The academy grounds were quiet in the early hours of Friday morning. A soft mist clung to the training courtyard, glistening under the moon's fading light. For Kael Vernier, this time of day had become routine training only at dawn or dusk, away from the eyes of those too curious for his comfort.
"Classes start next week, he thought, stretching his arms slowly."
As he made his way past one of the open-air sparring arenas, the sound of clashing weapons caught his attention. He paused at the archway and looked down into the wide circular space.
Two figures danced within it.
One was a young man with short golden hair, a spear spinning like a whirlwind in his grasp. His movements were explosive, raw strength pushing him forward. The other was a graceful girl with long flowing golden hair, wielding a slim sword. Her footwork was impeccable precise, controlled, beautiful.
Samuel and Samantha Solaris.
The Prince and Princess of the South Korea Empire.
Their fight was a showcase of contrast.
Samuel pushed forward with bursts of power, each spear thrust causing gusts of wind to spiral around him. Samantha deflected them one after another, her sword moving like flowing silk. Her expression remained composed, her stance unshaken.
Kael watched intently.
The duel ended as Samuel lunged forward with a final overhead strike but Samantha twisted around it, spun low, and placed her blade gently at his neck.
"Match," she said softly.
Samuel clicked his tongue but smiled. "You've been getting better."
He offered her a fist bump, which she returned.
Kael took a step into the courtyard. The sound of his boots on stone made them turn.
Samuel tilted his head in interest, but Samantha froze, her amethyst eyes wide as she stared at him. Kael, bathed in the soft morning light, looked ethereal snow-white hair flowing, crimson snake-like eyes gleaming, and his build defined yet elegant.
Samantha blinked quickly and turned away, blushing furiously.
Samuel arched a brow. "Can we help you?"
Kael nodded politely. "That was a good spar. It's rare to see such synergy between siblings."
Samuel chuckled. "We've had years of practice. Though today she's the one who showed me up."
Kael then looked at him, expression calm but firm.
"I'd like a spar. With you."
The prince's eyes lit up in surprise.
Samantha turned slightly, still red but curious.
"You want to spar me?" Samuel asked.
Kael nodded. "I'd like to test your spearmanship."
Samuel grinned, lifting his spear and resting it over his shoulder. "I'm in. But don't say I didn't warn you I don't hold back."
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile.
"I wouldn't want you to."