Even after the demonic incursion had been subdued, the academy remained wrapped in unease. Fear lingered in the air, but alongside it grew an even heavier mist of suspicion—one that clung stubbornly to the name Serena Alvear.
"She's always there… whenever the demons appear.""Perhaps she's the one summoning them."
Whispers like poisoned needles stabbed her over and over again.
Shadows of Distrust
One afternoon in the grand hall, Elena—once Serena's closest confidante—drew away from her. When Serena greeted her with a smile, Elena's face hardened.
"Forgive me… but I can no longer stay by your side. It's too dangerous."
The fragile smile Serena tried so hard to keep shattered instantly. Her chest ached as though an invisible blade had carved through her heart.
In the corner, Irena watched the scene unfold. She said nothing, but her quiet smile brimmed with triumph.
A Game of Strangulation
Irena's schemes only grew bolder. Through whispers among the commoner students, she spread her venom: "Anyone close to Serena will be swallowed by the shadows."
The effect was immediate. Friends who had stood by Serena since their first year began to drift away. Even among the noble-born who once revered House Alvear, doubts stirred. Was it wise to risk their own future by siding with her?
The Prince's Unease
The rumors soon reached the ears of Lucius Feldean. During a private court gathering, several high nobles confronted him directly.
"Your Highness, if you insist on keeping a fiancée so tainted by rumors, it may undermine the very legitimacy of the throne."
Lucius retorted sharply, "I will not judge her based on baseless words."
Yet the worry flickering in his eyes betrayed what his voice would not admit.
A Night of Agony
Moonlight spilled through her chamber window. Serena sat curled up, hugging her knees. The strength she always displayed before others was crumbling.
"Friends… have turned away. The nobles no longer trust me. Even my betrothed… wavers in his resolve. If this continues… who will I have left?"
Tears fell onto the blade resting across her lap. Still, her trembling fingers refused to let go of the hilt.
The Shadow Beside Her
A calm voice drifted through the darkness.
"You may think you're alone… but you're not."
Serena lifted her tear-stained face. At the window stood Kyren Adelric, leaning casually against the frame, his pale-blue eyes unwavering.
"The whole world may stand against you. But as long as I remain… you will never fall alone."
Her sobs softened. Within her reddened eyes, a fragile but unmistakable spark of resolve returned.
A Smile in the Dark
Elsewhere, Irena Valkyria gazed into her mirror, laughter curling from her lips as fresh rumors reached her ears. Serena's allies were abandoning her one by one.
"Wounds of the flesh can heal. But the wounds of the heart… those will break a person completely."
Her smile sharpened.
"Serena… I'll make you crumble with the hands of those you love and trust most."
Closing Scene
Night veiled Academia Arcanum. Moonlight cast long shadows across the stone floors. One girl was shackled by rumors. Another moved her pieces, plotting to shatter her rival's heart.
And in the depths of that darkness… a lone man kept his silent watch, carrying secrets he could not reveal—so that he might shield her, no matter the cost.