CHAPTER - 178

  Narrator: Dav, intrigued by the growing murmur and the crowd gathered in the cafeteria, approached Stefan with a look full of questions.

  There were no official events scheduled, and the tournament was still far off.

  What was going on?

  Dav: (with a curious tone, looking around)

  Stefan, why did you all come here today?

  I don’t recall anything on the schedule.. and the tournament hasn’t started yet.

  (turns his head, observing the guards and the crowd) So? What’s happening?

  Stefan: (smiling, with a knowing look) It’s about Selene.

  Word of her strength spread fast.. thanks to the Queen.

  Eleanor: (stepping forward happily, eyes sparkling)

  Our little girl is as strong as we thought!

  (gives Edmund a light tap on the chest, full of pride) We’ve come to take her with us.

  It’s time for a new evaluation.

  Dav: (serious, his voice colder) Selene is tired. She’s not feeling well.

  (he turns slightly, glancing toward the entrance) She’s still recovering after our duel.

  Edmund: (intrigued, raising an eyebrow) She dueled you?

  (tilting his head) Now that’s interesting.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  (then smirks) I hope you lost, at least.

  Narrator: At that moment, Selene entered the cafeteria, accompanied by Iris and Valeria.

  Her steps calm, her face slightly pale but proud.

  She wore the academy uniform with elegance, and her icy blue eyes lit up upon seeing who was waiting for her.

  Selene: (with a composed but respectful voice) My King, my Queen…

  welcome.

  (she gives a slight bow) I hope your journey was smooth.

  Eleanor: (rushing to hug her with motherly affection) Selene!

  My baby! How do you feel?

  (she hugs her tightly, as if to shield her from everything)

  We came for you!

  Narrator: Eleanor, seeing her niece after so long, melted into a warm smile.

  For a woman of her rank, it was unusual to let go like that, but with Selene.. it was always different.

  Her heart swelled with joy.

  Dav, who until then had remained slightly aside, stepped closer, his gaze serious and caring.

  Dav: (looking into her eyes, with a firm tone) If you’re not feeling well, I’ll force you to rest.

  I don’t care who you are or what they want.

  Selene: (smiling faintly, an unexpectedly soft expression)

  I’m fine, Davy.

  (she looks at him with tenderness) Don’t worry.

  Narrator: Those words, spoken with that tone, left everyone breathless. Stefan stiffened.

  Eleanor slightly parted her lips, surprised.

  Edmund stopped mid-breath.

  Selene, the ice queen, the one who hadn’t smiled in years, always closed off.. smiled in that moment.

  And she was smiling at him.

  The King and Queen exchanged a quick, knowing glance.

  No one said anything, but their eyes screamed victory.

  Dav: (sitting down for a second) Then I’ll come too.

  Just to make sure you’re really alright.

  (he looks at them one by one) That’s not a problem, is it?

  Eleanor: (beaming) Little Dav too?

  Oh, this is wonderful to hear!

  Edmund: (standing, clapping his hands) Perfect. Then let’s go.

  (looking around) They’re waiting for us in London.

  There’s a machine for S+ rank evaluations, and they want to see our girl.

  Let’s not keep them waiting.

  Narrator: Dav stood even before properly sitting down.

  He turned toward Iris and Valeria, who had remained at a distance, silently observing everything.

  He greeted them with a spontaneous smile.

  The two exchanged a glance and then, in perfect sync, tugged on his cheeks.

  Iris/Valeria: (in a teasing tone) Don’t do anything stupid..

  and protect Selene.

  Narrator: Their goofy expressions contrasted with the formal setting, but managed to draw a genuine smile from Dav, who nodded.

  Director Vittorio and Rugerus, standing at the back of the hall, watched the scene in silence.

  They didn’t say a word until everyone was on their way toward the academy exit, escorted by guards and a line of black cars waiting to take them.

  Rugerus: (lowering his voice)

  Do you think it will go well, Director?

  Vittorio: (raising his arms, annoyed and sarcastic)

  Who cares.

  (scoffs) Now Dav is their problem. AHAHA!

  Narrator: The two burst into a low chuckle as they watched the group leave.

  The academy returned to silence, but everyone knew something was changing.

  END OF CHAPTER - 178