Mr. Hubert continued addressing the class. “You’ll find your curriculum challenging but rewarding. History of Magic will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with practical applications alternating on Wednesdays. Combat training is mandatory for all students, regardless of background.”

  Adrian’s fingers drummed lightly on his desk as he forced himself to focus. Combat training might actually be worth it. At least it’ll break up the monotony.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Alisha taking down notes with a pen. The faint scratching of ink against paper contrasted sharply with the lazy creak of Kael’s chair as he leaned back, his hands folded behind his head.

  “Your assignments will be distributed monthly. And I expect every student to keep up. Falling behind will not just affect you, it will hinder your classmates during group tasks.” Mr. Hubert said.

  Adrian stifled a sigh. Hopefully these group projects won't require too many members.

  But then, a sharp knock broke through the classroom, the sound ricocheting off the walls. Mr. Hubert stopped talking as he turned toward the door. “Ah, that must be our transfer student.”

  The air in the room shifted, tension crackling like static as all eyes followed Mr. Hubert’s steps toward the door. I'm guessing the new transfer student has to have some notable status, otherwise, I don't see how they'd be allowed to join the academy later than even the other noble kids here.

  The door swung open with a faint creak, revealing a tall figure framed against the bright hallway light. She entered with a poise that silenced the murmurs before they could start.

  The sunlight streaming through the arched windows painted a faint golden outline around her, contrasting with her dark gray skin. Her hair, long and snowy white, cascaded over her shoulder and caught the light with every step.

  Her amber eyes swept across the room, pausing briefly on each face. Adrian felt her gaze pass over him, its weight light but undeniable. She doesn’t miss much. That’s obvious.

  “I am Princess Zuri of Nyssalor,” she said.

  The room erupted into whispers the moment her words settled. Adrian caught fragmented comments rippling through the students seated around him:

  “A dark elf princess?”

  “Nyssalor? That’s so far south—what’s she doing here?”

  “Her hair is incredible…”

  Mr. Hubert clapped his hands sharply, cutting through the rising buzz. “That will do. Settle down.”

  He gestured toward Zuri, stepping aside so the class could see her clearly. “Princess Zuri will be joining us for the term. I expect each of you to extend her the same courtesy and respect as you would any other student.”

  Adrian glanced at Alisha, who was watching Zuri with a thoughtful expression. “What do you think?” he whispered, leaning closer.

  “I think she’s lovely. Don’t you?” Alisha said nonchalantly.

  Adrian blinked, her answer catching him off guard. He nodded slightly. “I guess.”

  “Surprised by my answer?”

  “Not really, I just don’t know much about the history between elves and dark elves.”

  Alisha tilted her head, her expression softening as if considering how to respond. But before she could speak, Mr. Hubert cleared his throat sharply. “I trust we’re all capable of keeping our focus. Now, Princess Zuri, please feel free to pick any empty seat.”

  Zuri’s gaze swept the room again, her violet eyes briefly meeting Adrian’s before moving on. She walked with poise, each step deliberate, before choosing an empty seat near the center of the room. The whispers had quieted, but Adrian could still feel the unspoken curiosity buzzing beneath the surface.

  As Zuri settled into her seat, Mr. Hubert turned back to the board, picking up his chalk. “Now, where were we?"

  ***

  The Academy Main Cafeteria - Lunchtime.

  The tantalizing aroma of roasted meats, baked breads, and simmering spices filled the air, wafting from the long serving counters where a line of students shuffled forward with trays in hand. Adrian stood among them, looking over the options as he held his tray steady.

  They really didn’t hold back on the food here, he mused, settling on a platter of freshly carved roast chicken glistening with juices. He grabbed a generous serving, adding roasted vegetables and a soft, golden roll to his tray. The faint clink of utensils hitting trays filled the air as students ahead of him exchanged coins or tokens for their meals.

  Reaching the counter, Adrian handed over a small, circular token etched with the academy’s crest. The cook, a burly man with flour-dusted hands, accepted it with a grunt before motioning him onward. Adrian nodded, stepping away from the counter and scanning the sea of tables for an open spot.

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  The noise in the room felt louder now, every chair scrape and burst of laughter prickling at his ears. He spotted an empty table near the edge of the hall, away from the larger, noisier groups. His boots clicked against the tiled floor as he made his way over.

  He slid into a seat, setting his tray down with a soft clatter. The moment he sat, the noise of the cafeteria faded slightly, his attention shifting to the food before him. He tore a piece of the roll, savoring the softness as he bit into it. Finally, a moment of peace.

  It didn’t last long.

  “Mind if I join you?” Alisha asked, light and cheerful.

  Adrian looked up to see her standing across from him. Her tray was balanced on one hip, piled with an impressive assortment of food.

  “You’re already here,” Adrian replied, gesturing to the seat across from him. A faint smile tugged at his lips despite himself.

  Alisha grinned as she sat down, setting her tray down with a flourish. “What, no warm welcome?"

  “Consider it part of my charm,” Adrian said dryly, taking another bite of his roll.

  Before Alisha could retort, a voice called out from behind her. “Room for one more?”

  Adrian turned to see Kael sauntering over, his head tilted slightly, the cloth of his blindfold neat and secure. He carried his tray effortlessly in one hand, the other tucked casually into his pocket. His smirk widened as he approached.

  “Guess so,” Adrian said, shrugging.

  Kael plopped into the seat beside him, setting his tray down with a theatrical flourish. “I see you’ve already gathered our esteemed princess,” he said, tilting his head toward Alisha.

  Alisha rolled her eyes. “Don’t start, Kael. We’ve only just sat down.”

  “And what better time to start?” Kael said, popping a grape into his mouth.

  Adrian shook his head, though he couldn’t help the faint chuckle that escaped him. This table is getting louder by the second.

  The sound of hesitant footsteps drew his attention, and he looked up to see Xenon standing a few feet away, his tray clutched tightly in both hands. The elf boy’s gaze flicked nervously over the group before resting on Adrian.

  “Is it alright if I…?” Xenon’s voice was barely audible over the noise of the cafeteria.

  “Yeah,” Adrian said, motioning to the seat beside Alisha. “Sit with us.”

  Xenon hesitated for a moment before nodding, sliding into the chair with a soft scrape. He set his tray down carefully, as though afraid of drawing attention.

  The elf boy settled into the seat, brushing over the edges of his tray as he adjusted it precisely in front of him. The silence between the group stretched only a moment before Kael leaned forward, grinning like he’d already planned to stir the pot.

  “So, what do we think of the classes so far?” he asked. “I mean, Adrian’s definitely going to ace Combat Training, right? Or are you going to slack off, oh fearless leader?”

  Adrian arched a brow, his fork hovering over his plate. “You sound pretty confident for someone who barely showed up on time today.”

  “Punctuality isn’t a skill they’re grading me on. Besides, if the teachers saw how amazing I am at everything else, they’d forgive me.” Kael said confidently.

  Alisha laughed, shaking her head as she twirled a strand of pink hair around her finger. “You’re ridiculous, Kael. Though I am curious about Magical Theory. Mr. Hubert seemed—” she paused, catching herself before adding with a teasing grin, “—pretty excited to torture us with it.”

  “Torture?” Kael leaned back dramatically, clasping a hand to his chest. “Alisha, don’t scare poor Xenon here. He’s just getting started.”

  Xenon, who had been quietly slicing into his food, glanced up, his expression briefly startled. “Oh, I—I’m fine. Magical Theory actually sounds interesting.”

  “You’ll do fine,” Adrian said,. “Mr. Hubert doesn't seem like the type to fail people for no reason.”

  Xenon nodded. “Um, thanks.”

  The group lapsed into a more relaxed rhythm as they ate, the clatter of trays and hum of voices filling the gaps between their conversation. It wasn’t long before Kael’s eyes lit up mischievously again.

  “Alright, let’s address the real mystery of the day,” Kael said, leaning forward. “Princess Zuri. Thoughts?”

  Alisha groaned, tossing a piece of bread crust at him. “You’re so nosy.”

  “Curiosity is a virtue,” Kael shot back, dodging the bread with exaggerated flair.

  Adrian set down his fork, glancing between them. “She’s… interesting, I guess. Confident. Didn’t seem fazed by the attention.”

  “She handled it better than most would,” Alisha agreed.

  Kael’s grin widened. “You like her.”

  Alisha rolled her eyes, though her cheeks colored slightly. “I respect her. There’s a difference.”

  Xenon cleared his throat softly, drawing their attention. “I overheard some of the others talking about her. Dark elves don’t usually leave their kingdom, especially not the royal family. Something must’ve happened for her to come here.”

  Adrian tilted his head, resting his arms on the table. “What do you know about the dark elves?”

  “Not much,” Xenon admitted, his green eyes dropping to his plate. “Just rumors. They’re… isolated. Some say they’re distrustful of outsiders, but others say they’re just protecting their culture.”

  “Sounds like a pretty big deal for her to be here, then." Alisha said.

  Kael tapped his chin, his grin turning playful again. “Maybe she’s secretly a fugitive. You know, fleeing an arranged marriage or some palace intrigue. Wouldn’t that be exciting?”

  Adrian snorted. “Or maybe she just wanted a change of scenery.”

  “Boring answer,” Kael said with a mock huff. “But fine, Mr. Realist, we’ll go with your dull take.”

  Adrian smirked faintly but didn’t respond. The energy around the table softened, the teasing settling into a more subdued rhythm as they all focused on their meals. Yet, Adrian’s thoughts were far from the roasted chicken in front of him. His mind drifted back to Zuri. She's definitely not ordinary, But whatever the reason is for being here, it’s not my business… though it’s hard not to wonder.

  The faint scrape of shoes against the stone floor jolted him from his thoughts. A shadow slid across the table, and Adrian’s gaze lifted sharply. Standing just a few feet away, tray balanced perfectly in her hands, was Zuri.

  His grip on the fork tightened as his eyes locked on hers. She stood as poised as ever, her expression was calm, unreadable, but her eyes carried an unmistakable weight as they scanned the group, pausing on each face like a spotlight.

  The air around the table thickened, stifling the faint buzz of conversation from the surrounding students. Adrian’s chest tightened, his pulse quickening. What’s she doing here?

  No one dared to break the silence.