The Astralis Institute had never looked more alive.
Strings of floating lanterns lit the courtyard in soft hues of gold and silver. Enchanted petals drifted mid-air, glowing faintly as music echoed through the marble halls. It was the night of the Welcome Ball, and every first-year student was to be introduced to the rest of the institute.
Celeste adjusted her mask—silver with constellation markings delicately traced along the edges. Her deep blue gown flowed around her like a ripple of the night sky, quiet and ethereal.
Beside her, Lyra sparkled in soft lavender, her curls bouncing with every step. "You look... wow," she whispered, staring at Celeste. "Like the night came to life."
Celeste simply smiled. "You look stunning too."
The grand ballroom doors opened with a magical flourish. Inside, seniors and juniors danced, mingled, and hovered by enchanted dessert tables. Every now and then, names were announced as each first-year was introduced.
Suddenly, the air shifted.
Celeste turned—and saw him.
The boy from the carriage.
He stood at the far end of the hall, dressed in formal black with royal crimson embroidery and a white mask trimmed in gold. But it was his eyes she recognized—calm, intelligent, and quietly observant.
He walked toward her.
"You saved a life the other day," he said gently, extending a hand. "But I never got your name."
Celeste hesitated, then answered softly, "Celeste."
He smiled. "Leonel Thorne. Third-year. House of Dawn."
Celeste's eyes flickered. The House of Dawn—one of the founding branches of the Astralis Empire. Elite among elites.
Leonel seemed amused by her silence. "Would you honor me with a dance?"
Celeste looked around. Lyra was dancing awkwardly with Kael near the fountain, and Auren… Auren stood near the refreshment table, his gaze already fixed on her.
She swallowed and placed her hand in Leonel's. "Just one."
The music shifted. Under the magical glow of floating lights, they glided across the floor. Leonel moved with precise grace, confident but never arrogant.
"You remind me of someone," he said after a moment.
Celeste's heart stilled. "Do I?"
"Yes. A girl I saw long ago at the border festival. But... you were younger then. And sad."
Celeste didn't answer.
Leonel didn't press. "You don't need to tell me. I only hope you aren't sad anymore."
For a moment, she couldn't reply.
As the song ended, Leonel bowed slightly. "Thank you for the dance, Celeste. If fate allows, I hope we meet again tonight."
He walked away, leaving her standing beneath a canopy of floating stars.
Across the ballroom, Auren's jaw clenched slightly.