The courtyard of Astralis Institute buzzed with renewed energy. The literary exam results had shaken the ranks. While most were celebrating—or sulking—a new storm quietly made its way through the crowd.
Iris Elowen.
She moved like flowing silver, calm and calculated, her long hair shimmering like starlight under the sun. Every step she took seemed deliberate, and every glance—measured. Wherever she passed, whispers followed.
"She's from the Elowen line… isn't that one of the noble families from the western empire?"
"Didn't they vanish years ago?"
"I heard she used to train with oracles…"
But Iris didn't flinch at the rumors. She had only one goal. Valric Drakonis.
-----------
Valric was near the training grounds, carelessly tossing fireballs into the sky while Kael and Rhydan bickered over some magical theory.
That's when Iris appeared.
With a soft, graceful voice, she spoke, "Your flame control is impressive."
Valric blinked. "Uh… thanks."
She smiled and offered a polite bow. "Iris Elowen. We ranked beside each other."
He stood a little straighter. "Right. Valric. Drakonis."
"I know."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You're awfully social for someone who's just arrived."
Iris turned to him with a serene smile. "Forgive me. I only wanted to know the ones worth knowing."
Rhydan scoffed. "And who decides that?"
She tilted her head slightly. "The results speak for themselves."
Even Kael couldn't deny she was bold. And strangely… compelling.
She flowed between them like water—asking Auren about dragon blood affinity, teasing Kael about his dark arts studies, even complimenting Rhydan's raw strength. By the end of it, she had left them charmed or at least—curious.
------------
Meanwhile…
Celeste and Lyra sat under the oak tree near the main hall, the remnants of their snack between them. Lyra was silent, her lips pressed into a tight line.
"You've barely spoken," Celeste said, glancing sideways.
Lyra stared ahead. "It's nothing."
Celeste raised an eyebrow.
"…It's just that Iris girl. She shows up out of nowhere and already everyone is fawning over her. Kael didn't even make a sarcastic remark. Not one."
Celeste smiled gently. "She sways people. That's her strength."
Lyra huffed. "And I don't have any?"
Celeste looked at her with kind but steady eyes. "You do. You have sincerity and loyalty. You don't pretend. You don't charm. You care."
Lyra was silent for a moment.
Celeste added softly, "Just because someone shines brightly doesn't mean your light is any less important."
Lyra finally smiled, though faintly. "You always know the right things to say."
"I don't," Celeste said. "I just know what it feels like to compare yourself… and forget who you are."
------------
Far away, hidden behind Iris's warm smiles and poised words… was calculation.
As the sun set behind the institute's towers, her gaze lingered on Valric's back.
Let's begin… she thought.
One by one.