The moment Aridalle stepped inside, the college erupted.
🗣️ "Omg! That entrance—best ever!"
🗣️ "She's the real boss lady—grandest entrance in history!"
🗣️ "She looks like a porcelain doll… rich and cute!"
🗣️ "That chopper… so next-level!"
Maelynn's eyes sparkled as she whispered to Courtney.
"I have no idea who she is, but I like her already."
Courtney scoffed, still staring at the chopper.
"Seriously."
Miguel's expression stayed blank, his gaze flicking from the path Aridalle had taken to the chaos around her.
The electronic bell rang.
"Oh, classes are starting! Come on, let's go!" Courtney said, dragging Maelynn along.
Maelynn hesitated, glancing at Jenna and Khole, still wide-eyed by the helicopter.
"Wait… what about them?"
Courtney rolled her eyes.
"Since when do you care? They'll get over being beaten by someone new."
They entered the college building, leaving whispers and stunned looks in their wake.
---
Dean's Office
The men in suits who accompanied Aridalle vanished on Vaelric's orders, leaving her alone with Herbert, the Dean. Vaelric monitored her quietly through a mystical orb.
Herbert adjusted his glasses, reviewing Aridalle's file. She had no records of middle or high school—only a note saying she was home-schooled.
"Welcome to Everland College," Herbert said, setting the file down.
Aridalle smiled softly, clenching the hem of her dress.
"Thank you, sir."
Herbert nodded.
"You must have heard about this school—it's not for the weak. Be strong to survive here. All the best, Miss Aridalle."
She blinked, nervously. Was he seriously giving her a warning already?
"Your course is Fine Arts. I believe you'll excel. I'll send one of my students to escort you to your lecture hall."
Moments later, the door opened and Miguel stepped in.
"Good morning, Mr. Herbert," he muttered.
"This is Miguel Starr," Herbert introduced proudly. "The brightest student here. He will show you to your lecture hall."
"Let's go," Miguel said, expression bored.
---
Everland College
Aridalle's jaw dropped at the towering halls, glowing chandeliers, and endless corridors.
"This place is incredible… but it doesn't beat home," she murmured.
Miguel smirked, raising an eyebrow.
"Obvious you're used to luxury."
Aridalle's eyes sparkled mischievously.
"You're like a school prince."
"School prince?"
She twirled, blowing him a playful kiss.
"Yeah!"
Miguel's expression twisted in disbelief.
"Is she… serious?"
Before she could dash ahead, he grabbed her by the shoulder.
"Calm down, missy. Let me show you your lecture hall before you get lost."
Aridalle pouted like a hamster, cheeks puffed.
"Not nice to say that to a new student!"
Miguel shook his head, sighing.
"Fine. Let's go—classes have started."
---
Lecture Hall: Fine Arts
As they entered, the lecturer paused mid-sentence, staring at them. Students murmured and whispered, eyes glued to the new arrival.
"Oh, a new student… and a pretty one," Mrs. Smith muttered.
Aridalle blushed, cheeks warm.
"We're halfway through the semester. I hope you can catch up," the lecturer added.
"I'll do my best, ma'am," Aridalle replied softly, taking her seat next to Miguel.
Whispers continued around her, but she focused on the lecture, trying not to get distracted.
---
Enchanted Castle: East Wing – Silver Suite
Zenovia wiped sweat from her forehead, muttering,
"I miss my lady… when will she be back?"
Footsteps echoed. Vaelric appeared, imposing and devastatingly handsome.
"Sir Vaelric," she bowed, hiding a blush.
"Seat," he ordered, expression as unreadable as Seraphim's.
Confused, she obeyed.
"Sir… Lord Seraphim isn't here."
"Seat," he repeated firmly.
As she sat, he fixed her with a piercing gaze.
"Have you told Lady Aridalle about the key?"
"No, sir," she whispered.
"Do it," he commanded.
Zenovia's heart raced.
"Sir…?"
Vaelric's gold-tinged eyes locked on hers.
"Orders from Lord Seraphim. Inform her about the key and discover if she is willing to give it up. Make her trust you—do everything in your power."
"Yes, sir," Zenovia said, nervous.
In a blink, Vaelric stood close, invading her personal space. Her cheeks burned as he lifted her chin, eyes meeting his.
"Understood?"
"Y-Y-Yes," she stammered.
He vanished instantly, leaving her trembling on the floor.
---
Everland College: Library
After class, Aridalle reviewed her notes, absorbing every word. The students around her chatted and laughed, making her feel small.
Miguel rested his head on the desk.
"I thought he was a genius… but he's sleeping," she muttered.
"I can hear you," he said, raising his head. "Enjoying yourself here?"
"I… I don't know yet. Everyone seems so close."
Miguel smirked, signaling the door. Maelynn and Courtney darted in, eyes bright.
"This is Aridalle Morrey," Miguel introduced.
Maelynn plopped next to her.
"Tell me a hundred things about you!"
Aridalle blinked.
"Platform?"
Maelynn held up her phone, showing videos of Aridalle's dramatic entrance.
"Oh! No wonder people stared," Aridalle gasped.
Courtney laughed.
"Which family are you from? Not all nobles have private choppers."
Aridalle hesitated.
"It's… not mine. It's for my husband."
Miguel's head slowly rose.
"Wait… you're married?"
Maelynn screamed.
"WHAT?!"
Courtney shook her head.
"You look so young—I thought you didn't even have a boyfriend."
Aridalle flushed.
"Actually… I'm eighteen."
Miguel silenced them with a glare.
"Enough questions. Let her breathe."
---
Cold Heaven: Deepest Chambers
Sariel, hooded in white, cold and blank-faced, flipped open an ancient spellbook. Zeus hovered nearby, wings trembling.
"My Lord, is there no other way? Father's wrath…"
Sariel chuckled, eyes glinting faint gold.
"Fear not. This is the only way. Found it."
He began chanting. A black portal appeared, glowing ominously.
"Anything to stop my brother from seizing the key," he muttered. Stepping through, the portal closed behind him.
---
Everland College: Library
Aridalle marveled at the endless shelves. Maelynn and Courtney gushed over romance novels, but Aridalle wandered toward picture books.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. A chilling aura filled the library.
"W-what's going on?" she whispered, frozen in place.
A dark doorway appeared. A voice echoed:
"Come, little one… come."
Drawn forward, Aridalle stepped through. Her body glowed with the light of the key within her.
"I… what's happening?"
A figure emerged—Sariel, pale and imposing, aura dark.
"I'm your new Lord," he said, lifting her chin.
Aridalle's heart pounded. Escape was impossible.