To think the opportunity would fall into my lap without me lifting a finger such are the perks of being a top student. The Imperial Academy's orientation isn't like the others; it exists to pamper the children of nobles, to polish their arrogance until it shines. I stride toward the podium, savoring the envy that clings to every gaze fixed upon me. Nothing quite compares to watching their swollen pride crumble at my feet.
Professor Esther already briefed me: first, the headmaster will welcome these pampered fledglings, then I will have my turn and every last one of them will remember exactly who stands above them.
"Good evening, students. I am your headmaster, Asterion. It is my honor to welcome each of you to the Imperial Academy, the cradle where the future leaders of our kingdom will be shaped. I trust that you little seedlings before me will one day bloom into strong, beautiful flowers that will stand tall and proud for our kingdom."
The hall erupted in applause, some out of genuine admiration, most out of forced courtesy.
"And now," Asterion continued, his voice echoing through the grand hall, "I present to you our top student, the freshmen representative: Miss Cecilia Florence."
Ah, the looks on their pampered faces envy never fails to amuse me. Yet amid their petty resentment, one student caught my eye. She sat unmoved, her indifference like a stain on their gilded pride. Unbothered. Unimpressed. Irrelevant.
Not my concern.
I stepped forward, head held high, the weight of their stares nothing but fuel for my fire. I stood before them, letting the silence stretch, as my words sliced through it like a blade.
"Good evening. My name is Cecilia Florence. Apparently, I'm supposed to stand here and inspire you with some heartfelt speech."
I let my gaze drift lazily over the sea of pampered faces, savoring the unease creeping into their eyes.
"How sweet. Unfortunately for you, I'm not in the business of sugarcoating reality."
A thin, cruel smile tugged at my lips.
"So here's my version of inspiration: stay out of my way — unless you're desperate enough to find out exactly how much chaos I can conjure just to amuse myself."
I tilted my head, voice dropping to a mocking whisper.
"Test me if you like. I do love watching pretty things break."
The way they sat there, stunned into silence, was delicious. Even the esteemed faculty and dear Headmaster Asterion were left speechless mouths slightly ajar, eyes wide, clinging to their precious decorum. The hall buzzed with gasps and hushed whispers, their shock hanging in the air like a sweet scent.
What can I say? Shattering illusions is what I do best. It's simply who I am.
Cold.
Ruthless.
The headmaster had to step in to subside the mess I created. To them it can be a mess. But for me it's my way of establishing authority. "Classes start tomorrow." he announced and dismissed us.
Every student was assigned a roommate based on their practical rankings and the same went for their privileges. The rooms themselves were styled to match the luxurious tastes of noble households, a deliberate attempt to make these pampered brats feel at home. The one assigned to me was nearly identical to my room back at the Florence Mansion.
Even though the practicals and orientation were over, there was still one matter left unresolved.
"Come out, both of you. We have something to discuss."
The very next Nox and Lux appeared. I had never seen Nox's appearance before, he was just a shadow. Now I can clearly see his appearance.
He had become a child. Disheveled black hair framed his pale face, while his piercing red eyes seemed to glow with a dangerous, unwavering resolve. His pallid skin stood in stark contrast to the darkness that clung to him like a second skin. His expression was cold and calculating, yet beneath that icy surface simmered a storm of restrained fury. Shadows gathered around him like loyal sentinels, amplifying the lethal aura that radiated from his every movement.
Yet I still couldn't help but burst out laughing. He had always boasted about his majestic presence and how impossibly magnificent he looked, even when he wasn't in human form. People used to swoon at the mere sight of him. But the one standing in front of me now was just a child, small, harmless… and infuriatingly cute.
"Don't laugh." He shot me a glare, but it only made him look even cuter.
"I don't understand. Why didn't I return to the way I was before?"
That was… indeed concerning. I had done everything exactly as he'd instructed, yet Nox hadn't regained his original form.
"If I may," Lux interjected softly, "I know why Master Nox didn't return to how he was before he was sealed."
"Then tell us," I demanded. "Why didn't he?"
"The reason is simple," Lux said, pointing to Nox's chest. "It's because Master's core is missing or, in human terms, his heart."
Nox stiffened at Lux's words, his small hands curling into fists at his sides.
"My heart… is missing?" he repeated, voice low and dangerously calm.
I frowned, studying Nox's childlike frame. "So where is it? Where's his heart now?"
Lux's green eyes glowed faintly as he spoke. "It seems like it was taken when he was being sealed away. Hidden or perhaps it's bound to another vessel. Until it's retrieved and restored, Master Nox will remain like this."
Nox let out a low, icy laugh that sounded almost unnatural coming from such a small, cherubic face. "So… someone has my heart," he murmured, his crimson eyes narrowing into something cold and merciless. "How charming. And here I was foolish enough to think this world couldn't disgust me more than it already does."
"So, until we find his heart… I mean core Nox is stuck in this form." I said and Lux nodded.
This is troublesome. I had no clue where to even begin looking for it. I glanced over at Nox. He looked so small and dejected, shadows flickering weakly around him.
"Don't worry," I said softly, reaching out to ruffle his messy hair. "I'll find your core, no matter how long it takes. Until then, you're stuck with me."
It would be just like the old days on the battlefield — when he used to lift my spirits, fight at my side, and hold me together even though it drained him to the brink. Our bond had always been hot and cold, but unbreakable all the same.
On a whim, I scooped him up and spun him around. He let out a sharp protest that only made him look even cuter. I couldn't help but grin. "Trust me. I'll find it."
He crossed his little arms and gave me a haughty glare. "You'd better. You're my only disciple."
I set him down and gave him a playful wink. "Since I cleared the first stage of this 'mission,' don't I deserve a reward?" I asked, looking at him with wide, expectant eyes.
He narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?"
I leaned in closer, voice dropping to a mischievous whisper. "Pat my head. I want you to pat my head."
Nox blinked at me, clearly unimpressed but the tips of his ears turned the faintest shade of red.
I tilted my head closer, practically presenting the top of it to him like an offering. "Come on, Master Nox. Just once. I've earned it."
With an exasperated sigh, he raised his tiny hand so small now, yet still carrying that same cold authority and rested it stiffly on my head. His fingers brushed through my hair in the most awkward, half-hearted pat imaginable.
"There. Happy now?" he grumbled, trying to pull his hand away.
I caught his wrist gently, keeping his hand there a moment longer. "Very," I said, closing my eyes with a grin that trembled at the edges. "You're cute when you pretend you don't care."
For a heartbeat, I let myself lean into the warmth of that small, awkward pat, a warmth I knew would vanish the moment I let go. A warmth I had lost. Beneath my smile, a quiet ache settled in my chest.
"Tch. Disrespectful as always," he snapped, but there was no real bite in his voice, just the ghost of something softer beneath the cold edge.
I let him go, stepping back with a playful salute. "Alright then. Next step we find your heart. And until then, you'll just have to endure my unbearable company."
He crossed his arms again, tiny and regal in the flickering shadows. "Hmph. Then don't keep me waiting, disciple. I expect results."
"Understood, Master," I said with a bright smile and for just a second, I could've sworn I saw the corner of his mouth twitch upward, as if he almost smiled back.
"Then what about me?" Lux asked quietly. "I have nowhere else to go… Can I stay here with you too?"
He looked up at me with those big, expectant eyes, trying so hard to look pitiful and succeeding far too well.
"Yes, you can," I sighed, unable to resist.
The truth was, I'd always been weak to anything small and cute even if they were dangerous. If they looked at me like that, I'd fold every time.
"Alright, off to bed, kid," Nox said, ruffling my hair. "Tomorrow's your first day of classes. I won't have you being late on my watch."
"Okay,"
Since there was only one bed, we all ended up snuggled together under the blankets, a tangled mess of warmth, and quiet breaths.
'I hope this feeling lasts just a little bit longer,' I thought as I drifted off, listening to their soft, steady breathing beside me.
I woke at the crack of dawn an old habit ingrained in me from the days spent fighting and surviving, when every moment could mean the difference between life and death.
Careful not to wake Nox or Lux, I slipped out of bed and stepped into the common area of the room. I glanced around, curious to see if my roommate had shown up at some point during the night. Apparently not. Good for me.
I moved through my morning routine like clockwork, a quick jog to clear my head, a hot shower to wash away the chill of dawn, then a simple breakfast to steady my nerves for the day ahead.
Once I was dressed and ready, I paused in front of the mirror, I stood before the mirror, my gaze calm and unflinching as I took in every detail of what I have become. My silver hair flows over my shoulders in soft, silken waves, catching the dim light like strands of moonlight spun just for me. I brush a lock behind my ear with deliberate care, letting it slip free again, a small act of rebellion that still feels perfectly controlled.
My cold eyes, unwavering, impossibly violet hold my own reflection captive. There is stillness in them, an elegance carved from secrets and shadows. Beneath my collarbone, the amethyst crystal glows faintly, its pulse a quiet promise of the deathless power thrumming through my veins. I rest my fingers lightly against it, feeling its chill seep into my skin, a reminder that beauty can be both a weapon and armor.
My jacket fits like a command: black, sleek, every line sharp and intentional. The silver buttons gleam like distant stars against the dark fabric. Beneath it, my blouse is immaculate, the collar parted just enough. A slender black ribbon drapes down my chest, tied with careful precision even darkness must know grace.
The high belt cinches my waist, emphasizing a shape that is both regal and severe. My skirt falls in neat, soft pleats that whisper of youth, but my black stockings and polished boots anchor me in something older, something unyielding.
I raise my hand, watching with quiet satisfaction as purple flames curl around my fingers, graceful and deadly as a silk ribbon set aflame. In this mirror, I see no frail princess waiting to be saved. I see a sovereign of cold beauty, carved from night and crowned in secret, a necromancer wrapped in elegance and shadows, unafraid of what she commands.
I let the corner of my lips lift, just slightly not a smile, but a promise. This is who I am. This is who I will always be.
As I took one last look at myself before stepping out to face whatever trouble waited for me next.
To be continued.