The grand hall of Aethelred Academy stood tall with towering marble walls, stained glass windows, and silver pillars etched with the sigils of noble families. At the center of the room, the royal crest of Solveria floated mid-air, radiating a soft, warm light.
All students stood in formation, divided by the status of their bloodlines—from royal heirs to Dukes, Marquises, and high Barons.
Alexa stood in the front row, her gown flowing gently as magical winds swept through the hall. Behind her—whispers and stares still followed.
"That's the daughter of the Southern Duke…" "She's even more beautiful than the rumors." "But is she really as powerful as they say?"
Suddenly, a deep and commanding voice echoed from the front stage.
"Welcome, heirs of noble blood."
A tall man with silvery ash hair and a deep blue and gold robe stood calmly atop the podium. The headmaster of Aethelred Academy—Lord Aldebrandt Vaelrion. Known for his strictness, and formerly a personal advisor to the King.
"This academy will not judge your status. Only your strength, strategy, and honor as nobles. The weak will fall. The cunning will be cast aside. And the strong… will rise into history."
All whispers ceased.
"Starting this semester," the Headmaster continued, "our top class will be divided into two elite groups: House Solaris and House Lunaris."
"Solaris: those who excel in strength, tactics, and influence." "Lunaris: those who shine through magic, intelligence, and emotional control."
"Now… let us reveal the chosen ones."
Magic flared in the air as names wrote themselves in glowing letters.
💫 House Solaris
Thalionric Arelthia (Crown Prince)
Cyrill Ashven (Duke of the North)
Seraphina Wynhart (Marquis of the West)
Kael Morgenstern (General's son)
Erwan Reignhart (Eastern Count's son)
❄️ House Lunaris
Alexamysa Zevarelis (Southern Duke)
Eiden Vernoux (Royal court mage)
Liora Noxwell (Count's daughter, magic specialist)
Veyla Arcene (Silent baroness, strategist)
Alaric Feyndel (Heir of ambitious merchant-noble house)
All eyes turned to Alexa as her name appeared.
"Lunaris?" some whispered. "I thought she'd be in Solaris…" "But they say her magic rivals that of royalty…"
Alexa remained calm, her eyes sharp yet graceful. She knew Lunaris wasn't for the weak—but for those who moved silently, and struck when enemies least expected.
From the stage, the Crown Prince's gaze met hers. He was in Solaris. He would not be in her class.
But his smile was faint—full of challenge.
"Show me… how far you can go without me by your side."
Alexa returned a poised smile.
"I have no intention of standing beneath anyone. Not even the Crown Prince."
🌙 To Be Continued…