Chapter 3 – A Name Among Giants
The name Valerius was not whispered—it was revered. Old money, older magic, and influence deep enough to stir the foundations of Aetheris. Alexander Valerius, the eldest heir, was rarely seen in public. When he did appear, people watched.
Back in his family's private wing of the Valerius estate, Alexander sat quietly at his desk, fingers drumming the ancient rune-inscribed wood.
"She wasn't what I expected," he murmured.
Celeste, his younger sister, peeked in from the hallway. "Who? The girl from the party?"
He didn't answer, but the flicker in his eyes was enough. Celeste stepped in, curious.
"She must've been special if she got your attention."
"She was out of place. Quiet. But she stood her ground. There's something..." He paused, frowning slightly. "...something different about her."
Celeste tilted her head. "You're smiling."
"I am not."
"You are."
Alexander leaned back. "What are you doing here?"
"I got accepted to the Academy," she announced. "I start next week."
"Good." His tone shifted into protective older brother mode. "Behave. Don't get into trouble."
Celeste grinned. "No promises. I hear there's a girl there people call the 'ghost of the top rank.' Never talks. Just aces everything. I'm curious."
Alexander said nothing. But he had a feeling they were talking about the same person.