The Grand Hall of Arcadia Academy was vast — far larger than Alexa had imagined.
Rows upon rows of elegant seats stretched to the left and right, carved from polished wood that shimmered faintly under floating chandeliers. A long open walkway ran from the massive entrance doors straight down the center toward an elevated platform at the far end where a grand podium stood.
Students filled the hall, voices buzzing with excitement as they settled into their seats.
Alexa walked beside her roommates, trying to take everything in — the high arched ceiling painted with constellations that slowly shifted, banners hanging between pillars, and the quiet hum of magic in the air.
Her heart pounded.
She was so overwhelmed that she didn't notice someone stepping in front of her.
Bump.
"Oh — I'm so sorry," Alexa said quickly.
The girl she had bumped into turned slowly.
Her name badge read Valerina Drake.
She was striking — sharp features, perfectly styled hair, and eyes filled with unmistakable arrogance.
"Watch where you're going," Valerina said coldly.
Alexa nodded. "I said I'm sorry."
Valerina laughed softly — her three friends beside her joined in.
"Well," Valerina said loudly enough for others nearby to hear, "just because you exploded a bathroom stall at your former school doesn't mean you come here to ruin things."
Alexa froze. "I didn't—"
"Shh," Valerina snapped, lifting a finger. "When I speak, you listen."
She stepped closer.
"I'm the queen of this school," she said with a smirk. "I run it."
Then she raised her hand.
Blue lightning began crawling across her fingers — crackling softly, illuminating her face with electric light.
Alexa swallowed hard.
Valerina leaned in. "Consider this your warning."
Before Alexa could respond —
"Back off."
Sarah stepped forward, eyes narrowed.
"She apologized," Stella added sharply. "That should be enough."
Mia folded her arms. "You don't own the hallway, Valerina."
Wendy stood beside Alexa protectively, and Ferah gave the group a steady look.
Valerina rolled her eyes. "Just make sure she knows where she's walking."
She lowered her hand, the lightning fading.
"Let's go," she said to her friends, tossing her hair as they walked away.
Alexa let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"You okay?" Sarah asked.
"Yeah," Alexa said quietly. "Thanks."
They moved to the other side of the hall and took their seats, waiting.
—
Alexa stared ahead, thoughts racing.
Okay… schools are different — magical schools, high schools, universities — but they all have bullies.
Except here… they have powers.
And Mum and Dad aren't here.
They're going to tear me down.
Okay, breathe, Alexa. Breathe.
—
Across the hall, a group of academy soldiers — trainees from the Guardian division — sat together, dressed in training uniforms, swords resting beside them.
Some girls whispered and admired them.
"Oh look," Stella murmured quietly, "that's Tedrous."
"Who?" Alexa asked.
"The prince," Mia whispered. "His father is a king."
Wendy leaned closer. "Valerina tries to get his attention all the time."
Alexa noticed Valerina glancing toward him, clearly hoping to be noticed.
Tedrous sat calmly, speaking quietly with fellow trainees, completely unaware — or uninterested.
—
Suddenly —
The doors at the front opened.
Headmistress Seraphine Vale entered.
A hush fell instantly over the hall — conversations died, students straightened.
She walked with calm authority to the podium.
"Students of Arcadia," she began, her voice carrying effortlessly across the hall, "welcome."
Her gaze moved across the room.
"To our returning students — welcome back. And to our new arrivals — you stand at the beginning of a journey that will challenge, shape, and reveal who you truly are."
Alexa listened, heart steadying slightly.
"At Arcadia Academy, you will learn discipline, control, and responsibility," the headmistress continued. "Power without wisdom is dangerous. Here, you will learn both."
She paused.
"I wish you all a successful and enlightening semester."
Students nodded quietly.
Seraphine smiled faintly.
"And as tradition dictates… we begin immediately."
A ripple of anticipation spread through the hall.
"Today," she said, "is Training Day — a time to observe your abilities and understand your potential."
Alexa's eyes widened.
Students murmured excitedly.
Seraphine raised a hand gently. "You will report to your respective instructors shortly."
She inclined her head. "You are dismissed."
The hall erupted into movement.
Alexa leaned toward her roommates, whispering under her breath —
"Oh my God."