Early in the morning, the weather was unusually pleasant. The sky stretched wide and clear, sunlight spilling gently over the quiet city. It felt like an ordinary, peaceful day.
In a spacious bedroom washed in pale light, a girl stirred from her long sleep.
Silver hair spilled across her pillow like threads of moonlight, and when her eyes slowly opened, they revealed a deep, glowing crimson. Even half-awake, her beauty was striking—calm, distant, almost unreal.
From the television downstairs, the morning news echoed faintly through the house.
"Fifteen people have died in an incident involving the leader of the Obsidian Circle, Dominic Hale. He was shot while delivering an opening speech in front of his newly inaugurated building. Witnesses claim it was 'them.'"
The girl sat up slowly, brushing a strand of silver hair away from her face.
"It's already 7 a.m. I'll be late… Well. It doesn't matter."
My name is Seraphina Vale.Today, I turn seventeen.
And this is where my story begins—on my first day at my new school.
"Good morning, Miss Vale," the driver greeted as she stepped into the car. "Are you ready for your first day?"
"Not particularly."
"That doesn't sound reassuring," he replied with a polite smile. "Still, we should leave. We're running out of time."
The car moved smoothly through the quiet streets. Halfway to the academy, Seraphina spoke without looking up from her phone.
"Stop here."
The driver blinked in surprise as the car pulled over in front of a convenience store. "Are you certain you want to walk the rest of the way alone?"
"It's only a few kilometers."
"It may not be wise, Miss Vale. This is your first time here."
She slipped her phone into her coat pocket. "If anything happens, I'll call."
He hesitated, then sighed. "Your classroom is 4A2."
"Noted."
Inside the store, Seraphina purchased a drink and a few snacks. She stepped back into the sunlight, unwrapped a lollipop, and began walking toward her new school.
"I wonder if this place is larger than my old one," she murmured softly. "Though what truly matters… is the food."
Fifteen minutes later, she stood before towering iron gates.
The academy was massive—far beyond expectation. A gymnasium, a swimming pool, an expansive field, even a private cinema. Near the main entrance stood a Starbucks café.
Of course it does, she thought dryly. The tuition alone could buy a small house.
She walked through the halls until she found her classroom.
"4A2… here."
Instead of a simple handle, a digital scanner was installed beside the door. She tapped her multifunctional student card against it.
Beep.
"Excuse me," she said as she stepped inside.
The teacher looked up. "Ah, you must be the new transfer student. Come in."
"Thank you."
The room quieted under curious stares.
"Class," the teacher announced, "we have a new student joining us today. Please introduce yourself."
"My name is Seraphina Vale."
A brief pause.
"You may call me Seraphina."
"Well then, Seraphina, take the seat by the window."
She nodded and walked gracefully to her place. Outside the glass windows lay a carefully maintained garden filled with blue lilies swaying gently in the breeze.
The first period lasted two hours.
Seraphina fell asleep within five minutes.
Ding dong.
Break time.
She lifted her head slowly. "Finally."
Students hurried out of the classroom.
Before she could stand, a cheerful voice interrupted her.
"Hi! My name is Elowen Hart. It's nice to meet you!"
Seraphina glanced up at the girl with golden hair and bright green eyes.
She gave a small nod.
"You're not very talkative, are you?" Elowen laughed lightly. "Do you want to have lunch together?"
"No, thank you. I'm not hungry."
Elowen hesitated. "Alright… but since you're new, I should warn you. Be careful in this class."
"Of what?"
Elowen only smiled faintly. "You'll see."
Moments later, loud voices shattered the calm.
"Why are you so late? You kept Vivienne waiting!"
"I'm sorry… the cafeteria was crowded…"
"It's cold now. Go buy another one."
"But everything's sold out…"
"Do you think I care?"
The trembling girl returned minutes later with a carton of milk.
"I don't have any money left… I could only buy this…"
One of the girls snatched it from her hand.
"Do you seriously expect Vivienne to drink something this cheap?"
"That's right! She's from the Ashbourne family. The richest family in the country."
Without warning, Vivienne Ashbourne poured the milk over the girl's head.
"Oops," she said mockingly. "My hand slipped."
Laughter echoed around the classroom.
The soaked girl stared up at her, silent but burning.
"Don't look at me like that, you little rat," Vivienne hissed, raising her hand to strike.
Her wrist was caught mid-air.
Seraphina.
With effortless precision, Seraphina twisted her arm and delivered a sharp kick to Vivienne's stomach. She collapsed onto the floor.
Gasps filled the room.
"You—! Do you know who I am?!" Vivienne shrieked.
"I don't," Seraphina replied coolly. "And I don't care."
"I'm Vivienne Ashbourne!"
Seraphina tilted her head slightly. "That explains the arrogance."
Vivienne's friends rushed forward, but within seconds, they were on the floor beside her.
The classroom door slid open abruptly.
A tall figure stepped inside.
His dark hair framed sharp features, and his presence alone silenced the room.
"What is happening here?"
"Lucian…" someone whispered.
Vivienne quickly stood, feigning weakness. "Lucian, she attacked us. We were only trying to welcome her."
Lucian Ashbourne's gaze shifted to Seraphina—cold, assessing.
As Student Council President—and Vivienne's cousin—his loyalty was obvious.
"You," he said firmly. "You've assaulted a member of the Ashbourne family. This will not go unpunished. I will report you to the principal."
Seraphina met his eyes without flinching.
Her crimson gaze was steady.
Unbothered.
Almost amused.
And on her very first day at Blackthorn Academy—
she made enemies with the most powerful family in the school.
And perhaps…
the most dangerous one.