The following week at Academia Arcanum was filled with whispers. Whispers that slithered through classrooms, gardens, and dining halls like poisonous vines.
And at the center of them all—Serena Alveir.
Morning – In the Lecture Hall
"Did you hear? The prince was seen in the gardens with Lady Valkyrie.""They looked so close… perhaps too close.""And yet his fiancée is still the spiritless Alveir. How long until that changes?"
Serena sat at her desk, quill poised over parchment, her golden hair framing a face that betrayed no reaction. Yet beneath the desk, her hand trembled slightly.
The professor's voice echoed distantly in her ears, drowned out by the venomous whispers that pressed against her from all sides.
Afternoon – Sword Training Grounds
Clang! Clang! Steel rang loudly as Serena sparred against her opponent, her blade cutting swift arcs through the air. But no matter how fiercely she fought, the murmurs followed her.
"She trains so hard… but what's the point without a spirit?""Perhaps she fears being replaced.""Honestly… even Irena looks more fitting beside the crown prince."
Her opponent faltered, and with one clean strike she disarmed him, sending his sword clattering to the ground. But there was no satisfaction—only the bitter sting of invisible wounds.
Breathing heavily, she lowered her sword. No matter how many I defeat… I cannot silence their tongues.
From the sidelines, Kyren Adelric watched quietly, his arms folded. His pale-blue eyes lingered on her trembling hand, but he said nothing.
That Evening – The Academy Library
The great library glowed with soft candlelight, towering shelves casting long shadows across the floor. Serena traced her fingers over the spines of ancient tomes, seeking solace in silence.
"You look tired," a calm voice spoke behind her.
She turned to see Kyren, his usual composed expression unchanged.
"I'm fine," she replied shortly, pulling a book free.
"You're lying."
Her breath caught. His words were simple, but they pierced through her defenses.
"You've been carrying every word, every glance, as though their scorn defines you," Kyren continued softly. "But you are more than their whispers, Serena."
For a moment, her heart wavered. She wanted to lean on those words, to believe them. But she shook her head.
"No… I cannot afford to be weak. If I falter, they will devour me."
Kyren's gaze darkened, as though he understood more than he let on."Perhaps. But one day, you may find that strength is not only found in solitude."
Before she could answer, he turned and disappeared into the shadows between the shelves, leaving her heart unsettled.
Meanwhile – A Different Corner of the Academy
Laughter spilled from a group of noble girls gathered around Irena, their admiration thinly veiled by envy.
"Lady Valkyrie, your High Spirit is magnificent. No one can compare.""Truly, you've captured the academy's attention more than anyone else."
Irena smiled sweetly, lowering her lashes in feigned modesty."You flatter me too much. I am only a commoner… it is hardly fair to compare me to noble ladies."
But the glimmer in her crimson eyes betrayed her satisfaction. Every word, every whisper, was another thread tightening around Serena's name.
Nightfall – Serena's Balcony
The silver moon bathed Serena in cold light as she stood on her balcony, her ceremonial sword resting against the railing.
"They think me unworthy," she whispered to the night. "They believe I will be cast aside."
Her grip tightened on the hilt.
"I will not allow it. I will fight… until not even their shadows can touch me."
From the darkness below, unseen, Irena stood cloaked in the shadows of the courtyard. Her lips curved into a smile, crimson eyes glinting like embers.
"Fight, Serena Alveir," she murmured softly. "The more you struggle… the more delightful this will become."