A thin mist still lingered over the inner courtyard of Aethelred Academy as students began filling the towering stone corridors. The scent of damp earth and autumn wind gave the day a quiet tone—unlike the usual buzz of academy life. But Alexa knew that this silence was only an illusion.
Since the incident during the joint magic exam, the entire academy had been alive with whispers, anonymous flyers, and unhidden stares.
> "The daughter of House Zevarelis froze her opponents with ice magic." "The Crown Prince himself intervened to save her." "Is this the beginning of a special bond between them?"
News traveled faster than teleportation magic.
In the dorm room of House Lunaris, Alexa sat at her study desk. A small flyer rested in her hand—neatly folded, not from emotion, but because she wanted to understand every detail.
Alyssa, her roommate, stood at the doorway. "Alexa… are you alright?"
"Always," she replied flatly, her voice as steady as ever. "Are you ready for class?"
Alyssa nodded, though her eyes still held a trace of worry.
---
Outside the room, students moved as usual, though some stared at Alexa longer than necessary. A few bowed politely; others whispered behind cupped hands. Alexa ignored them all.
Her steps remained light and graceful.
But in her mind, one name spun endlessly: Seraphina.
The girl who had once been close to her—now seemingly a pawn of House Vierran, chasing power without hesitation. Alexa wasn't angry—just... disgusted.
---
That afternoon, while most students were still occupied in the training halls, Alexa slipped away into the academy's back garden. This place was quiet and far from any teacher's watchful eye.
Lucian Zevarelis was already waiting.
"You called for me, Brother?" she asked.
Lucian looked at his younger sister with an unreadable expression. "You're drawing too much attention."
"I never asked for it," Alexa replied calmly. "They're the ones who keep pointing everything at me."
Lucian stepped closer, locking eyes with her golden gaze.
> "You're starting to resemble our Mother more and more…"
Alexa fell silent. The mention of her mother always stirred a mix of longing and reverence. She hadn't yet responded when Lucian continued.
"If you choose to stand out, don't waver. Do it because you believe in it—not because of pressure."
Alexa gave a slow nod. "I won't back down."
Lucian studied her for a moment longer. "One more thing…" he said as he turned away. "Be careful with your closeness to the Crown Prince. The noble world is never kind to those who appear too close to the light."
---
Elsewhere, from a tall balcony, a pair of golden eyes watched the siblings' interaction.
Thalionric stood in silence, his fingers gripping the marble railing.
> "You never let me get too close, do you?"
He closed his eyes briefly. But when they opened again, his gaze had changed—colder, more dangerous.
> "If they want to shake you… they'll have to go through me first."
---
[End of Chapter 21]