Mythos Veil

My eyes fluttered open to reveal a ceiling of intricate tiles.

Surveying my surroundings, I found myself amidst a collection of paintings depicting Victorian-era battles waged before grand castles. Others showcased a spectrum of beings—some appeared human, while others boasted extraordinary traits unbefitting that of a human. Hair concealed entire faces, while others bore skin as vivid as lime, crowned by forest-green tresses.

Amidst these artworks, the walls themselves wore a subdued gray, contributing to the room's distinct hospital atmosphere. 

I attempted to rise from the bed, inadvertently shuffling a cord from my antecubital. The cord linked to an IV bag, its contents a deep crimson, slowly infusing into my arm.

Is it blood? I thought to myself as I scrutinized my surroundings. During my observations, a door swung open. Positioned farthest from me among the few exits, it was one of the several within this chamber. Four doors, to be exact, with most situated meters away from where I laid.

Through that door came a figure attired in immaculate white. He carried himself with an undeniable grace, casting an otherworldly radiance that seemed to bathe everything around him in a novel light. Yet, his presence held an unsettling aura of power, a hint of something sinister.

This dichotomy affected my breath, rendering it uneven and unsure. As his velvet eyes settled on me, a sense of impending doom gnawed at my senses. He was not a man to be challenged.

At the foot of my bed, he came to a regal halt, extending his right hand towards me. Its pallor echoed my own, almost as if, he too, was a vampire like myself.

"Good evening, Mr. Lavua," he said in a calm demeanor. "I deeply apologize for the forceful means that led you here. We anticipated your resistance; we knew you wouldn't come willingly."

"Wh–Where am I? Who are you? Are you going to kill m—"

"Allow me to address your questions one by one," he interjected gently, placing his index finger against my lips. "First, you find yourself in the Infirmary of Umbra Academy—a haven for mythological creatures, including your own kind. Second, I am Count Valerius, the headmaster of this establishment. Lastly, no, I have no intention of harming you. Jacob Lavua, you have been extended an invitation to this prestigious academy to delve into your origins, discover your powers, and pursue your desires."

Count Valerius. The name had a distinctly medieval ring to it.

My heart raced, struggling to process the bewildering situation. Umbra Academy? Was it akin to Hogwarts from Harry Potter? Even so, my current circumstances didn't justify being forcibly taken.

"Won't people notice that I'm missing?" I questioned, gingerly removing the cord from my arm, which drew forth droplets of blood.

"Fear not. We have protocols in place for such scenarios. A local Mimic has already immersed itself in your background, gathering significant information about you. It's now integrated into your school, living your daily life, until you choose to return," he explained. "Yet, I urge you to consider staying here, at least to explore your abilities. Such knowledge could be invaluable in the future. Ultimately, the choice rests with you."

I peered down to the palm of my hands, lost in thought. If I were to stay, I could find out more about myself. I was not a pure-breed, and I had no clue on what exactly I was.

On the other hand, if I were to decline his offer and continue my ordinary life, would I ever find out about myself? Would I be left in the dark until my untimely demise…whenever that may be?

There was only one option I could choose, as much as I'd hate to admit. "I would like to attend this academy, Sir Valerius."

I had to find out more about myself. My curiosity would not let me walk away with my tail in-between my legs.