"Good evening, Solvara City."
The city never slept. Neon lights reflected off the wet asphalt, scattering a cold yet dazzling glow. Avery Blackwood stared out the taxi window, her heart pounding with a mix of awe and fear. On one hand, she was mesmerized by the grandeur of this city; on the other, a creeping anxiety reminded her that she was stepping into a world far removed from her own.
The taxi stopped in front of the grand gates of Solvara Academy, towering elegantly among skyscrapers and illuminated decorations. White marble stairs gleamed, and the entrance doors were adorned with gold carvings. Students in crisp uniforms strolled by with a confidence that could intimidate anyone. Avery swallowed hard. This was more than a school—it was another world, one where wealth and status ruled every move.
She stepped onto the stairs slowly, taking a deep breath, trying to calm the nervous flutter in her chest. A few students glanced at her with thinly veiled contempt, whispers of "the scholarship girl" floating in the air. Others stared briefly, curiosity mixed with caution. Avery straightened her back and lifted her chin. She had come here to learn, and she would not let fear take over.
Then, she saw him.
Damien Vale.
He stood by a sleek black sports car, relaxed, yet his presence radiated control and authority. His dark eyes scanned the crowd with precision, and when their gazes met, Avery felt as if every other sound in the world had vanished. Rumors about Damien—the heir of Vale Enterprises, brilliant, ruthless, and enigmatic—were not exaggerated. Now, Avery understood why every student here seemed both terrified and fascinated by him.
"Welcome, scholarship girl," he said quietly, his voice calm but cold.
Avery's throat went dry. "Th… thank you," she managed to reply, nervously.
Damien gave a slight nod and turned away without waiting for an answer. Avery watched his retreating figure, her heart still racing. Who was this boy? And why did he feel so different from anyone she had ever met?
Her first day in class was slow and tense. Avery observed her surroundings carefully: desks lined perfectly, cutting-edge technology in every corner, elite students whispering and judging each other. She tried to focus, but Damien's gaze from across the room haunted her, making concentration almost impossible.
That evening, the academy held a welcoming gala. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, the air heavy with perfume and luxury. Avery stood at one side of the room in a simple yet elegant dress, every step measured, every glance from the elite students a mix of scrutiny and curiosity.
The gala buzzed with whispers of family wealth, corporate alliances, and social maneuvering. Avery felt the pressure of a world she had never known. Then, a glass shattered near the entrance, catching everyone's attention. Gasps echoed through the room. Damien's head snapped toward the noise, his dark eyes alert.
Avery felt a surge of adrenaline, curiosity, and fear. Without realizing it, she stepped closer, drawn by the mystery. When their eyes met again, there was something different in Damien's gaze this time—a warning. Or perhaps… an invitation?
One thing was clear: Solvara Academy was not just a school. It was a battlefield where wealth, power, and secrets intertwined. And Avery had just stepped onto the board.
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