🏫 Aethelred Academy Rooftop – Midnight
The night wind swept gently, carrying the scent of lunar flowers that only bloomed beneath a full moon.
Alexa sat on the edge of the observation tower, her academy cloak fluttering. In her hand, a spirit crystal pulsed softly—her latest result from training with the Ice Dragon Spirit.
> "Can't sleep?"
That cold, deep voice came from behind her.
Thalionric Arelthia, as usual, had appeared without a sound.
> "A lot on my mind. About the intruder. My brother's letter. The future."
"And about Eiden Vaelthorn too?"
Alexa turned, raising a brow.
> "What's that supposed to mean?"
Thalionric's face remained calm, but his gaze was sharp.
> "Since when were you so close with Eiden Vaelthorn?"
"Turns out you two are far closer than I realized."
Alexa nearly choked on the night air.
> "Are you… jealous, Your Highness?"
> "No."
(...too fast.)
"I'm simply monitoring the movements of important nobles around me. And it seems… one of them stands far too close to you."
Alexa stifled a smile, then stood and approached him.
> "Relax, Lion. If I ever plan to get close to anyone… you'll be the first to know."
Thalionric turned his face away—but his cheeks had turned faintly red.
---
🌌 That Night – A Whispering Dream
As Alexa slept…
She saw herself standing in the middle of a dark blue sea of ice.
Her dragon spirit hovered in the air, its eyes glowing sharply.
> "Girl of snow, flower of thorns...
The sky shall burn, and Solveria shall fracture—
Unless you choose. Power or love.
The crown… or your freedom."
Alexa wanted to speak, but the dragon vanished.
In the distance… Solveria's palace was in flames.
And a shadow stood atop the tower… with glowing violet eyes.
---
📜 The Next Morning – Secret Room, Lower Library
Alexa, Eiden, and Veyla began investigating the "shadow" from the previous night.
They compared residual magic with the student records of House Nocturne and House Ignis.
> "There's one student… Elvyr Aldren. His family was once suspected of ties to outside organizations."
> "And he sat near Seraphina during illusion class," Veyla whispered.
> "I think it's time… I speak to Seraphina directly."
---
🥀 Midday – Academy's Secret Garden
Alexa called Seraphina for a "discussion."
> "I don't care if you're jealous of me, Sera. But if you start playing with dark magic—this kingdom won't forgive you."
Seraphina laughed softly, but her eyes were razor sharp.
> "I don't need dark magic. All I need… is time.
And your downfall? That'll be my perfect moment."
> "Then hope I fall slowly—so you can savor it longer."
---
💌 That Night – A Final Letter Arrives
A small spirit bird flew into Alexa's room.
This time, the letter wasn't from her brothers—but from Professor Miraven.
> "Lady Zevarelis, I believe you're aware of things not yet officially reported.
I ask that you come quietly to the academy's tower tomorrow morning. Bring only those you trust completely."
Alexa stared at the letter.
> "You hear that?" she murmured to the ice dragon spirit in her window.
"It's time we take the next step."
---
🌙 To Be Continued…