The Inferno's Claim

First Day (1)

The Black Maybach transporting Eva and Genova pulled over at the school parking lot a few minutes later.

Due to the side of town Eva’s mansion was located in, everything was far out of reach. Even going to the supermarket outside the estate wasn't a walkable distance.

"We have arrived!" Eva announced once the car was fully parked and the ignition was turned off.

The driver got down and hurried to open the back passenger seat first for Eva and then intended to do the same for the other passenger. However, Genova was already out before the man could move around the vehicle.

"Thank you, Wilson. I will show my niece to the Dean's office; we will head to the office afterward," Eva said. Turning to the girl beside her whose mouth was agape in utter fascination, Eva chuckled lowly. "Come on, Gen. You are going to make me late for the office!"

Genova closed her mouth and then opened it again like a fish, but no words came out. One could tell she was in awe of the sight that welcomed her. Thus, she just nodded her head.

The building before her was massive and exquisite to the point that should it not have been the big letters at the top that read, 'WELCOME TO BRASVIAN INSTITUTE,' anyone would mistake it for one of those famous seven-star hotels.

Neatly trimmed colorful flowers and giant trees consisting of many different sorts surrounded the entire premises. Not even a trace of dirt could be spotted anywhere.

The place was squeaky clean and reeked of wealth!

Flashy cars lined up the parking lot—an apparent indication that the students were of high-class society - unlike herself.

'Damn. The internet did this college no justice.' Genova muttered within.

"I see you have already fallen in love with this place," Eva remarked with the look of ‘I told you so’ on her face.

Genova bobbed her head in agreement as she trailed beside her aunt, heading toward the glass elevator situated a couple more feet from them.

"Hmm. You will require a car to bring you here whenever you're needed to attend class. The distance is a hassle from our home." Eva pointed out. "Lest I forgot, can you drive?"

"Yes, I can! Dad taught me how to drive when I turned fourteen. But I am yet to obtain my driving license."

The elevator dinged before sliding open for the ladies to get in.

"Okay. I will advise you have that done as soon as possible. Until then, one of my people will bring you to school whenever I am unavailable," Eva made known as she ushered them inside the glass elevator and pressed the number (7) on the transparent touchpad.

Genova’s eyes lit up. “Does this mean I will get my own car or be allowed to drive anyone of yours?”

“Sure! You can have any of the cars in the garage once you pass your driving test and I am certain you won’t come home with broken limbs or worse…” Eva stifled a chuckle.

“Hihihi, that won’t happen. You will see how I take care of the white Cooper.”

“That’s the one you have eyes on?” Eva asked a little surprised because the garage contained flashier cars than the one she requested.

“Yes. Can I have it?”

“Humm… Why the white Cooper, though?”

“Because it’s a beautiful portable ride that I feel suits my style,” Genova said.

“Ok. Get your license done and it will be yours.”

"Yes! You are the best, aunt!" Genova beamed. She could already visualize herself inside the car with its roof open on a hot afternoon.

“My pleasure.”

‘Ding~’

The Elevator made its usual sound to announce they had reached their intended floor.

"Lu-Mrs. Ross." An older man greeted with his head slightly bowed as soon as the elevator opened to let the women out.

'He must be the school Dean,' Genova immediately surmised inwardly.

"Paul. How nice to see you back on your feet." Eva let out with a tinge of sadness in her voice.

"Yeah, stubborn flies are hard to kill. Guess it's going to take a lot more to bring my old ass down for good," Paul shrugged, causing Eva to laugh out loud.

"I am happy to see you back to your old self. I feared we would lose you this time." Eva inched closer and patted his shoulder before proceeding to introduce Genova. "Meet my niece, Genova. Do watch after her while she's here, will you?"

"Hello, sir." Genova quickly greeted while standing as straight as she could. 'Looks like I am going to have it easy here.’

"Good to meet you, Genova. And of course, I will keep an eye on her,” Paul enunciated warmly. “Please follow me; Mr. Black is awaiting your arrival at his office.”

'Okay. I was wrong! Turns out he is not the one in charge.' Genova corrected her initial assumption of how Paul was the one in charge.

The trio walked for about a minute until they reached a thick, strong mahogany door.

Paul grabbed the doorknob and pushed it open for the ladies. "Please," he urged them to go in, his head slightly bowed again.

"Mr. Black!" Eva made her presence known once she stepped inside the elegantly decorated office, dominated by dark colors.

She strode toward the massive table where a man with jet-black hair and a lean figure sat with his back to the door.

"Eva!" The man called softly before turning his chair around to regard his visitors.

Genova almost let out a gasp when she saw whom she supposed was the Dean's face. His honeyed eyes were calm yet stern. His features were sharp as he swept his gaze from Eva to Genova. If she was correct, he looked at most 25 years old.

How could such a young guy be in charge of such a renowned school? Doesn’t the pupil find him too young and likely refuse to follow his orders?

Then again, how could that be the case when he possesses such a powerful aura that makes anyone want to obey him?

Speaking of which… Genova glanced at her aunt and noticed the woman's head was slightly tilted downward. Her posture was somewhat stiff, similar to how the man named Paul had been earlier.

Genova's eyes narrowed. Her aunt never struck her as someone so obedient. The woman was stern and always went for what she wanted.

Genova couldn't help but find this sudden action of her aunt strange.

"This must be your niece." The man’s voice was strong… befitting his compelling demeanor.

"Yes, Mr. Black!" Eva answered, straightening up her slightly bent spine.

A slight frown graced his handsome face. "Shall we please drop the formalities? It makes me feel old. Just call me Jack!" He urged.

Eva smiled. "As you wish, Jack." She started, "This is my niece, Genova. As you have previously been informed, she arrived three days ago from Roseville and would like to further her education here," Eva finished.

"Good morning, Mr. Black." Genova greeted, feeling as though she was compelled to be on her best behavior in front of this man.

A soft smile spread across Jack's lips. "Welcome to our institute, Miss Bourn!" He said casually. "Please hand me your official transfer documents from your previous school. And do take your seats."