The sun dipped low over Crown Heights Academy, gilding the sprawling lawns in hues of amber. After the assembly, attendants in sharp uniforms guided students to their villas, the pride of Crown Heights. Each villa was more than a residence — it was a declaration of status.
The Crown Villas
Nestled by the lake with private gardens and glass-walled lounges, these belonged only to the heirs of the three owners.
Adriana Cole claimed her suite with calm grace, her late mother's portrait already placed on the desk by the maids.
Bianca Cole explored hers with restless energy, boasting about the velvet interiors.
Damian Royce stepped into his villa with the air of a prince, his father's words of perfection ringing in his mind.
Selena and Serena King shared twin villas side by side, their family crest gleaming on the gates — one villa alive with Selena's chatter, the other silent as Serena unpacked neatly.
From the hill, the Crown Villas overlooked all others — a kingdom within a kingdom.
The Regent Villas
Elegant and sprawling but not as grand, they housed students from powerful dynasties outside the owners' circle.
Sophia Martinez decorated her villa with luxury handbags and perfumes, inviting visitors before the night even fell.
Ethan Blake inspected the private gym attached to his villa, already planning to challenge Damian Royce on the training field.
Chloe Summers, in her quiet way, placed books by her bedside and lingered at the window, her eyes straying to the distant Crown Villas where Adriana resided.
The Noble Villas
Refined yet simpler, these belonged to children of respectable but lesser wealth. Here, influence was still measured, but without the glittering grandeur of the higher ranks. Students in these villas often tried hardest to climb the invisible ladder.
The Oak Halls
Finally, standing furthest from the lake were the Oak Halls — tall, dignified dormitories reserved for the scholarship students. The contrast was clear: while others had fountains and marble, the Oak Halls carried the charm of tradition and discipline.
Michael Adeyemi set his books on a plain desk, determined to make the place his own.
Grace Okafor claimed a bed by the window, her sharp eyes refusing to acknowledge the whispers outside.
Tari Johnson threw himself onto his mattress with a grin. "Not bad. Better than home, at least."
Though plain, the Oak Halls radiated something the villas did not: resilience.
That evening, the Royal Banquet summoned all students to the grand hall. Carriages and shuttles carried them from villas and halls alike. It was the one night where rank met rank under the same roof — though the seating would always betray the hierarchy.
The Crown heirs entered first, commanding attention with every step. Adriana's midnight gown glimmered under the chandeliers, while Bianca's crimson dress turned heads with boldness. Damian Royce, regal and composed, took his seat with effortless confidence. Selena swept the room with greetings, while Serena, as usual, observed in silence.
From the Regent Villas, Sophia Martinez trailed in behind Bianca, her laughter sharp, while Ethan Blake smirked, already exchanging a challenging glance with Damian. Chloe Summers slipped in quietly, unnoticed except for her steady gaze on Adriana.
Last came the Oak Hall students. Michael, Grace, and Tari moved through stares that clung to them like shadows. Some whispered, others sneered, but they kept walking, their place at the far end of the hall already set.
As the orchestra swelled and the chandeliers bathed the hall in golden light, the battle lines of Crown Heights glittered into view. Villas had been assigned, ranks established. Tonight was just the beginning — the first silent war of legacies.