The sun bathed the Royal Academy's courtyard in golden light. The grounds were decorated with silks of four colors, each representing a great kingdom. Word had spread—The Four Kingdoms' rulers were arriving today.
Students were buzzing with rumors.
"Sheha, do you think it's true?" a noble girl whispered.
The elegant girl looked up from her scroll. "The Academy Master doesn't decorate like this for rumors."
Selen stood nearby, arms folded, her icy gaze fixed on the horizon. "Something... strange is about to happen."
In the middle of the courtyard stood Shane, Luna, Rio, and Lei Xin. All dressed in standard academy robes, completely unaware of the storm heading toward them.
Shane stretched. "Why's everyone acting like we're in a drama?"
Luna tilted her head. "I feel... like something inside me is calling."
Lan Rio adjusted his belt. "Let's stay calm. No matter what happens."
Lei Xin's eyes scanned the guards lining up. "Too many guards for a royal 'visit.'"
Then—TRUMPETS.
Four majestic carriages glided in, pulled by mythical beasts—sky horses, flame deer, wind wolves, and moon foxes.
The crowd went still.
From the carriages stepped:
Queen Liya of the Verdant Jade Kingdom—sharp-eyed and radiating strength.
King Caelum of the Luminous Realm—wrapped in shimmering robes.
Queen Aeryn of the Glacial Crown—her steps crisp, aura frozen.
King Ardyn of the Stormbreaker Dynasty—storm winds coiling at his heels.
As they approached the Academy steps, their eyes scanned the crowd...
Then—Queen Liya's gaze locked onto Shane.
"MY DAUGHTER!!" she screamed and rushed forward.
Shane froze. "Wait—WHAAAT?!"
Before she could react, she was pulled into a crushing hug.
"You stubborn little flame! Disappearing for sixteen years!"
Then Queen Liya turned to Rio and smacked the back of his head.
"You call this 'protection'?! She's wearing pants like a rogue thief!"
Rio's jaw dropped. "I—SHE'S STRONGER THAN ME!"
The crowd gasped.
From the side, Weihansol and Yen Yu watched with widened eyes.
"Wait... Shane's royalty?" Weihansol muttered, his sword humming slightly.
"She's glowing," Yen Yu whispered. "Her aura... it's ancient."
Then—Queen Aeryn stepped before Lei Xin. She knelt, placed her hand over his heart.
"My snow-born son... you've returned."
Lei Xin's usually unreadable face cracked—eyes glimmering, he silently let her hug him.
King Caelum slowly approached Luna, his voice trembling.
"My starlight… do you remember me?"
Luna's eyes welled up. She touched his sleeve. "I... don't know why, but I want to."
"Your soul remembers," he whispered.
Meanwhile, the noble students stared in awe.
Sheha blinked, heart racing. "Lan Rio... is a prince?"
Selen's lips parted slightly. "Shane... she's royalty?"
Their fated partners' hidden truths unraveled before their eyes.
Then the Academy Master raised his voice.
"These four students—Shane, Luna, Rio, and Xin—are not just visitors. They are the long-lost heirs of the Four Great Kingdoms. Hidden in another realm, separated from destiny... until now."
Gasps swept through the academy.
Queen Liya grabbed Shane's ear. "And THIS is how you carry yourself as a royal?! Fighting in courtyards and skipping classes?!"
Shane winced. "Ow ow! I didn't even know I was a princess!"
Sheha covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. Selen turned away, smiling faintly.
Even Weihansol laughed under his breath. "She really is something."
Yen Yu murmured, "And she has no idea how powerful she is."
As the royal flags fluttered and ancient bloodlines reunited, the four students stood at the heart of it all—confused, embarrassed, and utterly life-changed.
Their world would never be the same.
To be continued...