The hallway of Ashfall Academy stretched endlessly, lit by warm lantern-like sconces and decorated with polished floors that gleamed like water. Fletcher walked with his hands in his pockets, his steps slow, thoughtful.
That stare… that gaze, he thought, brows tightening. I've seen it before… somewhere.
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice behind him.
"Watch out—"
Before he could lift his head, Fletcher collided full-force into something soft—
Thud!
"O—ow!"
A girl's startled cry echoed as she fell backward, the impact knocking Fletcher off-balance as well. In the confusion, his face landed somewhere warm—too warm.
The girl gasped sharply.
Fletcher blinked, dazed. "Uh… what just—"
Reality snapped into place at the same moment the snow-skinned girl realized exactly where his head had landed.
"YOU—!"
Her palm cracked across his cheek with a sharp, ringing SLAP, bright enough to sting his eyes. Fletcher recoiled, gripping his face as she scrambled to her feet.
She was stunning: hair white as winter snow, skin smooth and pale, and eyes so green they looked unreal—emeralds set in a furious glare.
"P–Pervert!!" she shrieked before sprinting down the decorative hallway, disappearing into the maze of flower arrangements and foreign artworks.
Students nearby burst into cackles and whispers, pointing and laughing at the dramatic scene.
Fletcher groaned, pressing a hand to his burning cheek.
"Who the hell was that girl…?"
A voice answered behind him, dripping with amusement.
"That, my friend, was the princess."
Fletcher turned to see a boy his age leaning casually against a marble pillar. He had perfectly styled brown hair, an expensive casual outfit, and a grin so smooth it bordered on criminal.
"You seriously don't know Briony Snowhart?" he asked.
Fletcher blinked—then broke into a grin.
"Eli! You cunning thief."
"Hey, hey—retired thief," Eli corrected with a laugh, helping Fletcher up. "Welcome to Ashfall, bro."
Fletcher dusted himself off, still flushed from the earlier fiasco.
"Trust me, it wasn't my choice. The old man forced me into this school. I just wanna get through this crap and leave."
Eli bumped his shoulder playfully.
"Yeah? Judging from what I just saw, you've already started causing trouble."
"Shut up…" Fletcher muttered, though Eli's laughter made it hard not to smile.
Suddenly, distant voices echoed through the halls:
"Young Mistress! Where are you?!"
"Princess Briony! Slow down!"
A group of escorts and maids rushed frantically past the boys, clearly searching for the frantic "princess."
Eli smirked. "Looks like someone made an impression."
Fletcher groaned, massaging his cheek again. "Kill me now."
---
Back in the Director's Office
The office door swung open abruptly, and Briony Snowhart stumbled inside, panting heavily. She bent forward, hands braced on her knees, gasping for breath.
"G–Good day, Mr. Hogswart…" she wheezed. "I have a favor… to ask you."
Director Hogswart blinked in surprise. "My dear, are you quite alright?"
Briony shook her head quickly. "Please… send away the escorts and maids my father assigned to watch me. I beg you—persuade the King to stop sending servants after me. I can handle myself. I'll be fine on my own."
She spoke between breaths, trying to regain her dignity.
Hogswart gave a warm, sympathetic smile. "Very well. I'll do my best to convince your father. And I will assure him that everything here at Ashfall is under control."
Briony exhaled in relief, straightening herself. "Thank you, Mr. Hogswart. Truly."
She turned to leave—then paused, her expression darkening slightly.
"Ah, and one more thing…" She crossed her arms. "A few perverts seem to be running loose. Please make sure they're properly punished."
Before Hogswart could ask what she meant, she exited the office with quick, determined steps.
The old man sighed deeply, rubbing his temples.
"This is going to be a very… very long year."
---
**********
Moments later, Director Hogswart stood atop the grand ceremonial stage. The massive hall buzzed with excitement as hundreds of students filled the seats. When the director approached the podium, the room fell into respectful silence.
He spoke with a voice that echoed through the ancient hall:
"Students of Ashfall Academy…
Welcome back to another year within these historic halls. Whether you are returning or stepping through our gates for the first time, know this—your presence here is no accident."
His words rolled through the hall like an old prophecy.
"This year marks a significant chapter in our academy's history. We welcome several new and influential students whose reputations already precede them. Their arrival promises fresh perspectives… and perhaps a bit of healthy disruption."
Some students murmured excitedly.
"But remember—no status or influence guarantees success here. In Ashfall, every student stands on equal ground. Your actions alone will define you."
He raised a hand slowly.
"Prepare yourselves. Expect challenges, competition, and trials designed to push you beyond your limits. Ashfall is more than an academy—it is a crucible. What you become here will echo across the years."
His eyes swept the crowd.
"Welcome, students… to Ashfall Academy. Let the year begin!"
The hall erupted with cheers. Hogswart lifted his right fist in a dramatic, cinematic flourish, sending the crowd into an even louder uproar.
After several moments he spoke again, calming them.
"You may all return to your dorms. Classes begin tomorrow morning. Rest well, and be prepared."
---
**********
Eli slung an arm around Fletcher's shoulder.
"Let's head to our room, man."
"Yeah… yeah, let's go," Fletcher replied.
But as they walked, Fletcher's gaze drifted back toward the stage—toward her.
Miss Verena Crowe stood at the edge of the hall, arms folded, eyes fixed on him with a razor-sharp stare.
A stare he could feel.
Fletcher swallowed hard.
"Something's definitely off, Eli…" he muttered under his breath.
"I can feel it."