The Academy bell rang thrice—a royal summons.
Rare. Unexpected.
All students were ordered to gather at the Great Courtyard. The banners of House Ashvale billowed high. Gold and crimson.
Seraphina stood at the center, eyes locked on the throne-like chair they'd placed on the dais. It was empty.
Until he arrived.
Prince Kael Thornhart.
Her fiancé. The one who helped burn her alive.
He was early. He wasn't supposed to visit for another two moons. But here he was—smiling, charming, and rotten to the core.
---
"Princess Seraphina," he greeted, stepping up to the dais. "You've grown more radiant since I last saw you."
She didn't bow.
"Prince Kael," she replied coolly. "You're early. Or did betrayal come ahead of schedule?"
His smile tightened. "Still sharp, I see."
She stepped forward.
"Sharper than you'll ever be. But you'll feel it when it cuts."
A few nobles nearby gasped. The tension cracked like lightning in the air.
Kael leaned closer, his voice low. "You should be careful. Too much boldness can get you killed."
"I've died once already," she whispered. "And I didn't like the ending. So I'm rewriting the story."
His eyes darkened.
---
The courtyard fell silent as the royal scribe stepped forward to make the announcement.
"In honor of her continued excellence, Princess Seraphina Ashvale will now serve as Royal Advisor to the Academy Council. Effective immediately."
Kael turned in confusion. "What is this?"
Seraphina smiled as the crown's seal was handed to her. She held it high for all to see.
"I requested the appointment myself. And my father granted it before you could whisper your way into the decision."
Kael stared at her, lips parted.
She'd moved first. Check.
---
That night, in her chambers, a new note appeared on her desk.
Same black parchment. Same crimson ink.
> "The wolf shows her teeth. Now the hunt begins."
No signature.
No name.
Just the promise of war.
Seraphina sat back, smiling in the candlelight.
Good.
Let them come.
She had fire in her blood now.