Adrian Graves stepped through the grand wrought-iron gates of the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted, his sharp silver eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet intensity. The place carried an air of old-world charm, its towering stone walls whispering of history and hidden power. To the untrained eye, it was just another elite private school. But to those who belonged to the supernatural world, it was a sanctuary—a place where vampires, witches, and werewolves honed their abilities.
He adjusted the strap of his duffel bag, the weight barely registering against his enhanced physique. Though his presence was acknowledged, it wasn't fully perceived. A strange phenomenon, one he had begun to notice since his reincarnation four months ago. People knew he existed, but their minds seemed unable to fully grasp him. They knew he was supernatural, but the specifics evaded them. It was both a blessing and a curse.
As he strode into the main building, the scent of aged books and burning sage filled the air. The corridors were alive with murmured conversations, laughter, and the occasional flare of magic from students practicing their spells. Adrian remained impassive, taking it all in, his every movement calculated and restrained. He wasn't here to make friends—only to understand his abilities and gather information.
"New student?" A voice, laced with curiosity, drew his attention. Turning, he found himself face-to-face with a tall, well-built man with sharp eyes—Alaric Saltzman, the headmaster.
Adrian inclined his head slightly. "Yes."
Alaric studied him, arms crossed. "Adrian Graves, right? You came highly recommended, but no one could tell me exactly what you are."
"I imagine they couldn't," Adrian said evenly, his tone unreadable.
Alaric chuckled dryly. "Mysterious. I see you're not the talkative type. That's fine. Just know that this school is a place of learning and community. If you need anything, my office is always open."
Adrian nodded but said nothing more. He could feel the eyes of other students on him, some subtly trying to probe him with magic, others simply curious. He ignored them all.
"Come on, I'll introduce you to some of your classmates," Alaric said, leading him toward the main hall.
The room was filled with students of various supernatural backgrounds. Among them, a girl with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes leaned against a table—Hope Mikaelson, the tribrid. She was strong, powerful, and undoubtedly the center of attention.
Beside her sat a vampire with a relaxed demeanor, MG, and a few others, including Josie and Lizzie Saltzman.
"Everyone, this is Adrian Graves. He'll be joining us from today," Alaric introduced.
Hope's gaze was assessing. "What are you?" she asked bluntly.
Adrian met her stare with an unreadable expression. "If you figure it out, let me know," he replied smoothly.
MG chuckled. "Alright, mystery guy. You got a dorm yet?"
"I assume one has been prepared."
Before the conversation could continue, Alaric gestured toward the large map pinned on the board. "Since you're new, let's start with a little discussion. We're currently revising supernatural history—Adrian, do you know anything about the origins of this school?"
Adrian stepped forward, eyeing the map. His mind, sharper than most, instantly recalled the knowledge he had gathered.
"The Salvatore School was founded by Alaric Saltzman and Caroline Forbes with the intention of providing supernatural children with a safe space to learn and grow," he began, his voice steady and precise. "Originally, it was built on the remains of the Salvatore Boarding House, home to Damon and Stefan Salvatore, two of the most infamous vampires in history. Unlike most supernatural institutions, this school doesn't favor one species over another. It acts as a neutral ground."
The room was silent as Adrian spoke. His knowledge wasn't just surface-level—he delved deeper, explaining the school's significance in balancing supernatural politics, the importance of keeping young witches, vampires, and werewolves under control, and even the historical battles that shaped its policies.
Hope raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Not bad. Most people don't bother looking beyond the basics."
Adrian simply shrugged. "Knowing history means understanding your place in it."
Josie nodded in agreement. "That's… actually a good point."
Lizzie, however, seemed slightly annoyed. "Alright, history buff, what's your deal? You some kind of supernatural scholar?"
Adrian didn't answer immediately. Instead, he allowed a small smirk to form. "Something like that."
Alaric, meanwhile, observed him carefully. There was something unsettling about Adrian—not in a dangerous way, but in a way that made people instinctively take notice. It wasn't just his knowledge, but the way he carried himself, the quiet confidence, the controlled strength in his every movement.
"Alright, I think that's enough for today," Alaric said. "Adrian, you'll be staying in the west dorms. Hope, show him around."
Adrian gave a small nod before following Hope out of the hall. The moment they stepped outside, she turned to him. "You know, for a guy who doesn't talk much, you sure know a lot."
"I read."
Hope scoffed. "Right. Well, let me give you some advice—this place isn't just a school. There's always something going on. You better be ready."
Adrian met her gaze, unshaken. "I always am."
Hope watched him for a moment before smirking. "I think I'm going to keep an eye on you."
Adrian didn't respond. He simply walked forward, already mapping out his next steps.
He had four months before the events of Legacies began.
And he intended to be ready for whatever was coming.