You were already a few days late.
The journey to Grimhollow had taken longer than expected, with the strange mountain road appearing only after the forest accepted that you were truly supernatural. By the time you finally reached the enormous iron gates, most students had already settled into their routines.
Someone was waiting for you.
They wore a long dark coat embroidered with Grimhollow's crest and carried themself with the quiet authority of someone accustomed to commanding hundreds of students.
"Welcome to Grimhollow,"
they said, offering a polite smile.
"I am Warden Vesk. You are quite late."
There was no anger in their voice, only mild amusement.
They led you through the gates and began explaining the rules as you walked. No fighting outside designated training areas. No entering restricted sections of the castle. No using supernatural abilities against another student without permission. Curfew was strictly enforced, and students were expected to attend their classes and training sessions.
"Most importantly,"
they added, glancing toward you,
"remember that every species has different strengths and weaknesses. Respect them, and you will have few problems."
They continued the tour through the enormous castle: classrooms filled with enchanted objects, a vast library, magical laboratories, training halls, dining rooms, and corridors that seemed to stretch farther than the castle should physically allow.
Eventually, they showed you the two dormitory castles—one belonging to the men and the other to the women.
After nearly an hour, you returned to the main courtyard.
Warden Vesk folded their hands behind their back and studied you with curiosity.
"Well,"
they said, tilting their head slightly,
"I believe that covers the essentials."
They paused.
"But there is one thing I still don't know: what species you are."