was a command, leaving Ishani frozen in place.
Rajveer tugged at her sleeve, breaking the spell. “Come on,” he whispered. “Let’s go.”
But as Ishani followed him, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her first day at Silverwood was only the beginning of something far bigger—and far darker—than she had imagined.
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