Chapter Three: The Girl in the Courtyard
Athena's dorm room was finally in order — soft sheets perfectly spread, her perfume arranged in a neat line on the dresser, books stacked by color, and a vase of white roses standing proudly by the window. She stepped back, admiring her handiwork with a small, satisfied smile.
It wasn't quite home, but it would do.
Pulling her long black hair into a sleek ribbon, she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. The same flawless face stared back — porcelain skin, red lips, and eyes that could both enchant and intimidate. She adjusted her collar, slipped on her gold bracelet, and picked up her phone.
"Time to get registered," she murmured to herself, her heels clicking softly against the polished dorm floor as she left the room.
The school campus was lively — students rushing about with papers, laughter echoing through the halls, and the scent of fresh-cut grass drifting in through the open windows. Athena walked through it all with effortless grace, her presence enough to make heads turn and whispers follow.
By the time she reached the administration building, the staff was already on alert.
"Miss Brown! Welcome, welcome," a woman at the front desk said eagerly, fumbling with the paperwork. "We've been expecting you."
Athena offered a polite smile. "Thank you. I'm here for registration — and my student ID."
Within minutes, everything was done. Her forms were signed, her ID handed over in a sleek plastic case bearing her photo — elegant as ever, even on a student card.
"Have a pleasant day, Miss Brown," the woman said with a nervous smile.
"You too," Athena replied softly before turning on her heel and heading back toward her dorm.
The sun had climbed higher now, its light spilling across the wide courtyard. Laughter rang out again, but this time it carried an edge — sharp, mocking. Athena slowed her pace.
Across the courtyard, a group of rich students stood in a tight circle around a smaller girl. The girl's books were scattered across the ground, her hair disheveled, her face pale.
"Please, just give it back," the girl pleaded, her voice trembling.
"Oh? You want it back?" one of the bullies sneered, dangling a notebook just out of reach.
Athena's brow furrowed. For a second, she considered walking past — it wasn't her problem. But then again, her father always said, "Being powerful means knowing when to step in."
She took a few graceful steps forward.
The sound of her heels against the marble path made the bullies turn. Their laughter faded almost instantly when they saw her.
"Athena Brown?" one whispered.
She didn't say a word. She didn't need to. Her reputation did the talking. The group exchanged uneasy glances, then quickly scattered, muttering excuses under their breath.
The girl stood frozen for a moment before bending to gather her books. Athena crouched to help, her movements calm and unbothered.
"Here," Athena said quietly, handing her the last notebook.
"T-thank you!" the girl stammered, her cheeks flushed. "I— I really appreciate it."
Athena nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Be careful who you cross paths with here. People remember things."
The girl blinked, nodded quickly, and then ran off without another word.
Athena watched her go, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Strange," she murmured, shrugging lightly before turning back toward her dorm.
By the time she reached her room again, the sun was setting, and the sky had turned a soft shade of rose. She placed her new ID on her desk, sank into her chair, and exhaled.
Another day done. Another reminder that her name carried weight — even in a place full of privilege.
But what Athena didn't know was that the girl she'd helped would soon become far more important than she could imagine.