Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Personal adviser
Every student of ANEX is provided a personal adviser, who they are to meet once a week on a one-on-one basis. The school uses an extensive and thorough selection process to determine the ideal match. Generally speaking, however, we aim to provide students with personal advisers who are most skilled in nurturing their diverse talents and helping them harness their skills to reach their full potential.
Bespoke curriculum
Individuality is a characteristic we appreciate here in ANEX. As such, we make sure that courses are tailor-made to fit the needs of the student and/or the requirements of the student’s sponsor.
Student life
ANEX prides itself in providing the most luxurious accommodations for its students. To ensure students’ privacy, residential quarters are strictly awarded at a one-person-per-room basis. However, each dormitory is equipped with common areas to encourage a healthy social life. Recreational facilities in each dormitory include an infinity pool, a fitness center, a 50-seater cinema with its own popcorn and soda dispenser, a game area, and its own private ballroom for functions organized by any of the dormitory’s residents.
Self-governing and non-hierarchical
Last but not the least, ANEX is a self-governing unit as prescribed in Statute 341. As such, pre-existing non-filial relationships founded on legal agreements are temporarily put on hold once a student is enrolled in our school. This is to promote free thinking among our students and ensure that their learning and growth is not hampered by any concerns from their outside life.
We hope that this brief summary of what we offer meets your approval. If you are interested, guided tours for admission candidates are also offered on an appointment basis.
Be guided by your blood,
Academie Nu Exista
~~~~
Dear Lady Zari,
I trust this letter finds you well. On behalf of my pet, I would again like to express my sincerest thanks for your assistance in clearing her of all charges.
ANEX has already received my recommendation for your transfer and they only await your decision. Please note, however, that you are in no way obliged to take any action. I only wish you to take comfort from the fact that you are not without options.
Lastly, I give you my assurance that if you do choose to take advantage of this offer, I will take care of all the necessary arrangements, including your temporary or permanent release from your contract as pet to Lord Alexandru. As he is one of my subjects, he is blood-bound to bow to my command. As he is also my brother, I will endeavor to make him see that your decision, whatever it may be, must be respected.
Sincerely,
Lord Mihail Gheorghiu
Marquis di Sangre
Chapter One
ZARI
Where was he?
Ahead of me, the midnight moon painted a silvery path on the school’s vast courtyard while nocturnal birds sang a haunting lullaby from the towering trees they were perched on. They created an eerily beautiful atmosphere, but worry had made me blind and deaf to my surroundings.
“Five minutes before we leave,” Madame Lavinia announced with a clap of her hands. “So do get moving, girls!”
At her announcement, the other students of La Scala Legaturia shrieked. They rushed in every direction, excitement on their faces. I envied them. I wanted to be excited, too. Today was Ziua Excursi, an annual school celebration where students were whisked away on a supervised holiday. More importantly, Masters were encouraged to accompany their pets, and that was what I most looked forward---
There he was. I finally saw my Master, walking into the courtyard with his usual brisk grace.
Alexandru.
He was dressed completely in black. and so gorgeous it was almost painful to look at him.
I can feel you staring at me.
I almost jumped in surprise. The words I heard in my mind weren’t imaginary. My Master and I were able to talk this way, thanks to our blood bond.
When our eyes met, he said teasingly, Missed me, didn’t you?
I lifted my chin. You wish. Thank God we were talking like this. If I had to speak out loud, he would have known how he had rendered me breathless.
Suddenly, he was there, his preternatural speed enabling him to reach my side in a blink of an eye.
He smirked down at me. As always…you lie.
I turned away, not wanting him to see me smile. Another moment, and I had no reason to smile at all.
“Alexandru, wait.” The voice was familiar, too familiar.
I stiffened.
“Katarina.” His voice was stiff.
I closed my eyes.
Poor Master, I thought dully. Torn between his pet and his first love, and honor required him to stick with me.
“I know you said you won’t be working today, but this is important. We’ve received news about a sighting…”
I knew what that meant. And I knew what she was doing.
While the news about a demon sighting was sure to be true, I had no doubt it was also something she brought up now in order to prevent him from coming with me.