St. Alders Secrets

The biting wind of England's perpetual winter whipped through the trees outside St. Alders, their branches creaking like an old staircase. Snow adorned the ancient buildings, making it hard to discern street signs. You clutched your frozen fingers inside your gloves, the contrast of this endless winter against the rest of the world bringing a strange sense of serenity.

You had seen pictures of St. Alders, but none captured its true scale. The buildings towered, magnificent and ancient, their darkened window panes reflecting a faint light. The school's name, 'St. Alders,' was beautifully inscribed in gold above the main oak entrance. A circular garden, a mix of living and dead plants, centered around an overflowing fountain, completed the breathtaking scene.

A sudden gust brought you back to reality. You were running late. Striding along the gravel path with your suitcase, you entered the main hall. Portraits of unknowns lined the walls beneath high, arching ceilings that made everything feel insignificant. As you searched for the admin office, the deafening bell rang, signaling the end of a lesson. Students in crimson blazers and beige tailored pants flooded the hall, openly gawking at you. Their stares, whispers, and admiration shamelessly fueled your ego.

“Hey new kid,” a voice from behind caught your attention. You turned to see a striking girl with red hair and cat-like eyes. "We don't get much of that around here," she murmured, stepping into pace with you. "Come on, I'll show you around. My name's Zoren by the way, Zoren Satori."