The Royal Academy
Two weeks after the Moonbinding Ceremony, life at the Royal Academy of Aerthrial returned to its usual rhythm—on the surface, at least.
The academy was where noble heirs trained in diplomacy, swordsmanship, and magic before stepping into court life.
But this year, something was different.
Everyone watched Selene Valeburne and Lucien Aurelian more closely.
Not because of scandal.Not because of rumors.
Because of fear.
The Academy Courtyard
Selene walked through the marble courtyard, her crimson robes brushing against stone paths lined with frostbitten roses.
Whispers followed her like shadows.
"That's the Scarlet Rose… careful not to meet her eyes.""I heard she can kill with a look.""No—worse. She can control you."
Selene ignored them all.
Her red eyes remained forward, steady, as if the weight of a hundred lifetimes balanced on her shoulders.
An Unwelcome Encounter
"Selene."
She paused, recognizing the voice.
Evelyne Greymoor stepped into her path, emerald eyes shining beneath the winter sunlight.
"Evelyne," Selene replied, her tone polite but distant.
The Conversation
Evelyne's lips curved into a soft, dangerous smile.
"I hear the nightmares are getting worse."
Selene's gaze narrowed just slightly.
"And I hear the Prime Minister's spies have been busy."
Evelyne tilted her head, feigning innocence.
"We're both playing the same game, Selene. Let's not pretend otherwise."
Before Selene could respond, another voice cut through the tension.
A smooth, warm voice—one that sent a subtle chill through Evelyne's composure.
Lucien's Arrival
"I wasn't aware this courtyard belonged to you, Greymoor."
Lucien Aurelian stood beside Selene now, golden eyes calm, but his presence silenced the whispers around them instantly.
Evelyne's smile didn't falter.
"Of course not, Lord Aurelian. I was just… enjoying the morning air."
Lucien's gaze locked onto hers for a moment—sharp, assessing.
Then, without another word, he gently placed his hand on Selene's back, guiding her away.
The Walk
They walked in silence for several steps.
Selene's heart beat faster than she'd like to admit.
"You didn't need to interfere," she said softly.
Lucien glanced at her, lips curving slightly.
"She's not your friend."
"I know."
"Then why do you entertain her games?"
Selene's eyes remained on the path ahead.
"Because sometimes it's safer to dance with shadows than to face the blade directly."
A Pause Beneath the Moon Tree
They stopped beneath the Moon Tree, a rare silver-barked tree that stood at the heart of the academy's garden.
Its leaves shimmered faintly under the morning light, as if remembering the twin moons even during the day.
Lucien looked at Selene carefully.
"We need to be careful," he said quietly. "The bond between us—it's evolving faster."
Selene's lips pressed into a thin line.
"I know."
A Pulse of Magic
Without warning, a pulse of warmth spread between them.
It wasn't from the outside world.
It was from the thread—the invisible connection that tied their souls together.
Lucien stepped back, breath catching for the first time in years.
Selene's eyes widened slightly. She felt it too.
Their heartbeats had synchronized again.
A Dangerous Realization
Lucien's voice dropped to a whisper.
"If this keeps growing, Selene… we won't be able to separate."
Selene's throat tightened.
"Maybe," she whispered back, eyes locked onto his.
"Or maybe we were never meant to."
In the Shadows – Alaric's Watch
From the rooftop, Alaric Thorne watched silently.
The Aurelian knight's cold gray eyes narrowed.
Lucien was his childhood friend. His brother in arms.
But this bond?This was something beyond friendship, beyond family.
And Alaric wasn't sure if it would save Lucien—or destroy him.
Meanwhile – The Eastern Nobility Moves
Far from the academy, in the eastern territories of Aerthrial, dark plans unfolded.
A council of ancient nobles gathered beneath candlelight.
"The Crimson-Gold Cycle must not reach completion.""If they fall in love fully, the world will bend to them—or burn.""Prepare the assassins. The bond must be severed before the eclipse."
The Dance of Shadows Begins
Back at the academy, Lucien and Selene stood beneath the Moon Tree, unaware of how many blades now pointed at their backs.
But in their hearts, they knew one thing:
This wasn't just a love story.
It was a war.
And love was the most dangerous weapon of all.