The early-winter wind carried fallen leaves across the grand courtyard of Academia Arcanum.Tonight marked the Starlight Rite—an ancient ceremony held each year to honor the fae and the celestial powers that had protected the academy since ages past.
The ritual grounds glowed with silver-lit torches. Enchanted instruments played a haunting melody, while noble guests filled the seats of honor—including Crown Prince Lucius Feldean and the highest lords of the realm.
For Serena, this night was a chance to prove she still possessed honor.For Irena, it was the stage upon which Serena's name would finally be destroyed.
The Game in Motion
Behind the stage, Irena stood with a hooded man of the Umbra Covenant. In her hand glimmered a shard of darkness—a small Shadow Crystal, pulsing with demonic power.
"Once this is cast into the ritual circle," the man's deep voice drawled, "the dark flame will erupt before all eyes."
Irena's lips curved."And when it appears in the midst of Serena's spellwork… her reputation will be erased forever."
The Radiance of the Rite
The ceremony began beneath a canopy of stars. One by one, students stepped forth to weave their offerings of magic.
When Serena's turn came, silence swept the courtyard. Every gaze locked upon her.
She stepped into the circle, her sword glimmering in the moonlight. Though she bore no contracted spirit, she performed the Alvear family's ancient Sword Dance of Light as her tribute.
Her first step was steady, the golden strands of her hair rippling with the wind. Each movement radiated dignity. Even among eyes clouded with suspicion, awe began to stir.
The Flames of Shadow
Then—crack!The crystal Irena had slipped into the circle shattered. Black fire surged upward, twisting into a demonic shadow that roared against the heavens.
Screams erupted. Guests leapt to their feet in terror.And Irena's voice rang out, sharp and deliberate:
"No! The dark power fused with Serena's magic!"
Whispers exploded like wildfire."It's true—she's connected to the shadows!""This is happening before the Crown Prince himself!"
Lucius rose abruptly, his eyes trembling with fierce doubt.
An Unexplainable Miracle
The shadow lunged toward the noble guests—But just before it struck, a circle of radiant blue flared beneath the altar.
Ancient sigils blazed to life on their own, unleashing holy light that swallowed the demon and shattered it into nothingness before the eyes of hundreds.
Silence fell, broken only by voices of disbelief."It… it sealed itself?""Could it be the blessing of the star-gods?"
The headmaster's voice rang with authority:"This was no student's doing! None can be blamed for what has occurred tonight!"
Murmurs shifted from condemnation to confusion.
Fractures of the Heart
Serena stood in the center of the circle, sweat beading her brow. Her heart pounded—not from battle, but from the look in Lucius's eyes.
Even now, even with her innocence spared… his gaze still wavered.Her honor remained balanced on a knife's edge.
The Valkyria's Smile
Behind the stage, Irena bit her lip, then let a twisted smile spread across her face.
"Again… someone has ruined my move."
Her nails dug into her palm until blood seeped from her clenched fist.
"Very well. If even the grand rite cannot break her, then I'll weave a stage so cruel that not even the stars themselves will save her."
Closing Scene
The ceremonial music continued to echo beneath the night sky.
One girl endured—standing tall despite slander hurled at her before the entire court.Another girl seethed—her hatred cutting deeper as she prepared a crueler gambit still.
And in the shadows of a high tower, pale-blue eyes watched silently.A whisper drifted like a vow:
"You will never face this loneliness again… no matter where time may lead."