The graveyard was no longer just a resting place for the dead,it was a hunting ground. The air pulsed, thick with something unseen, something ancient and ravenous. The scent of rot, wet soil, and fresh blood clung to his senses, choking him with every ragged breath.
Behind him,the dead screamed.
Not mindless howls, not the groans of corpses that should have remained buried.
These screams were deliberate. A call. A demand.
His body burned his shoulder slick with blood, the wound throbbing like a heartbeat outside his own. He didn’t know how deep the gash was, but he could feel it, warm liquid trailing down his arm, soaking into his clothes.
They could smell him.
They were following him.
Ethan crashed through the uneven rows of tombstones, his boots slipping against the mud, the
world spinning in flashes of red and black. The Blood Moon still hung above, a watchful eye, an
open wound bleeding over the night.
Ahead a gate. Rusted, bent, but open.
Freedom.
Then a force slammed into his back.
Ethan hit the ground hard, his body skidding through the wet earth, the impact knocking the air from his lungs.
Cold fingers clamped around his ankle.
He twisted, panic flaring in his chest.
A corpse, half-rotted, its skull caved in on one side,was dragging itself toward him. Its mouth was open, jaw unhinged, its breath thick with the stench of decomposition.
And yet.it wasn’t mindless.
Its blackened tongue ran over its broken teeth, its gaze locking onto Ethan’s blood-soaked shoulder.
Ethan kicked his boot connecting with brittle ribs. The thing crumpled slightly, but its grip did not loosen. Its fingers dug deeper, nails splintering, slicing into his skin.
He gasped in pain.
Another shadow loomed overhead.
A second corpse.
And then a third.
The whispering began again. Soft at first. A lullaby of death, threading through the air like a
promise.
"You are not the first."
Ethan clenched his teeth.
He wasn’t going to die here.
He twisted sharply, grabbing a loose stone from the ground his fingers slick with mud and blood, and swung.
The rock connected with the first corpse’s skull. A sickening crack split the air, bone shattering like brittle glass.
Its grip loosened.
Ethan kicked free, scrambling to his feet, but before he could take another step, something else grabbed him.
Not cold.
Not dead.
Warm. Strong. Familiar.
Lillian.
She yanked him forward, her grip firm, desperate, shaking.
“Move!” she yelled.
No more coaxing. No more teasing.
Just raw urgency.
They ran.
Blood and Breath
The graveyard swallowed behind them as they burst through the rusted gates. The moment they crossed the threshold, the whispers stopped.
The air stilled.
The corpses did not follow.
Ethan collapsed against the nearest stone wall, his breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps. Pain roared through his shoulder, his heartbeat pulsing against the wound. He gritted his teeth, tilting his head back, his vision spinning.
Lillian was beside him. Watching.
Her chest rose and fell, but her expression was unreadable. She wasn’t breathless. Wasn’t shaking.
She had known.
She had known what was going to happen.
Ethan swallowed hard, his throat burning. “Tell me,” he rasped.
Lillian tilted her head, her dark curls falling over her shoulder. Her eyes,deep brown and flecked with gold,were too bright, too steady.
“Tell you what?” she murmured.
Ethan let out a sharp, humorless laugh.
“My blood. Why,” He swallowed, shuddering at the memory of her lips grazing his throat, the way she had inhaled when his blood spilled between them.
“What did you do to me?”
Lillian’s breath hitched,the first sign of hesitation.
She stepped closer.
Her fingers brushed his wrist, gentle, testing.
Ethan stiffened.
But he didn’t move away.
Lillian’s gaze dipped to his bloodstained shoulder. The scent of iron lingered in the air, mixing with the rain, with the warmth of their shared breath.
Her fingers trailed higher, ghosting over his exposed collarbone. The heat of her touch sent a slow, creeping shiver through him,one laced with something darker than fear.
He should pull away.
But he didn’t.
Because her lips parted slightly, as if drawn toward the pulse still hammering at his throat.
“Your blood,” she whispered, her voice like a thread of silk unraveling, “is not like theirs.”
Ethan’s stomach tightened.
“What the hell does that mean?”
Lillian’s fingers pressed just slightly against his skin, against the warmth pooling beneath the torn
fabric of his shirt.
“It means,” she murmured, “you were never meant to stay untouched by this.”
A slow dread uncoiled in Ethan’s chest.
The whispers. The way the corpses had searched for him, called for him.
The way the Whispering Man had appeared.
His blood had called them.
His blood had fed something. Awakened something.
Lillian leaned closer.
Her breath fanned across his jaw,warm, sweet, intoxicating.
And then,she kissed him.
A sharp inhale,his, hers, he didn’t know anymore.
Her lips were soft, insistent, and god, she tasted like everything he shouldn’t want. Like rain and fire. Like life and death.
His hands found her waist,her body warm against his, pressing, needing, taking.
For a moment,just one reckless, desperate moment,Ethan let himself want her.
Want the darkness curling around them.
Want the power thrumming in his blood.
Want her.
But then,a noise.
A voice.
A whisper.
"You are not the first."
Ethan’s eyes snapped open.
Behind Lillian,the shadows shifted.
Something was coming.
Something was waiting.
And it wanted him.
How to Apply for the 2025 Harvard Law School Human Rights Program Scholarships
Harvard Law School (HLS) is globally recognized as one of the most prestigious institutions for legal education. Among its most celebrated initiatives is the Human Rights Program (HRP), founded in 1984, which trains the next generation of lawyers and advocates in international human rights law. For 2025, HLS continues to provide scholarship and fellowship opportunities to outstanding students pursuing careers in human rights. This guide offers a detailed, step-by-step roadmap on how to apply, who is eligible, and how to maximize your chances of success.
1. What is the Harvard Law School Human Rights Program?
The Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School is both an academic and advocacy center. It provides resources for students, organizes clinical opportunities, supports research, and funds human rights fellowships across the world. HRP combines academic rigor with hands-on practice through the International Human Rights Clinic, which works on cutting-edge issues like refugee rights, transitional justice, corporate accountability, and women’s rights.
2. Types of Human Rights Scholarships and Fellowships
Harvard Law offers a variety of funding opportunities tied to its Human Rights Program. These include:
- Summer Fellowships – Funding for HLS students to intern with human rights organizations globally.
- Travel Grants – To support participation in international conferences, tribunals, or advocacy work.
- Post-Graduate Fellowships – For recent graduates pursuing careers in human rights advocacy or research.
- LL.M. Human Rights Fellowships – Partial funding for international students pursuing a Master of Laws degree.
These opportunities are often complemented by external scholarships such as the LL.M. Global Scholarships and regional fellowships funded by partner organizations.
3. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to human rights. General eligibility includes:
- Degree program: J.D., LL.M., or S.J.D. students enrolled or admitted to HLS.
- Academic record: Strong legal background and relevant coursework.
- Experience: Prior involvement in human rights advocacy, NGOs, research, or community projects.
- Commitment: Clear career goals in international human rights law.
International students are strongly encouraged to apply, as HLS promotes diversity in its fellowship programs.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Step 1: Research the Available Fellowships
Begin by visiting the HRP Fellowships page to review available programs. Each fellowship has different requirements, deadlines, and benefits.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Typical materials include:
- Completed online application form.
- Personal statement (1–3 pages) outlining your commitment to human rights.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic and professional experience.
- Two or more recommendation letters from faculty or supervisors.
- Official transcripts from prior degrees.
Step 3: Draft a Strong Personal Statement
This is arguably the most important component. Applicants should explain:
- Why they chose Harvard Law School.
- Their long-term vision in human rights law.
- Past experiences in advocacy or research that shaped their career goals.
Step 4: Submit the Application by the Deadline
Most 2025 applications will open in January 2025 and close between March and April 2025. Always check the official HRP website for specific dates.
Step 5: Prepare for Follow-Up
Some fellowships may involve interviews or requests for additional documentation. Be ready to discuss your goals and experiences in-depth.
5. What Do the Scholarships Cover?
Coverage varies by fellowship but typically includes:
- Partial or full tuition waivers for LL.M. and J.D. students.
- Stipends for living expenses during internships or fieldwork.
- Travel and accommodation costs for international placements.
- Research support for dissertation or thesis work.
6. Common Myths vs Facts
- Myth: Only U.S. citizens can apply.
Fact: International students are encouraged to apply and make up a significant portion of fellows. - Myth: You need perfect grades to qualify.
Fact: While grades matter, passion and practical human rights experience weigh heavily. - Myth: Fellowships only cover tuition.
Fact: Many fellowships also include living stipends, research funding, and travel allowances.
7. Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Start applications early—deadlines are strict.
- Seek mentors or faculty to review your statement.
- Highlight international experience or work with marginalized communities.
- Demonstrate long-term goals in advocacy, not just academic interest.
8. Key 2025 Deadlines
- January 2025: Applications open.
- March–April 2025: Most fellowship deadlines.
- May 2025: Review and interviews.
- June 2025: Fellowship awards announced.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I don’t have prior human rights experience?
Yes, but preference is given to those with demonstrable experience or academic research in related areas.
Q2: Do I need to be admitted to HLS before applying?
Yes, most scholarships require that you are either admitted or enrolled at HLS.
Q3: Are there external scholarships I can combine with HRP funding?
Yes. Examples include the Fulbright Scholarship and regional funding programs like the Chevening Awards.
10. Citations and Resources
- Harvard Law Human Rights Program (Official)
- HRP Fellowships Page
- Harvard Law School Homepage
- LLM Guide: Harvard Scholarships
Conclusion
The 2025 Harvard Law School Human Rights Program scholarships are a gateway to advancing careers in international human rights advocacy, litigation, and policy reform. By carefully preparing your application, demonstrating genuine passion, and meeting deadlines, you can position yourself for a transformative academic and professional journey. Whether you are an LL.M. student from abroad or a J.D. candidate with domestic advocacy experience, these fellowships open doors to global impact.