The gates of Valerian Academy loomed like the entrance to a kingdom built on secrets.
Iron-wrought, cold, and crowned with the family crest: a lion devouring a snake just above the Latin inscription:
"Fortis In Tenebris."
Strength in Darkness.
She stood in front of it like she didn't belong because that was the point.
Bag slung over one shoulder. Hoodie pulled up. Fake name in her student file.
To everyone watching, she was Zara Grey, transfer student, scholarship girl, nobody.
And it had to stay that way.
Her real name, Ivana Valerian, would burn this entire city if spoken aloud.
Because Ivana wasn't just a girl. She was a bloodline.
A threat.
A prophecy.
A secret meant to stay buried with her family's graves.
She looked up at the crest. Her fingers trembled once then curled into fists.
"Let's see who bleeds first," she whispered, and stepped through the gates.