"Since tomorrow is your matriculation, I'm guessing you'll be free afterward," Kael said.
Aria raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"I was thinking we could watch a movie after the ceremony. Just to celebrate."
Billy immediately looked at Aria with a knowing smile.
Aria noticed and rolled her eyes.
"You two are something else," she muttered.
Kael laughed. "So... is that a yes?"
Aria hesitated for a moment before smiling.
"Alright. A movie sounds nice."
"Perfect. I'll see you tomorrow, then."
"Tomorrow," Aria replied.
Neither of them knew that by the following day, their simple plans would become the least important thing on Aria's mind.
***************
The grounds of Elarion University had been transformed for the grand matriculation ceremony.
The usually quiet courtyard was now filled with thousands of students, lecturers, families, and distinguished guests from different clans. Long golden banners hung between the tall purple pillars, swaying gently with the morning breeze. The university crest was displayed proudly above the main podium, surrounded by intricate decorations that shimmered beneath the sunlight.
Rows of neatly arranged chairs filled the open grounds, divided according to departments. Students sat together in their various departmental colours, creating a beautiful mixture of shades across the vast courtyard.
The air was filled with excitement.
Soft music played from the speakers while performers moved around the stage, preparing for their presentations. Families greeted one another, students took pictures with their friends, and lecturers moved around in their official robes.
At the centre of it all stood the grand podium, decorated with golden ornaments and the symbol of Elarion University.
Aria sat among the students of M. Law & Governance, her eyes wandering across the enormous gathering.
She could hardly believe that this was the same university she had walked into only a few days ago.
Today, everything felt different.
Important representatives from several powerful clans had arrived, making the ceremony feel even more prestigious.
Aria's heart fluttered when she spotted her family among the crowd.
They had come.
Her mother waved excitedly when their eyes met, while her father smiled proudly beside her.
Aria couldn't help but smile back.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
She had no idea that before the ceremony ended, her life would change forever.
Aria wore the beautiful matriculation gown her parents had given her.
The deep burgundy fabric flowed gracefully toward her ankles, while delicate golden embroidery traced the edges of the sleeves and neckline. The university emblem rested proudly on the left side of her chest, giving the outfit an official yet elegant appearance.
Her long, silky hair flowed freely down her back, gently swaying whenever the breeze passed through it. A few strands rested naturally around her face, framing her features.
She wore polished black shoes beneath the gown, completing her appearance.
Aria didn't need heavy accessories or anything extravagant. Her natural elegance was enough to make her stand out among the other students.
It was a special and magical day. Even the weather seemed to favour the occasion, with bright sunlight spreading across the university grounds.
She sat beside Selene and her other coursemates, their beautiful departmental colours bringing even more life to the ceremony.
Finally, it was time for the Vice Chancellor to speak.
A sudden hush fell over the crowd as the Vice Chancellor stepped onto the podium.
He was a tall, dignified man dressed in a long ceremonial robe of deep purple and gold. The intricate patterns embroidered across the fabric shimmered beneath the morning sunlight, while the golden crest of Elarion University rested proudly at the centre of his chest.
His silver-streaked hair was neatly combed, and his calm expression carried the authority of someone who had spent many years leading the institution.
He stood behind the podium for a moment, allowing his eyes to travel across the enormous gathering before finally speaking.
"Distinguished guests, respected members of the university board, esteemed lecturers, proud families, and most importantly, our new students..."
His voice echoed clearly across the grounds.
"Today marks more than the beginning of your academic journey. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives."
The crowd remained silent, listening attentively.
"You have earned your place within these walls, not because of the clan you come from, but because of the potential you carry within you. Here at Elarion University, knowledge has no bloodline, and excellence belongs to those who truly deserve it."
His words were met with great applause from the students and nobles gathered around.
As the applause gradually faded, the Vice Chancellor stepped away from the podium.
The master of ceremonies returned to the stage and announced the next part of the ceremony.
"Following the Vice Chancellor's address, we will now hear from representatives of some of the most distinguished clans within our university."
One after another, students representing the superior clans were invited to the podium.
Each speaker delivered a carefully prepared speech, speaking confidently about their clans, their achievements, and their hopes for the future.
The crowd listened attentively, applauding after every speech.
Aria remained quietly seated among the other students, watching each speaker return to their seats.
She noticed the pride on the faces of their families whenever their children finished speaking.
Then another name was called.
And another.
Until eventually, there was only one student left.
Aria.
She glanced toward her family and saw her mother smiling proudly while her father gave her an encouraging nod.
Selene leaned closer to her.
"You're next."
Aria took a slow breath.
She had known this moment was coming, but knowing it and actually facing it were two different things.
The master of ceremonies stepped back onto the podium.
"And finally, representing the M. Law & Governance Department..."
He paused.
"Aria Fleur of the Ardentis Clan."
A wave of whispers immediately travelled through the crowd.
Aria slowly rose from her seat.
She adjusted her gown, took one final breath, and began walking toward the podium.
As she approached, she could see everyone's faces clearly.
Her mother.
Her father.
Her sisters.
Her brother-in-law.
Her close relatives.
She could also see Billy among her coursemates, while Kael stood farther behind, smiling at her.
Aria felt no fear and no anxiety.
She had prepared for this moment several nights before and was certain her speech could strike a chord and make them understand the plight of people from the lower clans.
She rested her hands on the podium and cleared her throat before speaking.
"My name is Aria Fleur, a student of the M. Law & Governance Department and a member of the Ardentis Clan."
Her voice echoed across the courtyard as everyone's eyes remained fixed on her.
"I'm here to give a speech," she added.
Suddenly, the microphone released an ear-piercing screech.
The crowd flinched.
Aria paused for a moment before continuing.
"What I'm about to say is not just a speech, but a truth that we have been avoiding for generations. But I am not afraid to let everyone hear it..."
She looked across the crowd with unwavering confidence.
But something else had begun to happen.
Not with her.
Around her.