Night had fallen over Aethelred Academy.
Soft magical lights lit the noble dormitory corridors.
The breeze carried the scent of blossoms from the central garden.
But tonight… felt different.
🕊️ Lunaris Dormitory, after the duel
Alexa sat in front of her mirror.
Her silver hair flowed freely, and her academy dress had been replaced with a deep midnight-blue robe. On her right hand, faint magical cracks remained from the duel—though they didn't hurt.
> "You held back for too long."
The calm voice came from the corner of her room.
Eiden. Leaning against the window frame, staring at the night sky.
> "You could've frozen Erwan from the start. Why hold back?"
Alexa smiled softly.
> "Sometimes proving we can hold back… is stronger than proving we can strike."
Eiden looked at her for a long moment.
> "You're intriguing, Lady Alexa."
> "And you're too quiet for someone who knows too much."
He chuckled.
> "Maybe because I prefer to observe first… before deciding who's worth protecting."
Before Alexa could reply, a gentle knock came at the door.
---
🌙 In the garden beneath the night sky
Alexa stepped outside and found someone waiting at the end of the corridor.
Thalionric Arelthia.
His long cloak swayed, and in his hand—an invitation sealed with the royal crest.
> "There's a special welcome ball for the first-year nobles. A royal guest can't go uninvited."
> "And the Crown Prince decided to deliver the invitation himself?"
> "I just wanted to make sure you'd come. The event would be terribly dull without you."
Alexa accepted the invitation, her expression calm.
> "I'll attend. But don't expect a dance just because you delivered it."
Thalionric stepped closer—close enough that only Alexa could hear him.
> "Don't get the wrong idea. I simply want to see how the Silver Rose of the South… faces the lion of the palace."
Alexa met his gaze, unflinching.
> "If you're a lion… then I hope you don't claw when the rose has thorns."
---
💃 Young Nobles' Evening Ball
A grand hall adorned with crystal chandeliers and an enchanted ceiling showing a starlit sky.
Classical music flowed softly.
All young nobles were present—dressed in their finest.
Alexa descended the ballroom staircase in a flowing ice-blue gown, sprinkled with tiny snowflake crystals.
All eyes turned toward her.
> "That's Lady Zevarelis…"
"A duel… and now this. What can't she do?"
Thalionric watched from across the room. He said nothing… but hadn't looked away from her once.
But the night wasn't just for dancing.
Seraphina, dressed in a glittering lavender gown, approached with graceful steps.
> "Your gown is lovely. Shame it's not domestically made, though?"
"If I'm not mistaken, that's a cut from Istalith. A bit… outdated."
Alexa smiled—cold as frost in a silver goblet.
> "Yet all eyes are still on me."
"So maybe… the outdated one isn't the dress. But your taste."
Seraphina bit her lip, silent.
> "Your game isn't over, Alexa."
> "Oh, I'm certain it's only just begun."
---
🌙 To Be Continued...