The whispers that had begun to fade within Academia Arcanum after the Midyear Trial never truly vanished.They merely changed course—flowing through shadowed networks set loose by Irena, until they reached the heart of the royal court.
"The daughter of House Alvear is entangled with the powers of darkness.""She may one day endanger the Crown Prince himself.""Such a fiancée… is unworthy of the throne."
And so, the rumors found their way into the marble halls of the palace.
Valkyria's New Move
In the dead of night, Irena descended into another abandoned chamber, one that connected to the arcane conduits beneath the capital.
The cloaked emissary of the Umbra Covenant awaited her once again.
"I will not be satisfied with mere whispers in the academy," she declared, her tone laced with iron."I want those whispers carried into the royal court. I want those in power to believe that Serena Alvear has no right to stand beside the Crown Prince."
The cloaked man chuckled softly."Words… are blades sharper than any sword."
From his sleeve, he produced a scroll sealed with a sigil of shadow."Write her name within. We will ensure the council of nobles hears this from the lips of their own."
Irena accepted it with a smile that glittered with the promise of inevitable triumph.
Rumors Among the Nobles
Two weeks later, the rumors had fully reached the palace.
At banquets and gatherings, whispers circulated like poison.
"They say Lady Alvear was the one who called forth dark power during the trial.""If that is true… how could the Crown Prince ever honor her as his bride?"
Each murmur grew heavier, pressing directly upon Lucius Feldian's shoulders.
A Painful Confrontation
One evening, Lucius summoned Serena to the royal gardens.
The quiet serenity of the place could not mask the turmoil in his eyes.
"Serena… do you know what the court says of you?"
Her heart clenched, but her reply was steady."I do, Your Highness. But I have never, not once, consorted with any power of darkness."
Lucius's gaze wavered."I want to believe you… but I am crown prince. I cannot turn a deaf ear to the voices of the nobility."
The words struck Serena like a blade—not out of fear, but because the one who had once stood firmly at her side now faltered.
A Severed Scheme
Meanwhile, the Covenant prepared their next move. A set of forged "secret letters" had been crafted—accusing Serena of contact with shadow demons along the borderlands.
But on the very night the documents were to be released, the scrolls suddenly ignited in midair, burning to ash before the courier's eyes.
No one knew how.It appeared to be yet another "accident of arcane forces."
When Irena received the news, her face went pale. Yet her lips curved into a trembling laugh.
"You think I'll yield, Serena? No… I'll drag you into the shadows with my own hands."
A Midnight Vow
That same night, Serena sat alone in the silent training yard, her sword clutched tight.Moonlight gleamed along the blade, as though it too swore an oath with her.
"Even if the world condemns me… I will never allow my honor to be stolen."
From the darkness, a deep, calm voice answered."You have honor enough to stand, even if alone. But remember—alone is not what you are anymore."
She turned.Kyren Adelric stood in the shadows, his steady gaze locking with hers—silent, yet brimming with a vow unspoken.
Closing Scene
Bathed in moonlight, Irena Valkyria stood within her chamber.The dark stone bracelet pulsed in her hand, its glow staining her features with shadow.
Her lips curved into a whisper, venomous with hate.
"Next time… it will not be mere rumor. It will be the truth, laid bare before every eye."
The flames cast writhing shadows across the walls—omens of the calamity soon to come.