Chapter 3

The morning I left, the house was buzzing — but not for me.

Celeste was preparing for her Ascension Ball, the most important social event for a pureblood coming of age. Mother was personally adjusting the lace on Celeste's gown, tucking stray curls behind her ear, murmuring about how stunning she looked.

Father was on the phone arranging VIP guests.

No one noticed me carrying my single bag down the staircase.

I paused at the bottom step. Not because I wanted to be seen — I had stopped wanting that. But because the scene before me was identical to one from my previous life, and the memory hit harder than I expected.

In my last life, I had stood in this exact spot, watching Mother fuss over Celeste's Ascension gown, and I had asked quietly, "Will there be an Ascension Ball for me too?"

Mother hadn't even looked up. "Halfbloods don't ascend, Sera. You know that."

Celeste had smiled sweetly. "Don't worry, sis. You can help me get ready. It'll be almost like it's your celebration too."

I had spent the entire night helping her. Fixing her hair. Fetching her drinks. Standing in the corner while she danced with Viktor, watching the man I loved hold my sister like she was made of moonlight.

This time, I didn't stop. I walked straight to the front door.

"Sera?" Mother's voice caught me at the threshold. She was standing in the hallway, a box of Celeste's jewelry in her hands. "You're really leaving? Today?"

"My flight is in two hours."

She hesitated. Something flickered across her face — guilt, maybe, or just discomfort. "The Northern Territories are dangerous for vampires. The wolves don't — they won't be kind to someone with our blood."

"I'm only half vampire, remember? Maybe the wolf half will keep me alive."

She flinched.

For a moment, I thought she might say something real. Something that mattered. But then Celeste called from upstairs — "Mom, I can't find the ruby earrings!" — and just like that, Mother turned away.

"Be safe," she murmured over her shoulder, already walking back to Celeste.

I stepped outside into the gray morning light.

The driver Father had arranged for Celeste's ball preparations was parked in the driveway. No one had arranged a car for me. I hadn't expected them to.

I walked to the bus station three blocks away, sat on a cold metal bench, and waited.

My phone buzzed. A text from Viktor:

*"Last chance to change your mind. Once I tell my father the engagement is off, there's no going back."*

I typed back: *"Tell him."*

Three dots appeared, then disappeared. Then appeared again.

Finally: *"You've lost your mind."*

I almost laughed. For the first time in two lifetimes, I had actually found it.

The bus arrived. I boarded, chose a window seat, and watched the Bloodstone Coven's glittering skyline shrink behind me.

I didn't cry. I didn't look back.

Somewhere in the Northern Territories, a life that was truly mine was waiting. And I intended to claim it.

On the bus, my phone rang one more time. An unknown number. I almost ignored it, but something made me answer.

"Is this Seraphina Ashworth?" A deep, formal voice.

"Yes."

"This is the Office of Admissions at Ironveil Academy. We're calling to confirm your enrollment and to inform you that due to your... unique heritage, you've been flagged for a special evaluation upon arrival."

My grip tightened on the phone. "What kind of evaluation?"

"Standard combat assessment. All incoming students undergo one. However, given that you'll be the first vampire-blooded student in Ironveil's history, the evaluation will be conducted personally."

"By whom?"

A pause. Then: