Moonlit Secrets

"We're almost there, miss," the driver said over his shoulder.

The carriage moved along the stony streets of Oaks Haven, causing Ariana Rae to move from side to side on the leather seats. Outside the window, fog covered the buildings like a blanket giving the town a strange eerie atmosphere.

Ariana held her small pendant tightly and took a deep breath. It was the only memory she had of her parents who died when she was only two months old.

After twenty-two years of living under her aunt's roof, she was finally on her own. Well, not totally but almost.

"Oaks Haven University is just ahead," the driver said as they made a turn around a corner in the street.

Finally, the university’s signboard appeared through the fog. It was a massive stone structure with large pillars and grey painted walls. Students walked the courtyard, their laughter a was opposite of what Ariana was feeling.

The carriage finally stopped. "We are here, miss."

Ariana stepped out, arranging her simple flowery dress. "Thank you," she said and handed the driver a few coins.

As the carriage drove away, Ariana stood frozen, holding her luggage tightly. The reality of her decision finally hit her, she had never been away from home before.

"You look lost," a cheerful voice said.

Ariana turned and saw a young woman with wild, curly brown hair smiling at her. Her beautiful face was filled with friendliness.

"Is it that obvious?" Ariana said with a small smile.

"It is actually." The lady laughed. "I am Valerie Grant.’’ She extended her hand for a handshake.

“First year?" Valerie asked.

Ariana nodded in affirmation. "Ariana Rae."

"Well, Ariana Rae, you're in luck. I am an excellent guide." Valerie held her hands. "Come let me show you to the dormitory. We might even be roommates!"

"Thank you," Ariana said, grateful for the kindness. "I was homeschooled all my life. This is quite overwhelming for me."

"Really? Homeschooled?.’’ Valerie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “No wonder you look like you saw a ghost!" Valerie chuckled. "Don't worry. Just stick with me, and you'll be fine."

As they walked across the courtyard, Ariana could feel the stares of people on her. She looked around and immediately her eyes fell on a tall young man with messy black hair and golden-brown eyes.

Valerie noticed the direction ofAriana’s eyes.

"Oh that's just my brother Blake," Valerie said. "Blake! Come meet Ariana!"

Blake walked towards them with a confident and warm smile. "Welcome to Oaks Haven, Miss Ariana." He took her hand and kissed it in a dramatic way.

Ariana blushed and pulled her hand away. "It is nice to meet you."

"Just ignore him," Valerie rolled her eyes. "He thinks he is God's gift to women."

"I am God's gift to women," Blake insisted. "You know there's a welcome party tonight at the Mannight’s tavern. You should both come."

"A tavern?" Ariana frowned her face. "I don't know if….’’

"Come on! It will be fun," Valerie encouraged her "Besides, you can't spend your first night alone in your room.it will be boring." Valerie added.

Ariana was still reluctant. Aunt Sophia would really be mad at her if she heard. But wasn't that why she had come to Oaks Haven? To experience life beyond her aunt’s house?

"Alright," she agreed with a small smile. "I will come."

"Excellent!" Blake clapped his hands in excitement. "I guess I will see you lovely ladies tonight. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to charm Professor Heathcliff into extending my essay deadline." Blake added.

As Blake walked away, Valerie escorted Ariana toward a large building. "That's our dormitory. Now let's go in and get you settled." Valerie said

When they entered the building, Ariana noticed the dormitory was filled with narrow hallways and wooden doors. Their footsteps echoed as they walked on the hardwood floors as Valerie led Ariana to her room.

"We are here! Room 108 this is your room,"Valerie said, stopping in front of a door. "I'm right next door, Room 110. This is perfect!" Valerie clapped her hands in excitement.

Ariana unlocked the door. It was a simple room with a small bed, it had a small desk, and a window where one could see the courtyard.

"I know it's not much, but it will be your home for the next four years," Valerie said, helping Ariana with her luggage.

"It's perfect," Ariana replied with a smile as she ran her fingers along the desk.

Freedom at last. She was finally free.

As Ariana unpacked, Valerie sat on the bed, telling her about professors and classes. "Oh, and you should avoid taking History with Professor Vulkar if you can."

"Why?" Ariana asked as she arranged her books on the desk.

"He's..." Valerie was looking for the right words. "Really intense and brilliant, but he’s scary. Half the girls here are in love with him, and the other half are terrified."

"That’s interesting," Ariana commented.

"He's also very handsome, which doesn't help matters," Valerie added with a smirk on her face. "But there's something strange about him. It is like he's not normal."

“What do you mean?’’ Ariana was confused.

“Don’t you will find out soon enough.’’ Valerie replied.

A knock at the door interrupted them. Ariana opened it and found a middle-aged woman in a maid's uniform.

"There is a letter for you Miss Rae," the woman said, handing Ariana an envelope.

Ariana recognized her aunt's handwriting immediately. "Thank you."

After the maid left, Ariana opened the letter.

"From your family, I guess?" Valerie asked.

"My aunt," Ariana nodded, reading the letter. "She raised me after my parents died when I was a baby."

"I'm sorry about your parents," Valerie said with sorrow.

"It's alright. I never knew them anyway," Ariana folded the letter. "My aunt Sophia just wanted to make sure I arrived safely."

"She sounds like a caring woman."

"She is," Ariana smiled. "She is a little overprotective, but caring."

Valerie stood up to leave. "I'll let you finish unpacking. Meet me in the hallway at seven for the party?" Valerie asked.

"Seven it is," Ariana agreed.

When Valerie left, Ariana sat on the edge of her bed, looking at her pendant. "I made it, Mother, Father," she whispered to the empty room.

"I'm finally here." She said with a faint smile.