Morning at the Arashiro Residence
Miyu Arashiro blinked awake to the faint sound of birds outside her window. The first sunlight of morning brushed against the edges of her shoulder-length black hair, streaked with crimson tips, making it shimmer like fire. She rubbed her eyes and yawned, tugging at the red sash tied loosely around her Ravencrest uniform.
Today's it, she thought, heart pounding. My first day at Ravencrest. First day away from home. First day… who knows what.
The room smelled faintly of incense and polished wood—the Arashiro family home, strict and orderly, much like her upbringing. Her twin-bladed naginata rested by the bed, a reminder of both her strength and the expectations pressing down on her. She gave it a small pat. I'll be fine. I have to be.
Slipping her feet into soft boots, Miyu picked up her small bag and glanced around the room, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything. Spells, potions, study books… check. Confidence… still loading. She laughed softly, more to herself than anyone else.
Morning at the Alenfyr Estate
Meanwhile, far across the city, Selene Vermaris Alenfyr rose with deliberate grace. The Alenfyr estate was an imposing structure of stone and crystal, silver wards glowing faintly along the walls. She stretched slowly, long black hair cascading over her shoulders, crimson eyes reflecting the soft morning light.
Her chambers were immaculate, every item perfectly placed, every fold of her uniform aligned with mathematical precision. Even her magical implements lay in perfect order. At her desk, a crystal flickered with fractured visions of the day ahead. Among them, a single image held her attention: a girl with amber eyes, fire dancing behind her—Miyu Arashiro.
Selene's lips curved into the faintest smile. So we meet today.
From the shadows, the Alenfyr Honor Guard emerged. Silent and perfect, her crimson eyes glimmered, scanning the room as always, unwavering in her duty. Selene gave no indication of needing reassurance; she simply walked toward the door, the Honor Guard gliding seamlessly behind her.
The Walk to Ravencrest College
Miyu stepped out into the quiet streets near her home, the morning sun warming her back. She inhaled, taking in the scents of the nearby market and the faint smoke from chimneys. Every step toward Ravencrest made her heartbeat faster. The campus wasn't far, but the feeling of walking into a completely new world was overwhelming.
Her mind kept drifting to the rumors she had heard: elite students, dueling masters, impossible magic, and… the Alenfyr family. And now, the thought that she might actually be paired with one of them made her stomach twist.
No way… not Selene Vermaris Alenfyr, she muttered, almost laughing at herself. Why would fate even…
Meanwhile, Selene left her estate with unshakable composure, moving through the familiar streets that threaded the Alenfyr domain. Her crimson eyes scanned lightly, noting minor details as always—the movement of wards, the presence of unusual magical auras, the distant clatter of early morning traffic.
She passed through the outer gates of Ravencrest's campus-town, where the spires rose high, streets lined with magical lanterns, tiny shops, and cafes serving breakfast to the students who had already arrived. Her Honor Guard followed, silent and elegant, their steps never faltering.
Arrival at Ravencrest
The campus itself was a city within a city: towering spires connected by cobblestone streets, courtyards dotted with magical fountains, and small clusters of shops and cafés hidden between buildings. Students bustled about, moving trunks on levitating legs or carrying floating textbooks. First-years scurried to find their dorms and classmates, their faces a mixture of awe and nerves.
Miyu entered the main plaza, her amber eyes scanning the massive assembly of new students. Her heart thumped. Somewhere in this crowd… Selene Vermaris Alenfyr would be here.
Rumors floated around like sparks. She's sharing a room with Selene? Isn't Stormy Vermaris Alenfyr her older sister? Lucky… or cursed… The whispers brushed past her like invisible hands. Miyu clenched her fists, feeling both self-conscious and determined. I'll prove I belong.
Freshman Orientation
Silver bells chimed, calling all first-years to the Grand Assembly Hall, a massive multi-towered structure at the center of the campus-town. Miyu joined the crowd, eyes darting nervously. She found herself seated near the edge, scanning for faces that might be friendly—or judging.
The Headmistress, Seraphine Durevall, appeared in a golden shimmer. Her silver hair flowed over robes stitched with shifting runes. She spoke clearly, voice resonant.
"Welcome, daughters of Ravencrest. You will be tested, challenged, and remade. Some of you will rise like fire. Some will endure like stone. All of you will leave transformed."
Miyu shivered at the words, both intimidated and inspired.
Then the moment arrived: it was time for roommate pairings. Each first-year stepped forward to draw a name from a ceremonial crystal urn. Miyu's hands shook as she reached inside, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface, then curling around a name slip. She drew it out—and froze.
Selene Vermaris Alenfyr.
A hush swept through the hall. Whispers floated instantly. Miyu's heart pounded; her palms were sweaty. The entire room seemed to focus on her.
Selene, standing gracefully near the stage, had seen it happen. Her crimson eyes softened in that faint, unreadable way. She walked toward Miyu, every movement precise, every step measured. Her Honor Guard trailed silently behind her, watching the room with vigilant eyes.
When Selene reached her, she bowed deeply, an elegant, formal gesture. "I am Selene Vermaris Alenfyr. It is… a pleasure to be your roommate," she said, her voice calm, measured, and enchanting.
Miyu swallowed hard, cheeks burning. "Uh… I-I'm Miyu Arashiro. Nice… uh… to meet you."
The whispers and envy of first-years continued, but Miyu didn't notice them. All she could focus on was Selene—the perfect, mysterious, and imposing girl she was now tied to, roommate by fate.
This is going to be… interesting, Miyu thought, heart racing.