The morning sunlight filtered through the floating windows of the Academy, painting the courtyard in gold and silver. Luna Everhart’s heart thumped in her chest. Today she would meet the heirs of Aetheria—the students who carried the kingdom’s legacy—but she had no idea just how much their presence would stir something deep inside her.

“Morning, Luna,” Caius greeted from across the courtyard, leaning casually against the railing of a shimmering bridge. His amber eyes caught hers, warm but teasing. Luna felt a flutter she couldn’t explain.

“Morning,” she replied, forcing herself to breathe evenly. Her pulse raced—not just from nerves, but from the thrill of this new world, alive with magic she could almost feel thrumming in the air.

Selene and Rowan arrived, practically bouncing in excitement. “You’re finally here!” Selene said, grabbing Luna’s arm. “Wait until you see the Hall of Heritage—it’s incredible!”

Luna followed, feeling the hum of magic along the corridors. Floating sigils glimmered as she passed, responding faintly to her heartbeat, making her pulse quicken. It was as if the Academy itself recognized her presence.

The Hall of Heritage was breathtaking. High vaulted ceilings shimmered faintly, and walls were lined with portraits of past heirs, their eyes seeming to follow her. Three figures stepped forward.

Kael, tall and broad-shouldered with midnight-black hair and silver eyes, regarded her silently. Luna felt a strange flutter in her chest, a sense of familiarity she couldn’t explain.

Adrian, slightly shorter with amber eyes, observed her carefully, his posture formal but steady.

Finally, Isla stepped forward, her long, pale-gold hair flowing over her shoulders, violet eyes piercing yet gentle. She gave Luna a faint, enigmatic smile, the kind that made Luna’s chest tighten with curiosity.

“Luna,” Headmistress Lyra Venn said, voice calm but commanding, “these are three of the Academy’s finest heirs: Kael, Adrian, and Isla. They will be assisting you as you begin your studies.”

Luna’s pulse quickened. Assisting me? Why? I barely know anything about magic. Why would the heirs care about me?

Kael’s silver eyes flickered with a quiet intensity, as if reading her thoughts. “Because it is our duty to guide those who show potential. You will learn faster with guidance,” he said calmly.

Adrian’s amber gaze held hers for a heartbeat longer than necessary. “And because… some truths cannot be ignored, even if one does not yet understand them,” he added carefully.

Isla’s violet eyes met hers, and her faint smile deepened. “We are watching—not for judgment, but to ensure you survive what is coming,” she said softly.

Luna’s mind spun. There’s more here than they’re telling me… she realized. And yet, strangely, she felt a flicker of comfort. They were paying attention to her—not coldly, but with a curiosity that almost felt… protective.

She couldn’t resist testing the boundaries. A mischievous grin tugged at her lips. Before anyone could notice, she darted forward and tugged Kael’s sleeve, earning a startled look.

“Careful,” Kael warned, though his tone was softer than she expected.

“Or what?” Luna teased, her grin widening. I can be myself here… I can be naughty, playful, maybe even a little reckless.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You are… bold,” he said, amusement flickering in his gaze.

Isla tilted her head, observing her with violet eyes sharp yet warm. “You have spirit,” she said softly. “I hope you remember to keep it in check when it matters.”

Luna laughed quietly, darting between them, mocking Kael’s serious stance and nudging Adrian playfully. Even in her mischief, she felt that subtle protection from them, though she couldn’t understand why.

Caius, at the edge of the courtyard, raised an eyebrow at her antics, smirking faintly. Luna felt her chest flutter again, enjoying the thrill of attention from both the heirs and this mysterious boy who seemed to appear wherever she went.

Later, Luna was led to the training courtyard, where students practiced magic with fluid precision. Headmistress Lyra gestured for her to step forward.

“Magic responds to intention, emotion, and focus,” Lyra instructed. “Do not force it. Feel it, let it flow through you. Trust yourself.”

Luna closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. She could feel the air thrum with energy, the Academy alive around her. Her fingers tingled as a spark of light traced along her veins. Panic clawed at her chest—what if she failed? What if she wasn’t meant to wield this power?

“Focus on the center of your heartbeat,” Kael’s voice said quietly. “Let it guide you.”

Obeying, Luna let the energy flow. A faint glow formed around her hands, pulsing with her heartbeat. Triumph surged through her chest. She could do this. She belonged here.

Adrian and Isla exchanged subtle glances. Isla stepped closer, her violet eyes intense yet encouraging. “You have a natural affinity,” she whispered softly, almost to herself. “Pay attention… this will take you far.”

Luna shivered slightly. Isla spoke as if she already knew things about her, things Luna could not yet grasp. It was unnerving—but comforting at the same time.

By evening, Luna stood on her dormitory balcony, looking over the shimmering city. Rivers of light pulsed through the streets, towers glimmered, and magic hummed in the air. Yet at the edge of her awareness, a shadow lingered—a cold, deliberate presence that made her stomach twist.

The heirs had observed her closely all day. Kael’s careful study, Adrian’s measured attention, and Isla’s piercing intensity stirred something deep within her. She could feel that there was more than what met the eye, though she didn’t yet know what it was.

And the Veil had noticed her. A chill ran down her spine as whispers floated on the wind, warning her in a language she didn’t fully understand. Luna clenched her fists, thrill and fear coiling together. The first test of her courage and her magic was coming—and the choices she made would shape not only her life, but the fate of Aetheria.

For now, she knew one thing: the heirs were watching, Isla included, the Veil was stirring, and she was not alone.

Luna senses a mysterious connection to the heirs, especially Isla, without knowing they are her siblings.

Shadows and Veil disturbances hint at impending danger.

Her magical potential is extraordinary, drawing attention.

Caius remains a mysterious presence, creating subtle tension and attraction.

Luna’s playful interactions hint at trust and belonging, yet the truth of her identity is still hidden.