Rhysaenya was afraid.

She liked being perceived as a hero, as one of them, truly a new member of the family. When Raf and Landon had made their way back to the school, the first thing they learned was that Rhysaenya wanted to help them get rid of the threat that came from Malivore. It filled her with pride; her parents and grandparents would have loved it.

But if there was something Rhysaenya was afraid of, it was pain.

There were many things to fear in this world. Cars were more dangerous than carts— their high speeds could flatten her on the road if she didn't check properly. Giant metal tubes flew with people inside them and could fall. And apparently humans had evolved to destroy each other to unimaginable levels. She was traumatized by what she'd learned about World Wars and attacks that used nuclear bombs and hijacked machines to kill. Back in her day, the most dangerous threat was a Targaryen on a dragon— or in Tarragona's case, a dragon itself. Now, people alone were the threat. Them and their crazy machines.

Those things scared her. As did the dark, because it reminded her of Malivore. Small spaces (despite the pit having been large) because it gave her the sensation of being trapped against her will.

Pain had never been her friend. She hated it. Her father always taught her not to show she was hurting, not to give into fear, so that she might always have the upper hand on an enemy.

These people weren't enemies. They just wanted to help. But all the same, Hope's mind dive was searing into her and she couldn't help but whimper and grimace, just wanting it to end.

"I know, I'm sorry," said Hope sympathetically. "But I'm not getting anything, it's like your mind is blocked. All I see is darkness."

Rhysaenya's face was beaded with sweat, body aching so much that she was growing more and more afraid that she couldn't handle it, that it wasn't worth the pain. "You can keep going," she said weakly, not wanting to chicken out. But she hated it. She was scared she couldn't handle it for much longer. The more they tried, the more memories burst forth, making the room seem darker and smaller and reminding her more and more of Malivore...

"She needs a break," said MG, reaching out to offer her a glass of water.

"No," moaned Rhysaenya, holding her head in her hands. "I can go again. I feel it, that itch to run after Dorian because he has the knife. It has to yield something."

"You're not going to manage anything if you pass out," said MG, insisting that she drink. She relented, taking a sip, though she beckoned Hope to go again.

"Alright," said Hope hesitantly. "One more, but if I don't see anything... we're stopping."

Rhysaenya lifted the collar of her shirt to wipe her face. "Go again. I'll try harder."

She gritted her teeth, letting out a frustrated and muffled groan as Hope planted her hands back on her head. She tried to envision the pit, tried to remember every sensation of torment in her solitude, with the realization that her father was dead and that nothing she did was going to help her find her mother if the creature didn't wish for them to see one another.

"Bīñ," praised Rhȳs, guiding her shoulders and following her movement as she practiced throwing a knife. "Īsȳ, sīmt cōlū āst. Sūmhērca fūgrā." (T: Good. Yes, like that. Beautiful form.)

He kissed the top of her head, smiling when he saw Kaelena nearing. "Mēre tolī jēda? Syt aōha muña naejot ūndegon," he prompted. (T: One more time? For your mother to see.)

She threw the knife, lodging right into the target. Kaelena clapped as Rhȳs pumped his fist proudly. "Rōvēgrior. Sir kesā sagon ready naejot mīsagon aōla. Nyke jorepagon bona tubis gaomas daor māzigon aderī." (T: Excellent. Now you will be ready to defend yourself. I pray that day does not come soon.)

Rhysaenya shrugged. "Yn nyke jaelagon naejot sagon hae ao." (T: But I wish to be like you.)

He crossed his arms, staring out at the horizon. "Īlon ȳdra daor jorrāelagon naejot vīlībagon naejot botagon dombo. Bisa iksis daor Tērragoñh. Hae biare hae ziry would mazverdagon nyke syt ao naejot sagon se vīlībāzmio īlen, issa sȳrkta bisa ñuhoso." (T: We don't need to fight to survive anymore. This is not Tarragona. As happy as it would make me for you to be the warrior I was, it is better this way.) He began to speak Tērañguis once Kaelena had become occupied with braiding her hair, "Sūmotȳ sūrgōsh dēx ūtȳ sērȳz." (T: I am proud of you always.)

Hope let go of her abruptly, reaching forward and pressing a paper towel to Rhysaenya's nose, which had started to bleed. "Sūmotȳ ñūm," she murmured, waving them off. (T: I'm fine.) She tried to stand, almost immediately toppling down. She would have crushed Hope if MG hadn't caught her.

"You are so much more intimidating up close," said MG, trying to lighten the mood as he sat Rhysaenya back down. "And I thought Lizzie was the tallest girl I'd ever met."

Rhysaenya managed a weak laugh. "Anything? Or was that another useless attempt?"

"Not useless," said Hope. "I can at least see what you experienced in Malivore. But unfortunately it's not telling us anything about what it wants with the knife. I think that's enough for today. We've got a lot of other things on our agenda."

Rhysaenya was able to go out of the school for the first time, accompanied by Hope and MG, so that she could build her own wardrobe. It was difficult to decide what she wanted to wear outside of the school's uniform, but Hope had a few helpful suggestions, saying that she'd learned quite a bit about accessorizing from her Aunt Rebekah, who was famous around the world for having a great sense of style.

In the afternoon, when she'd recovered, she sat through several exams that didn't exactly dissipate her fear. What if she wasn't smart enough? Would they kick her out? Would they decide she wasn't worth the burden? Was it even possible for her to learn anything new? How had Malivore affected her? Could she even reach her 'full potential' with any of the crazy careers Alaric had mentioned? Cars scared her, which probably meant she shouldn't be a mechanic. Buildings were intimidating– how could she end up making or designing them?

It seemed, however, she was on a much better track than she thought. Her results came back indicating that she was at a high level for both mathematics and reading comprehension, lacking only in science because, as she expected, magic and herbal remedies were more the norm where she lived growing up. She would have to work very hard to catch up in other subjects like psychology, sociology, government, and economics, but Emma had been kind enough to make a schedule that she felt was manageable, provided she didn't slack off.

She didn't intend to stay at the Salvatore School long term. Just enough to get accustomed to the world and maybe stand a chance of seeing her mother again. Other than that, there was nothing keeping her there.

She attended a school meeting the following morning, after reports of two teenage girls going missing were broadcasted over the television at breakfast.

"Given our recent influx of monsters," said Alaric, gesturing to a man next to him, "Sheriff Donovan and I have decided we need to take drastic action. Please give him your full attention."

The man cleared his throat. "Like Dr. Saltzman was saying, local girls Dana Lilien and Sasha Stoteraux didn't come home last night. Dana sometimes skips town for a few days to party, but this is a first for Sasha."

"Thank you, Sheriff Donovan," said Alaric. "Now, while the knife is away with Dorian and things are quiet on his end, it won't hurt to assume the worst. If Dana and Sasha encountered a creature similar to the gargoyle, they could be in a lot of trouble and we may be their only hope. Now, I'll need a few of you to volunteer to go to Mystic Falls High under the guise of an exchange program meant to improve relations between our schools, which, unfortunately, is necessary... given recent events. Now, I give you permission to compel them, to gather materials, form Locator Spells, because any information we can get will make all the difference."

Lizzie Saltzman sprang to her feet. "Well, I guess that I can set aside my differences with Dana for a day, because that is what heroes do. So... I volunteer as tribute."

Hope muttered under her breath, "She battles one gargoyle, and suddenly, she's Mother Teresa."

Rhysaenya let out a little giggle. Behind them, a vampire named Kaleb stood, "I'm in."

"I'm in, too," offered MG.

Sighing, Hope held out her hand. "I'd like to help."

Rhysaenya remained rooted to the spot. "I was promised a more in-depth tour of the school, so I'm staying here. But have fun."

Hope smiled. "You, too. Think you're ready to get to know everyone now that you've been declared as one of the students?"

"I think so. But truth be told, I am nervous."

"You don't have to be. Just be yourself. MG and I like you just fine."

"I am not sure two people out of hundreds liking me is a good thing just yet."

Emma gave her the initial tour, letting her see the other dormitories and answering her questions about living arrangements. They were working to get her into a room with someone else or potentially one on her own; Hope paid extra for a double and preferred not to have a roommate, which Rhysaenya understood. With any luck, her next roommate would be as respectful as Hope.

The house used a charm apparently coined from a concept in some book called Harry Potter where parts of the house could expand on the inside while staying the same on the outside. The school only liked to resort to that if shuffling around didn't work for the older students. Most of them were either in doubles or singles, while the younger children slept together in bunk beds, up to eight in one room, to teach them about cleanliness and relying on one another. It had also been done as a way to help them sleep; most weren't used to sleeping alone and liked pretending they were having mass sleepovers.

At lunchtime, she went into the dining hall, once again feeling like everyone was staring at her, though this time, she was glad to see Josie Saltzman waving her over, inviting her to sit across from her and Rafael.

"Hi," said Rhysaenya shyly.

"Hey," said Josie kindly. "How are you liking the school so far?"

"It's nice," said Rhysaenya, nodding to Rafael. "Where's the other guy? Landon?"

"He ditched to play detective," said Rafael with a shrug. "I'd rather be here."

It didn't escape Rhysaenya's notice how Josie looked at Rafael fondly, clearly finding him attractive. At least some things didn't change; modern people still had their little tells that let others know when they liked someone. It reminded her of a time when she and her mother used to make silly predictions about who would get married within the year, of those they knew.

A boy in a blue striped shirt appeared behind Josie as she opened her mouth to respond. "Bounce, witch," said the boy. "Rafael and I need to have a little chat."

Rafael wasn't having it. "Soon as Josie, Rhysaenya, and I are done."

"Actually, newb," said the boy, "I'm your Alpha. You're done when I say you're done."

Rafael got to his feet, biting into a carrot and glaring at the boy, challenging him. "Well, would you look at the time," said Josie worriedly. "As fun as this hurricane of toxic masculinity is, I have to get to class."

"I'll walk you," said Rafael with a cheeky smile, taking her books and leading her out. The boy in blue glared at them, others of his same age drawing closer, all with a particular smell that Rhysaenya was coming to recognize. Werewolves.

"What are you looking at?" Rhysaenya asked, nodding her head at one, who eyed her plate of food.

"You're the Dragon Girl," said the boy in blue, motioning for his buddy to walk away.

"And you must be... Jed," said Rhysaenya. "Yeah... I think Hope mentioned you. I was wondering why she didn't seem close to the wolves." (She'd assumed it might have to do with her own trauma, feeling like she needed to isolate herself after what'd happened to her mother.) "Now I see what it is. You guys are... oh, I do hope I'm using this correctly... dicks."

"Oh, ho-ho," said Jed, waving his arms and mocking her. "You must be so proud of yourself."

"Always," she said sweetly. "You know, come to think of it, if anyone should be Alpha, it should be Hope. She's the strongest wolf, isn't she?"

"At that point, she'd be in charge of the whole school because she's part witch and vampire too." He gestured between them. "It's starting to feel like you and me are going to have a little problem."

"Doesn't have to be that way," said Rhysaenya, scooping up some mashed potatoes. "I don't like bullies, never have."

"Watch where you run your mouth," suggested Jed, getting to his feet. "This doesn't concern you."

She tried to keep an eye on Raf for the rest of the day, figuring that Jed wasn't going to call it quits there. And he didn't. She was on her way to the library to gather the books she needed for her courses when she heard a series of grunts. Skidding into the hallway, she found Jed and two of his wolves from earlier beating into Rafael, who was curled up on the floor, shielding his face.

Rhysaenya didn't shout out for help, didn't bother to tell them to stop. She knew they wouldn't. She leapt at the closest wolf, grabbing him from behind and ripping him off of Raf, turning him to face her so she could knee him in the crotch and punch him across the face. The other two let up, giving her a chance to catch Jed's arm as he swung at her, using his own momentum to duck herself down and flip him over her shoulder, twisting his arm painfully and letting go in time to head-butt the other wolf.

She pulled Raf to his feet just as Josie appeared behind her, seeing the wolves were not about to relent. She grabbed onto the wall, hand glowing seconds before she thrust her other arm out, causing the three attacking wolves to hold their heads, crying out in pain.

"To be continued," said Jed, kicking Raf one more time before he led his wolves away.

"Are you okay?" Josie asked Raf, touching his shoulder.

He flinched, but nodded his head. Despite claiming he was alright, he stormed out, Josie right at his heels.

Rhysaenya was in the entrance hall, the only one there to receive the students that'd gone to Mystic Falls High, reporting with disappointment that Dana had been found dead, while Sasha remained in the hospital in critical condition after a drunk driving incident. Despite the tragedy, it didn't seem like any monsters were responsible, which boded well for the school.

Whatever Josie had told Raf after his tantrum, it had helped. By evening, she was hearing that Raf had been initiated and was now getting along just fine with Jed and the other wolves. Landon was going to be allowed to stay at the school, just like Rhysaenya, though in his case, no one knew if he was or wasn't a supernatural creature. He didn't seem to care either way, he just wanted to be near Raf.

The following Monday, she began her heavy courseload. Spread throughout the week were her first few months worth of classes: Intro to Vampirism, Intro to Lycanthropy, History of Witchcraft, and some elementary-level classes to catch up on science, social studies, and history. If she performed well on the end-of-term examinations, she could move up to classes better suited for her grade level (though she had a bad feeling she'd always be behind).

At the end of that first day, she was already exhausted, and not at all thrilled to be called into an assembly. She was sure there was another monster on the horizon they needed to be warned about, but it seemed that an altogether different matter was being discussed.

"Given recent events," said Alaric, "some students have expressed concern that I am not allowing you to have a say in decisions that affect your future. And I agree. If you are expected to abide by this school's policies, it's only fair that you have a voice in how those rules are made. So, I am forming an honor council. One vampire, one witch, and one werewolf, each elected by their peers. Along with our school counselor Emma, whose vote will represent the younger students. I expect you to make good decisions and to vote wisely. We will reconvene tomorrow night to announce the results. That's all, you're dismissed."

"What about you?" said Rhysaenya, holding her books and following Hope up to their room. "Why aren't you being put in a position of leadership? You understand all three aspects, you'd say what is best for all without the bias each individual species would have."

"Who said I wasn't?" said Hope with a smile. "I do have a voice, Dr. Saltzman just didn't announce it. I'm there to be the voice of reason... or at least that's the intention. If you ask me, this council is only being created because Josie wants to learn offensive spells and Kaleb is upset that vampires aren't allowed to feed on people. I'm going to make sure that those personal inclinations don't affect the other species. Particularly those of us who don't fit into one of those categories. You and Landon need someone to advocate for you, too."

Rhysaenya smiled. "Thank you, that's very kind of you. Is it true you're running tests on Landon tomorrow?"

"Yep. We're trying to find out what kind of supernatural he is. I'm handling that, so I probably won't be able to help you find your Tuesday classrooms."

"That's alright. I can ask Raf or Josie. They have spoken to me and seem nice."

Hope smiled. "I'm glad you're making friends."

"And some enemies," said Rhysaenya with a mischievous smile. "I think Jed and the wolves don't really like me."

"Jed doesn't like anybody, he thinks everyone is a threat to his position as Alpha. Just you wait, he's not going to like Raf for much longer if he doesn't submit to his will."

"Can't they just make there be a new Alpha?"

"Doesn't really work that way. The position has to be earned by a show of strength."

"What about cunning? Wouldn't you also want a leader who is smart?"

"Major wolf packs consider both. Wolf packs of this caliber only value strength. Trust me, the more you learn, the stupider high school aged boys will seem."

She grinned. "They already seem pretty silly to me. I knocked Jed over yesterday. Maybe I should be the Alpha."

Hope laughed good-naturedly. "If dragons traveled in packs..."

Rhysaenya was amused watching as everyone competed for the position, all wanting to be the spokesperson for their faction. Lizzie Saltzman was sure that she would win, but another witch named Penelope Park didn't seem to think so, and was certain someone else would be a better candidate.

(Rhysaenya didn't disagree, and in a brief moment overheard Penelope rallying being Josie Saltzman, apparently her ex. Considering it, she thought Josie would probably make a better leader. She was calm and collected and would probably be fair. Rhysaenya didn't know much about Lizzie, but considering how she talked to everyone around her as if they were beneath her, Rhysaenya wasn't exactly confident she knew how to be just.)

MG and Kaleb were competing for the top spot, and though Rhysaenya was inclined to say MG would be a better leader solely because he'd been kind to her, she couldn't deny that Kaleb was making many valid points about allowing the vampires more freedom. Though she agreed that the rules of not feeding on people were in place for a reason, she wondered if it did more harm than good. After all, how could the vampires learn to control their bloodlust if they were never exposed to human blood? They'd go crazy the first time someone got a papercut in their presence. Everything could be good, in moderation.

Jed was demanding votes mere seconds after the assembly ended. Raf wasn't having it. He was willing to accept it so long as Jed and other leaders agreed to vote to keep Landon as a student, but when Jed had refused to do him the favor because he'd been 'disrespectful,' a fight had broken out in the gym. Rhysaenya had happily witnessed the last few seconds when Raf pinned Jed down, knocking him out cold and defeating him, bringing himself into the Alpha role. She hoped he wouldn't prove to be a bully.

After their classes that day, a small box was placed in the center of the ballroom, chairs lined up to give students a chance to drop their ballots in. Another student, Wade Rivers, had whispered to Rhysaenya that the polls were mimicking Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. There was that blasted name again. She wondered who the hell Harry Potter was and why so many things in the school were inspired by him. She could have sworn Hope never mentioned a famous Harry in her retelling of the school's history.

She wasn't given a vote, which was expected, given she didn't know enough about any of the communities to choose a candidate and it wouldn't be fair for anyone else who was voting only within their species. She sat with Hope, waiting anxiously as Emma walked up, announcing, "Voting is now closed."

The students cheered politely. Emma held out her hand, a slip of paper fluttering out of the box as she called out, "The werewolf representative will be... Rafael."

The wolves barked in unison, which Rhysaenya found mildly odd, but clapped along with out of respect. "Alright, settle down," called Emma. "Thank you... next up, the vampire representative will be... Kaleb."

Rhysaenya cast MG a sympathetic look as Kaleb stood up, proudly adjusting the collar of his shirt while his fellow vampires clapped and yelled enthusiastically. "Settle down!" called Emma again. "And the witch representative will be... Josie."

Hope's mouth dropped open, the whole school staring at Lizzie, whose face had fallen in shock, so sure that she was going to be picked. "Thank you all for voting," said Emma, not noticing how Lizzie was starting to breathe heavily, "and congratulations to our newly elected representatives."

She had remained downstairs in the library to do homework, unbothered by the results. It didn't affect her much; nobody was trying to get rid of her and Landon wasn't really her problem.

She heard later that Hope had had to heal Landon after Jed had lashed out at him, upset with Raf for having taken the leadership away from him. Rhysaenya had been waiting in her bedroom for Hope to ask her more, but had found out from MG (who came to bring her a powdered donut, having heard she'd never had one before) that Hope had sent Landon off with some information about his mother, wanting him to have the chance to find her.

"You don't seem happy to be telling me this," said Rhysaenya, nibbling at the donut, unable to believe how sweet it was. Oddly enough, she liked the feeling. "Are you okay?"

"Lizzie's upset," he said with a shrug. "I wanted to help her, but she pushed me away. And I thought Kaleb and I had come to an understanding, but I guess the vampires want to see things his way. I like the rules the way they are. Sure, it would be nice to have some wiggle room, but most of us were turned as teens. We're still immature, I can acknowledge that. I think they have the right idea. Eventually we can feed on people, but right now we have to learn to be part of something bigger than ourselves. I don't know, I guess I'm frustrated. Plus, Jed's missing and they want me to help look for him but I'm not trying to get bit by a werewolf who's upset. We might have another one heading out to join him. Honor council just met, and it seems they voted not to let Landon stay, since he isn't supernatural. Raf is in a bad mood."

"Then we deal with one thing at a time," suggested Rhysaenya. "We can find Jed then come back to deal with Raf if he needs help. You don't have to be in a position of power to make a difference."

MG smiled. "Alright, then. Let's go find Jed."

He was crouched down in the woods, holding his head in his hands. Rhysaenya could smell blood on him, and immediately beckoned MG to stay away, in case he grew defensive.

"What do you want?" he muttered when she knelt in front of him.

She offered her hand. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up." When he didn't take her hand, she insisted, "Do you want to know why you lost that challenge, Jed? Because you're arrogant. I don't know how you got into power but you seem to think the world revolves around you since then, I can tell. You put others down. It isn't the mark of a warrior, and it definitely isn't the mark of a leader. My father told me that everything that tears us down happens for a reason, to teach us a lesson about ourselves. If we don't respect those we lead, how can we expect them to follow us? You lost, that cannot be changed. But you can become a better member of the pack. One day, you may regain the leadership. You could come back stronger than ever. Will you sit here, sulking, and mope around for the rest of your days because you have to listen to Raf telling you what to do, or will you better yourself so you can eventually be Alpha again?"

He stared at her for a moment, then decided to take her hand, letting her pull him to his feet. "Was I really that bad of an Alpha?" he muttered. "You seem to think so and you've been here for like, a week."

"You didn't make the best impression," she said honestly. "But right now, you're making a better one." She offered him a supportive smile. "It's okay to not be a dick, you know?"

He snorted, rolling his eyes at her. "You are really growing fond of that word, aren't you?"

"Listen, it's a lot better than what used to be thrown around when I was growing up."

When they'd helped Jed tend to his wounds (something that fascinated Rhysaenya, unable to believe how fast vampires and wolves could heal. She, like any other supernatural or human, took her sweet time to recover. The very fact vampire blood could accelerate healing was still bizarre to her), she and MG went to sit by the pool, dipping their feet in and finishing the rest of the powdered donuts.

"You like Lizzie, don't you?" said Rhysaenya curiously, unintentionally catching sight of a text he sent to Josie, asking if her sister was okay.

"No I don't," said MG quickly. "Why, do you?"

She giggled. "I haven't had a chance to get to know her, but she's not making the best impression. That being said, Jed was a little more pleasant tonight. It's strange to know some things don't change. People get hurt so they hurt others. It's an unending cycle. And somehow life carries on despite that cruelty. My father was a great warrior... he made many kills on the battlefield, but he never let his anger get the best of him around an innocent. He only hurt those who deserved it. He demanded justice, not oppression. People like Jed and Lizzie, it makes me think that they push others down because someone made them feel like that. So they keep doing it."

He hesitated. "Yeah, I do like Lizzie. But she won't give me a second look."

"Give her time to get off that high horse she's on. Eventually, she'll realize who's always been there for her."

He held out his hand to shake hers. "You know, I'll be your wingman if you promise to be my honorary wingwoman."

She grabbed his hand enthusiastically. "Deal."