Campus
The morning sun bathed the campus in golden light as Alexa stepped out of her sleek black car, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder. The familiar hum of students chatting, footsteps echoing against the pavement, and the occasional rev of a motorcycle filled the air.
As the Black siblings walked through the campus, their presence naturally turned heads. It wasn't just because of their sharp uniforms or their commanding demeanor—it was their name.
The Black family was well-known, not just in business circles but even among students whose families had dealings with their enterprises.
Their father, Kian Black, was the president of a rapidly expanding shipping line, one that played a crucial role in the global food trade. Meanwhile, their mother, Helena, had made a name for herself in the advertising industry—a field she had unintentionally stepped into. When she first arrived on Earth, Kian had saved her, and soon after, she was scouted by the fashion industry.
Her past as a model gave her a unique advantage in branding and marketing, turning their advertising sector into another powerful branch of the Black family empire.
Because of this, the Black siblings weren't just seen as influential figures in the underworld—they were also part of a business empire that reached across industries. Their reputation preceded them wherever they went, and at university, that influence was evident
"Morning, Alexa," a voice called out.
She turned to see Brent approaching, dressed casually but still carrying the air of someone who knew exactly how to command attention. Around others, Brent exuded a confident yet sharp presence, always assessing situations with ease. But the moment he was around the Black siblings, something shifted. He wasn't just the Vilagio heir—he became the ever-watchful, slightly overbearing older brother figure. And of all of them, he was the closest to Alexa.
"You look like you didn't get much sleep," he remarked, his sharp gaze scanning her face with a quiet concern that most wouldn't notice.
"Observant as always," Alexa replied with a smirk. "Had a long night."
Brent gave her a knowing look but didn't push for details. Instead, he casually draped an arm over her shoulder, an action so familiar it had long since lost its ability to annoy her. "You heading to class or dealing with something else first?"
Alexa exhaled, rolling her shoulders slightly. "Class, for now. But knowing our luck, something will come up before the day even starts."
"Wouldn't be a normal day if it didn't," Brent chuckled.
Before Alexa could reply, a smooth yet distant voice cut in. "You two are too loud in the morning."
Xanthine had arrived, her delicate doll-like features unreadable as she adjusted the sleeves of her crisp blazer. Unlike Alexa, she had an air of effortless grace that masked the sharp mind underneath. Her presence alone quieted some of the murmurs around them.
Brent grinned as he turned to her. "Good morning to you too, princess." His tone was teasing, but the way he instinctively straightened a bit around her was telling.
Xanthine merely gave a small, knowing smile before shifting her gaze toward Alexa. "I assume you're already aware that something feels off?" she asked in a near-whisper, her fingers lightly adjusting the strap of her bag.
Alexa sighed. "Of course I do.""Then let's hope it's nothing too troublesome," Xanthine replied, her tone carrying a quiet certainty.
Right on cue, another voice joined them. "If you guys are discussing trouble, let me guess—Nee-san's already at the center of it?"
Xander strolled up, his ever-calm, slightly detached expression in place as he adjusted the settings on the custom smartwatch he had designed himself. Unlike the rest, he preferred to stay in the background, but that never meant he wasn't paying attention. He had a knack for knowing things before they even became a problem.
Brent smirked. "You wound me, Xander. This time, I'm just checking in like the responsible older cousin that I am."
Xander raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his silence filled with skepticism.Alexa rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile playing at her lips. "Can we focus? We're already drawing too much attention."
Xanthine sighed. "That's inevitable with you here, Nee*san."
Brent chuckled and ruffled Alexa's hair before draping an arm around both her and Xanthine in a loose, easy grip. "Guess that means we should get moving before someone actually works up the courage to approach us."
As they walked toward their destination, a familiar presence nagged at the back of Alexa's mind—something out of place yet not immediately dangerous. Her instincts flared, but she kept her composure, subtly scanning the crowd.
Vleid's words from the night before echoed in her mind.
"It's only a matter of time before you see for yourself."
Shaking off the thought, she pressed forward. The day had just begun, and she had a feeling it wouldn't be an ordinary one-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lecture Hall
Alexa sat at her usual spot near the window in their business class lecture hall, idly twirling a pen between her fingers. The warm late morning sunlight filtered through the glass, casting streaks across her neatly organized notes. Around her, students were engaged in casual chatter about upcoming assignments, networking events, and weekend plans—just regular university life.
Brent Vilagio made his way toward her, intending to invite her out for lunch. As the son of Kian Black's sister and a key figure in their family's business dealings, Brent was someone who understood Alexa better than most. Just before he reached her, he overheard a familiar voice.
"Hey, Alexa," Natalie, a bright and sociable classmate, leaned over with a grin. "You coming to the event this weekend? They've got a live orchestra playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons—figured you'd be interested since I always catch you listening to classical music."
Before Alexa could respond, Devin, a persistent and nosy classmate, smirked from a few rows back. "I doubt she can. Alexa's always busy with something secretive. What do you even do after class, Alexa?"
For a split second, Alexa's eyebrows twitched, but she quickly smoothed her expression into an easygoing smile. "Oh, you know, just family matters. Nothing too exciting. "Devin raised an eyebrow. "You're always vague about that. What kind of family matters?"
Before Alexa had to formulate a response, Angelica Vilagio, Alexa's cousin and Brent's younger sister, spoke up with a polite but firm smile. As someone who had grown up balancing business and social circles, Angelica had perfected the art of redirecting conversations. "Devin, it's really not that deep. People have different priorities—Lexi's just handling hers."
Devin frowned. "That's still not an answer."
Jay Wardene York, the son of Mr. York, the head of security for the Black family, dramatically shut his laptop. "Sweetheart, are you crafting a dissertation on her every move? Because at this rate, I expect a thesis defense with visual aids. Or," he leaned in with a playful smirk, "should I just tell you what I do instead?" Jay teased, his voice dripping with flirtation.
Laughter rippled through the room, and even Devin cracked a grin. "Relax, Jay, I'm just curious about her and not you—though I know you'd love the attention."
Jackelyn Campbell, the youngest in her family's agricultural business, chuckled, shaking her head. "Curiosity is fine, Devin, but don't push your luck. Some things are personal."
Stephanie Rouge, the eldest daughter of the prestigious Rouge hospitality family, leaned back in her chair with her signature unimpressed expression. "Are we really still talking about this? Just drop it already."
Brent finally reached Alexa's seat and tapped her shoulder before leaning down to murmur, "You're slipping. Maybe you should go with them sometime. Play the role."
She exhaled slowly and gave him a sideways glance. "I'm fine."
Across the room, Kiera—one of the few who actually knew the truth—caught Alexa's eye and gave a small nod, a silent reassurance that she had her back.
Devin finally threw up his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine, you all win."
As the conversation shifted, Alexa allowed herself a small smile. Her friends had her back—even if they didn't realize what they were really protecting her from. And in a world where curiosity could be dangerous, their unwitting support was enough.
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Lunch Break
The campus café was buzzing with students grabbing a quick bite between classes. Alexa, Brent, Jackelyn, Angelica, Stephanie, and Jay settled into their usual corner table, a mix of coffee cups and sandwiches spread between them.
As they ate, Jay casually leaned back in his chair, stirring his iced coffee with his straw before looking at Alexa. "So," he started, his tone light but laced with curiosity, "caught wind of what happened last night? About that gift? Dad told me."
Alexa's grip on her fork stilled for a brief second before she resumed eating. She cast him a sideways glance, her expression unreadable. Jay's father was the head of security—if he knew, it meant her father had spoken to him.
Before she could answer, Stephanie sighed, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her coffee cup. "And my mom just randomly said this morning that we have to be careful of who we interact with. She didn't say why, but I could tell she was serious."
Jackelyn raised an eyebrow, resting her chin on her hand. "Wait, hold on. What 'gift' are we talking about?"
Angelica, Alexa's cousin and Brent's sister, leaned in slightly. "Yeah, is something going on?" Alexa set her fork down, choosing her words carefully. "Just some family matters," she said smoothly, the same vague answer she always used. "Nothing to be concerned about."
Jay exhaled dramatically, crossing his arms. "Uh-huh. And here I thought we were past the corporate secrets phase of our friendship."
Brent, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "If her dad said something to yours, Jay, then it's obviously not something we should discuss over lunch."
That was enough to make Jay drop the subject—for now. But the lingering tension in the air was clear. Whatever their families were involved in, something was shifting. It wasn't every day that Stephanie's mother gave her a serious warning. And Jay, despite knowing it was a sensitive topic, had still asked—because he wanted to be sure they were all safe.
Jackelyn, the youngest in her family, frowned slightly. "Great, now I'm gonna be suspicious of every random person who talks to us." Angelica, ever the level-headed one, nudged her. "You should be suspicious regardless. That's just common sense in business."
Alexa let out a soft chuckle, though the weight of the conversation hadn't left her mind. If even Stephanie's mother had caught wind of something, then this wasn't just another routine warning.
Brent nudged her foot under the table, a subtle reminder that he was watching her closely. She met his gaze briefly before turning back to the group. "Let's not overthink it. Whatever it is, I'm sure it'll pass." But deep down, she wasn't so sure.
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Chauffer
As the final bell rang, Alexa stepped out of her lecture hall, exhaling sharply as she ran a hand through her hair. The warm amber glow of the late afternoon sun stretched across the university grounds, students chattering as they either rushed home or lingered in groups.
Xander approached from the Technology Development wing, smartwatch in hand, scrolling through data as he walked. Not far behind, Xanthine emerged from the Chemistry building, her movements composed and deliberate, as if she wasn't in a hurry to leave.
Brent was already waiting for them outside, leaning lazily against a bench. "Took you long enough," he teased as Alexa reached him. He stretched his arms overhead, slinging his bag over one shoulder. "So, where to now? You still have that thing you needed to check out?"
Before Alexa could answer, the low rumble of an engine reached her ears. Her brows furrowed as she turned toward the campus entrance.
A sleek black Jeep stood parked by the curb, its dark exterior standing out against the usual student vehicles. Leaning casually against the driver's side door, arms crossed and expression unreadable, was Vleid.
Alexa stopped in her tracks, a sigh already forming. "You've got to be kidding me."
Xander glanced up from his smartwatch, taking in the sight. "Looks like your escort has arrived," he remarked dryly.
Xanthine, always observant, flicked her gaze toward a second man standing off to the side—a Black Estate driver, waiting with calculated patience. "And it seems another was sent to retrieve the car you drove this morning."
Brent let out a low whistle, smirking. "Didn't think you'd have a personal chauffeur now, Lex. Fancy."
Before Alexa could snap at him, Angelica's voice rang out from behind. "Who's that, Lexie? New chauffeur sent by Uncle?"
Jackelyn nudged Stephanie, "Damn, he's got the whole 'mysterious and brooding' thing going. Where'd your dad even find him?"
Stephanie smirked. "And why does he look like he's two seconds away from ending someone?"
But it was Jay who stole the moment, dramatically clutching Angelica's arm as he practically vibrated with excitement. "That guy exudes masculinity, Lex—introduce me!" His eyes were glued to Vleid, admiration clear in his expression. "Serious, brooding, and built like that? He's got main character energy, and I need details."
Angelica rolled her eyes, prying Jay off her. "Pretty sure he's not your type."
Jay scoffed. "Oh, please, I make no distinctions when it comes to appreciating a fine specimen."
He turned to Alexa with exaggerated urgency. "Lex, for the love of aesthetics, at least tell me his name."
Alexa pinched the bridge of her nose. "Not happening."
Jackelyn snickered. "I dunno, Lex, sharing is caring."
Vleid, unfazed by the attention, simply opened the passenger door for Alexa without a word, waiting.
Jay pouted. "Tch. Cold, silent, and bossy? Ugh. He's even better."
Alexa ignored them, stepping forward until she stood in front of Vleid, mirroring his stance—arms crossed, unimpressed. "What are you doing here?"
Vleid's golden eyes met hers, steady and unreadable. "Your father's request," he replied simply. "Ensuring your safety."
Alexa scoffed. "I don't need a babysitter."
"It's not up for debate." Without another word, he reached for the passenger door and held it open. "Get in."
Brent clapped a hand on Alexa's shoulder, grinning. "You heard the man. Guess you're stuck with him."
Alexa shot him a glare before looking back at Vleid. He didn't waver; his posture relaxed yet firm—completely unfazed by her irritation. With a huff, she yanked the door open and slid into the seat.
Xanthine and Xander got into the back without a word, while the estate's driver smoothly retrieved the keys from Alexa and headed toward their morning car.
Brent leaned against the open window, smirking. "I'll be waiting for the full report on how this ride goes," he teased before stepping back. "See you tomorrow." Jay sighed wistfully as he watched the Jeep pull away. "If she doesn't want him, I'll take him."
Angelica swatted his arm. "You're hopeless."
Vleid didn't respond. He simply started the engine and pulled away from the curb, seamlessly merging into traffic.
As the Jeep rolled smoothly down the road, the steady hum of the engine filled the silence before Vleid spoke.
"From now on, I'll be dropping you off and picking you up from school," he stated, eyes fixed on the road. "After that, we'll head straight to the field to test your abilities. You need to start training to get used to your innate talents. Princess Helena will be the first to teach you how to sense mana."
Alexa, arms still crossed, turned her head to him with an unimpressed look. "If it's Mom, I'm sure it'll be a lot calmer than you being our instructor."
Vleid, ever unbothered, didn't react to the jab. He simply continued driving with precision, his expression unreadable. But something about the way his fingers flexed briefly over the steering wheel caught Alexa's attention.
She exhaled sharply, tilting her head slightly as she studied him. "You're just doing this because you were ordered, aren't you?"
Vleid's grip tightened imperceptibly. For a split second, his golden eyes flickered with something—surprise, maybe?—before his usual calm returned. "That's what you think?" Alexa huffed a dry laugh, turning back to the window. "It's what I know."
His jaw tensed, but he said nothing. He wasn't expecting her to pick up on that. He thought he was handling it well—remaining neutral, just following through with King and Queen's orders—but of course, Alexa saw through him. He quickly masked the lapse, shifting gears smoothly as if the conversation had no effect on him.
Then, as the silence stretched, Alexa suddenly smiled to herself, a small, amused curve of her lips forming before she could stop it.
Vleid caught the expression from the corner of his eye, his brows furrowing slightly. "What?"
"Nothing," she replied, but the amusement was still there.His eyes narrowed. "Say it."
Alexa leaned back, stretching her arms behind her head. "I was just remembering something."
Vleid didn't like the way she said that. "What."
Her smile widened just a fraction. "You were a lot fluffier as a wolf."
For the first time since the conversation started, Vleid's composed expression cracked ever so slightly. His grip on the wheel tightened as his brows twitched in irritation. "That's irrelevant."
"Mm. Is it?"
She didn't even have to look at him to know he was slightly pissed now.In the backseat, Xander smirked. "I think that's the first time I've seen him react."
Xanthine nodded slightly, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Interesting."
Vleid inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly through his nose as if mentally counting down. "Just focus on the training," he muttered.
Alexa only chuckled under her breath. Maybe having him around wouldn't be as boring as she thought. Vleid, ever unbothered, didn't react to the jab. He simply continued driving with precision,
Then a stray thought passed through Alexa's mind: How did he even learn to drive this smoothly when he just arrived from a completely different world?
In the backseat, Xander and Xanthine exchanged glances, amusement flickering in their eyes as they quietly enjoyed the bickering happening in front of them.
Xander smirked. "I think that's the first time I've seen him react."
Xanthine nodded slightly, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Interesting."
Vleid inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly through his nose as if mentally counting down. "Just focus on the training," he muttered.
"How long do you think she'll last before she snaps?" Xander murmured.Xanthine smirked slightly. "Three days, at best."
Alexa heard them but chose to ignore it, narrowing her eyes at Vleid instead. "This feels more like surveillance than protection."
Vleid didn't look away from the road. "It's both."
Xander chuckled under his breath, and Xanthine leaned her cheek against her palm, already sensing that things were about to get a lot more interesting in the near future.