Slowly, the doorway leading into Lia's room squealed open. The rabbit, standing in the empty hallway beyond, twitched its whiskers before hobling inside.

The little creature went to work, searching the room like an alert dog, with its nose pinned to the floor.

Snif, snif, snif, snif.

Upon stumbling across a lengthy white hair, it paused, sat down on its hind legs and clumsily scooped it up with furry paws, assimilating it into its own ginger coat.

After a cursory adventure throughout, the rabbit squeezed beneath the low-standing bed frame. In the darkness beneath, its blue eyes were brighter than stars.

Quickly, it found the hidden suitcase and, using its two buck teeth, pinched the leather handle, dragging it out from underneath the bed.

After successfully retrieving the item, the creature took a brief rest in the centre of the room. It sat back on its hind legs and observed the case, tilting its head and then cleaning its paws with a small tongue.

The creature picked up on the footsteps of nearby students. Its ears rustled to attention. Finaly it pinched the case between its teeth once more and dragged it out of the room, beyond the doorway and into the hall where its shadow was painted across the wall several times larger then its actual form.

As if by some sort of magic, the door sealed itself shut.

...

"Are succubi really that rare?" Lia asked.

They were outside now, following a gravel path through a small town neighbouring the academy.

The town was responsible for housing not only the student dorms but also the living quarters for the teachers. Various other civilians lived here, too, of course, cooks, merchants, guards and the like.

A thriving community of monsters living peacefully among one another. And perhaps the safest place in all of the monster realm.

Cyris peered over to Lia. "Why do you ask?"

"Earlier, Emily said that the reason everyone was so curious about us was because we were succubi."

"So they should be."

"But why?"

"...There can't be more than a thousand of our kind left, Itylia." Cyris said with narrow eyes.

Those words sent chills down Lia's arms. Only one thousand left... She placed a hand on her stomach. For just a moment, she almost felt bad for the boy walking beside her.

"To tell you the truth," He said, laughing, shaking the pitiful look from his face. "I was surprised to hear that another succubus was attending the academy. I wonder why I didn't know about you sooner?"

"My arrival was a bit more sudden..."

"Still," Cyris went on. "It's strange that I've never seen you before. The recorded population of succubus in Eglaina is only a few hundred large, but I don't recognise you at all. You must be a bit of a shut-in. That would explain your weird personality."

Eh? Lia squinted, twisting her face into anger. What the hell is that supposed to mean?

"It's ok; once we've settled in a bit, I'll introduce you to my family."

Settled in a bit...

"My family are a bit of a wild bunch, but I think they would take kindly to you."

"You're not thinking of introducing me as your girlfriend, are you?"

"..." Cyris avoided Lia's gaze.

"Listen here, pal!" Lia suddenly stopped walking, and Cyris did as well. She pointed at him and puffed out her chest. "Let's get this clear right now! We aren't together or anything, you understand? The academy decided to pair us as roommates, and I'm not ok with that. I don't even know you."

A group of giant green ogres, clad in leather garments wandered passed. Each slow heavy step they took rumbled the ground as if it were threatening to break out into earthquakes.

Looking up at them gave Lia an overwhelming sense of vertigo. She watched with a dropped jaw as they trudged further away.

"So you're saying once we get to know each other, you will be ok with it?"

Lia buried her head into her palms. "No... that's not what I'm saying."

"I think I'm starting to understand." Cyris folded his arms over his chest.

Lia half looked up. "You do?"

Cyris nodded.

"Father once told me that female succubi like to feel sought after, so they often deny potential mates the first few times, making them work for her affection. That's what you're doing, isn't it?"

Black wings suddenly sprouted from the boy's back, as did his tail. And despite the stone-like expression, both his tail and wings swayed back and forth like an excited dog.

What is wrong with this guy!? Lia took a step back, unable to get her fluttering heart under control.

"No, that isn't what I'm saying at all!"

Cyris' wings and tail quickly retracted, swooshing like an unfurled umbrella.

"Look," Lia went on. "Where I come from, things don't work that way. People don't just get together because they are of the same species or because of some stupid pairing agreement."

"Where you come from? You mean you're not from Eglaina?"

"No." Lia shook her head. She took a moment to think about her next words. "Im from a pretty faraway place, so everything here is very new to me. Do you understand that?"

...

"This... is kind of ridiculous, isn't it?" Thousands of students crowded the large dining area. Lia looked up and observed the ariel setting.

I can't believe they're really just flying around up there.

Hundreds of feet above her, thousands more students flew from table to table to socialise and feast.

"That's where we should be..." Cyris sat beside Lia, moping.

"I already told you I don't want to go up there."

The last thing I need right now is for you to realise I can't fly. I would be screwed. So sorry, but please put up with it.

"I hate this..." Cyris scowled, observing the ground floor.

"You know you don't have to sit down here just to accompany me? Im fine on my own."

In other words, please go away! Lia turned and ogled the buffet. As long as you're clinging to me, how am I supposed to eat anything? I'm so hungry, and it all looks so good!

The table Lia and Cyris occupied, along with one hundred other students, was filled to the brim with various eats. One wrong move could cause a domino effect, knocking off an endless stream of plates and bowls.

"Absolutely not. Who would rescue you after you pass out again."

"I don't think there's any risk of that... It was a one-time thing. Just a freak occurrence."

"Oh really?" Cyris turned to confront her. "You said you were feeling dizzy just a few hours ago... If you would just let me feed you, then I would feel much better."

"Im sure you would..."

A small group of students sitting nearby laughed. Lia avoided their gazes, instead focusing as an ornamental bowl, filled with various fruits passed by, sliding down the table and spinning, hands reached out, swiping the pieces of fruit.

As her eyes tracked the bowl, it drew her attention to the far corner of the table where a familiar face sat alone, scowling at his options of cuisine.

Isn't that Therion? If I remember correctly, he said he was Itylia's childhood friend. What is he doing sitting all the way over there by himself?

Lia's stomach rumbled, breaking her chain of thought.

Cyris' ears perked up at the sound. "So you are hungry."

"Wasn't me."

"Don't lie, I heard it. Im sitting right next to you."

"..."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Hey, don't ignore me!"

God, I'm so hungry. Can he just hurry up and go away.

A new arrival of food had Lia's hands trembling. It was taking everything she had to keep herself from diving head-first onto the table.

"How revolting."

Cyris's sudden words caused Lia to quickly pull her hand away from the pile of buttered rolls stacked up inside a woven basket.

"I'll never understand how they can eat this stuff. The smell alone is enough to make me sick."

"Me either..." Lia forced herself to agree while absentmindedly watching the small group of students sitting across the table from her tear into a hot roast chicken.

This is so unfair. I think I'm going to cry. A stream of saliva pooled at the corner of her mouth.

One particular student sitting across the table looked up and noticed Lia's scrutinous stare. White horns sprouted from his forehead, curling upward like the talons of a hawk.

"What the hell do you think you're looking at?" He hissed, dropping what was left of his serving of chicken onto the table.

Lia snapped back into focus. "P-pardon?"

"I asked what the hell you're looking at?" The Oni repeated. He was tanned and had an intense stare. His muscles bulged from underneath his shirt. Of the three Oni, grouped on that side of the table, he was easily the most robust.

Silence ensued across the table. Everyone turned to see what was happening. All feasting stopped.

"You got a problem with the way I eat or something? Hey, succubus girl?"

"W-what? N-no, it's nothing like that!" Lia waved her hands frantically through the air.

"A little bit condescending, don't you think, fellas?"

The other Oni nodded in agreement.

"Hey, Succubus, don't you think it's a bit... what's that word? Hypocritical of you?"

"That's the word boss."

"Good word."

"No, I... You have it all wrong." Lia retreated a little in her chair. She could feel the gazes of all the other students.

"What the hell are you two doing at the buffet anyway? We all know you can't eat any of this," he gestured with wide arms at the buffet before him. "Shouldn't you be at home with your little boy toy? Huh, succubus girl?"

The group of Oni sitting on either side laughed and grinned.

"I wasn't staring at you, I swear. I-I was just a little lost in thought." Lia did her best to explain, even offering a nervous smile.

"Don't play stupid." The Oni quickly shot back. "We all know how you creatures are. Just because you're a higher-ranking demon, you think you're better than all of us. Isn't that right!?"

"No, of course not!"

Lia looked to Cyris. But he was still moping, staring up at the aerial banquet. Oblivious to what was happening around him.

Come on, man! Help me out a little here. Lia leaned over and gave Cyris a little nudge with her shoulder.

"Bulshit! I overheard you say it before. You said it was revolting to watch us eat."

"Well, actually, that was him..." Lia pointed to Cyris.

"I don't care which of you it was! This academy is no place for you and that freak friend of yours."

Freak?

Lia observed Cyris. "He is a bit of a weirdo, but calling him a freak is a bit harsh, don't you think?"

"I wasn't talking about him, you winged rat. I was talking about that Oni you came here with. The one claiming to be your friend."

"Therion? What does he have to do with this?"

"Any Oni claiming to be friends with a succubus is a freak and has no place here at the school. Just like neither of you two!" He slammed a fist down onto the table, causing the plates and bowls to rattle.

Lia trembled at the impact, and Cyris finally noticed the commotion.

"Is something wrong?" He asked.

Lia was pale white.

If this escalates any further... She thought.

Cyris looked over to the group of Oni sitting adjacent.

"The academy isn't a home for higher-place demons like you two. You can't just come here and think that you run the place! Why don't you go back to where you came from?"

Cyris scowled. "Watch your tongue, Oni."

"Or what!?

The Oni stood, both fists clenched. Students in the immediate vicinity backed out of their chairs to a safer distance.

"Why don't you and that bitch go ahead and show us those pretty wings and little tail of yours that make you so much different to us!?"

Food flew into the air as Cyris leapt across that table and took hold of the shirt around the Oni's neck.

Nobody had the time to react.

Cyris hissed as both wings sprouted from his back, casting the Oni in complete shadow. Purple ligaments pulsed, revealing the structure and musculature of his hidden appendages.

One of the Oni, reached for a silver knife on the table and lunged towards Cyris. Before he could reach his back, however, Cyris' tail lashed out and swiped, carving a red stripe across his cheek.

The Oni dropped the knife and stumbled back a few steps. The blood dripping from his cheek took on a purple hue as if it were contaminated by a horrific poison. Soon after, he fell unconscious.

"Im not scared of some succubus." Said the robust Oni, caught in Cyris' grip.

"You will be." Cyri's yellow eyes burnt brightly.

"That's enough." A young girl with the appearance of a teenager suddenly appeared. She stood on the table, surrounded by the mess of food. Both hands were clasped behind her back.

Like Lia, she wasn't wearing the academy's traditional uniform, making her stand out from the other students.

Cyris and the Oni were given just enough time to turn and spot the little girl before being blown away by a sudden gust of wind. They rolled and tumbled along the floor, eventualy slamming into one of the endlessly tall white marble pillars at the edge of the room.

Lia stared in disbelief.

"Ok everyone," The little girl clapped. "Sorry for the commotion. We already have a cleaning team on the way, so in the meantime please rotate to a different table and continue to enjoy the buffet."

While everyone else made their way to a new table, Lia rushed over to Cyris.

He's not bleeding. I don't even see a bruise or a scratch... It just looks like he's sleeping.

"He's unconscious, dear."

Lia gasped and looked up. The strange girl who had suddenly appeared was standing over her.

"Don't worry. I didn't use any excessive force. He will wake up soon enough and be feeling fine."

Lia looked to the Oni responsible for starting the conflict.

Becuase of me... She thought.

"Itylia. Right?" The strange girl asked.

Lia nodded.

"Please follow me. I have a few questions to ask you."

"...But what about Cyris?"

"I'll have someone else deal with him. Come with me."

...

"So you're a teacher, Nara?" Lia asked.

"Suprised?" The little girl leant over the balcony on the upper story of the dining hall. Her short bob-cut blew in the wind."Don't be fooled by my appearance, Itylia. Despite my looks, I'm actually the oldest teacher at the academy."

Huh!?

"Don't believe me?"

"I didn't say that!"

"DIdnt have to. Your face said it for you." Nara chuckled. "But it's true. I'm what's known as a wind spirit here in the monster realm. We don't show our age physically."

Wind spirit,. Lia recalled how Cyris had been blown away like a ragdoll. That explains a lot...

"I have a few questions to ask you, Itylia."

"What kind of questions?"

"Just questions."

Lia squeezed the balcony railing.

The dining hall balcony overlooked a large garden landscape where countless students lazed and roamed leisurely. A small lake glistened beneath the sunlight.

"A few teachers have kept their eyes on you ever since Gianche spotted you wandering in the outer forest."

"T-they have?"

Nara nodded. "Don't panic, sweetheart. Im not trying to make you feel bad or anxious. I just want to understand a few things about you."

Lia swallowed.

"A student wandering the forest lost. It was a bit odd at first, but nothing unheard of. However, upon arrival, you stood up in front of an entire class and suddenly announced you were a succubus."

Lia avoided her gaze. She was afraid her nerves would betray her.

"If I remember correctly, Gianche used a simple teleportation magic. As a succubus, that should have been a simple daily affair. Yet everyone Ive spoken to thus far, has recalled you noticeably being frightened after the spell. Why is that?"

She's been investigating me... Lia swallowed. This is a test.

"It was my first time arriving at the academy. I was just nervous."

"Over a simple teleportation spell?"

"There's a major difference between succubus teleportation and wizard teleportation."

Nara leant back, giving Lia some breathing room. "Hm. I suppose you're right. Then why didn't you inform us about your arrival? Preparations could have been made for you. Cyris informed us months ago. Succubi needs are not easily catered to, you know? Your sudden appearance ruined months of preparations."

"I didn't know I was coming here until recently. My arrival was just as surprising for me as it is for you."

"This is all very confusing." Nara twirled her hair between two fingers. "Ten years go by, and now all of a sudden, succubus are deciding to come out of hiding?"

Lia remained silent.

"Tell me, why did you choose to sit on the ground floor during the banquet? Next to a group of Oni, no less. A species with a known grudge against the succubi race."

"I didn't want to stand out," Lia answered, " and I wasn't aware of any grudge."

Nara laughed. "Perhaps I'm being insensitive, my dear girl, but I won't be fooled by your sweet talk. The war didn't happen long enough ago for you to suddenly forget. It's been etched in the history books, and reconciling our relationships is the entire purpose of this academy. So don't stand there and lie to my face."

"Im not lying."

Nara scowled. "Was it your intention? To start a fight between Cyris and that group of Oni?"

Lia's mouth fell agape. For the first time since the start of this conversation, she turned and met Nara's unblinking gaze. "Of course not! I would never do that."

"You sure?" Nara leant in. "A young girl such as yourself probably loves the idea of a boy standing up for her. I think you wanted him to prove himself to you."

"No," Lia shook her head frantically. "No, you've got it all wrong.

"Then why? Instigating a fight between students is a punishable offence, young girl."

"I-I just... didn't know Oni and Succubi had that kind of relationship. I told you before."

"You can't be serious. Everyone in the demon realm knows, dear. I imagine your parents would have told you the stories."

"Not me." Lia lowered her gaze.

"Explain." Nara rested her hands on her hips.

Lia drew in a deep breath.

Here goes nothing.

"Im not from the demon realm. I... was born in the human realm."

The little girl's eyes lit up. "A succubus born in the human realm... that hasn't occurred in the past hundred years."

You've got her attention, Lia. Now, drive it home. Use those seventeen years of life experience to conjure up the best lie you can.

"You're mistaken."

Nara winced. "Im never mistaken."

"Succubi are still flourishing in the human realm."

"That can't be."

"It's true. Although only a very small group. The group I come from. They stick to the forests and desolate lands, even abandoned towns, avoiding all contact with humans. My family had nothing to do with monsters, either. We lived in complete seclusion. Whatever grudges you're still holding onto in this realm, they aren't mine to keep."

Lia forced her body into a relaxed state, calmed her breath and only allowed herself to blink when it felt natural.

...

"The human realm?" Cyris fondled the side of his head, where a headache lingered. He had only woken up a few moments ago.

"That's right." Lia nodded. She sat in a chair beside him. Nara was also present, standing by the doorway and observing the conversation. She had told Lia that this whole commotion would be forgiven with a simple warning. However, in order to make sure nothing like this happened again, she had to tell Cyris about her unique situation.

"When I said I wasn't from Eglaina, I was trying to hide the fact. But I didn't think it would lead to something like this... Im sorry."

"Cyris." Nara spoke, demanding his attention. "In the future I need you to assist Itylia through situations such as these. From now on, her safety is your responsibility. Can you do that for her?"

Embarrassment flooded Lia's face. Cyris observed her closely.

"I can."

"Wonderful." Nara clapped her hands together. "Now, next class is starting soon, so why don't you two go ahead and start making your way."

Cyris closed his eyes. "I can't."

Eh?

Both Lia and Nara glared at Cyris.

"What do you mean you can't?" Nara grumbled. "Even after agreeing to my speech... Did you listen to a single word I said?"

"My body... I can hardly feel my legs."

"Oh." Nara, lifted a hand to cover her mouth. "Perhaps I overdid it a little earlier."

"I thought you said you held back!?" Lia interrogated.

"I did. I suppose It's been a while since I've used any magic."

"I haven't eaten in days..." Cyris groaned, adjusting himself to a more comfortable position. It looked like he was in some pretty serious pain. "My body is starved and not recovering properly."

"My apologies. I guess you will just have to go by yourself this one time Itylia."

No-no-no-no. This cant happen. He has to go. What am I going to do if another monster starts an argument with me? Not to mention the fact that everyone is going to be staring at me after what happened at the banquet this morning... What if Im in the same class as that Oni. I don't have a choice!

"No. You have to come." Lia leant forward, cheeks blushing.

"I already told you. I ca-" Cyris suddenly paused when he felt Lia's lips press lightly against the side of his cheek. His eyes flashed yellow.

Lia pulled away, covering her lips with a pale hand. Her white hair ran down her shoulders like a river, and her heart thumped gently in her chest.

"Oh my... I'll just leave you two alone for a moment, I think." Nara silently stepped out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind her.

Cyris sat up and found himself staring perplexed into Lia's eyes, unable to turn away. His wings and tail erupted from his back and swayed in the air like a fan.

What have I done?

Cyris grinned, and for the first time, it was his cheeks that took on a gentle red blush.