The atmosphere within Academia Arcanum grew heavier with each passing day.The rumors surrounding Serena did not fade—instead, they spread like wildfire.
"She's a girl without a familiar… jealous even of a commoner like Valkyria.""Or perhaps… she's capable of more than we think."
Each whisper turned into an invisible blade, cutting into Serena's heart again and again.
The Hidden Shadow of Valkyria
One night, Irena slipped out of the academy, her path weaving through a silent alley at the back of Elvaria, the capital.
There, she encountered a man in a black cloak, his face hidden, a faint sigil of shadow etched upon his sleeve.
"You've come… Valkyria." His voice was deep, resonant, and not entirely human.
Irena smirked. This was an agent of the Umbra Covenant, the secret organization whispered to be the true hand behind the chaos of the dungeons.
"I want only one thing," she said clearly."Erase the name of Serena Alvear. Make the entire kingdom believe she has ties with demons."
The cloaked man let out a low laugh."Heh… weaving snares of darkness is what we do best."
He handed her a dark stone bracelet."Hide this where it belongs, and all shall see what you wish them to."
The Bracelet of Shadows
Two days later, Irena secretly placed the bracelet near Serena's desk in Battle Strategy Class.
The bracelet pulsed faintly, releasing a trace of demonic energy—enough for those with the Sight to notice.
When a student stumbled upon it, the room erupted in uproar.
"This is… dark magic!""Whose is it!?"
Dozens of eyes immediately turned toward Serena, seated nearby.
Her heart trembled, but her voice remained steady."It is not mine."
Irena's lips curled into a sly smile. The trap was set.
But at that moment, the Headmaster arrived to inspect. His sharp gaze caught the concealed rune embedded in the bracelet—a sealing mark that nullified its power, rendering it nothing more than an ordinary enchanted stone.
The commotion died instantly.
"Whoever dares spread such baseless rumors," the Headmaster declared, his brows furrowed,"only seeks to destroy another's name without reason."
Before Irena's eyes, the plan she thought flawless crumbled into dust.
The Prince Who Wavered
After the incident, Lucius Feldian, crown prince of the realm, summoned Serena to a quiet garden.
"Serena… I hope these rumors truly have nothing to do with you."
Serena held his gaze, her voice firm."Your Highness, I swear upon the honor of House Alvear—I have no dealings with such corruption."
Lucius fell silent, then gently clasped her hand. Yet within his eyes lingered hesitation,the whispers of others gnawing at the certainty in his heart.
A Conversation Beneath the Moon
That night, Serena leaned against the balcony rail of the girls' dormitory. Moonlight spilled across her golden hair as she closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath.
"No matter what they say… I will never allow the truth to be twisted."
A calm, quiet voice spoke nearby."The truth… needs no words. Sometimes, it merely waits for the day it is revealed."
She turned to see Kyren Adelric, standing with his figure half-cloaked in moonlight.
His pale blue eyes locked onto hers, unwavering—eyes that seemed to say no storm could ever break her.
Closing Scene
In her private chamber, Irena Valkyria clenched her jaw so tightly blood nearly welled. A twisted smile spread across her lips.
"Well done, Serena… I admit, your fortune runs strong."
She lifted another bracelet of dark stone, flames flickering in her eyes."But next time… I will not fail."
Shadows from the firelight danced wildly across the room, whispering of a great storm soon to come.