🕯️ Morning – Aethelred Academy's Hidden Tower
Alexa arrived first.
Her silver hair was half-braided, her blue cloak bore the sigil of the Ice Dragon on her chest.
Her steps were calm—but sharp.
Soon after, Eiden arrived… followed by Thalionric, who—as usual—appeared silently and stood beside Alexa.
> "He's here too?" Thalionric asked, glancing at Eiden.
"Of course. I brought him," Alexa answered casually.
"You can complain to the professor's letter… or to me."
> "Just asking," Thalionric replied coolly.
Then added—
"Interesting how you two always show up together. Seems like you're closer than you let on."
> "What do you mean?" Eiden stared flatly.
> "Nothing," Thalionric said softly.
"Just… observing."
Alexa looked at the Crown Prince.
> "If you're jealous, just say it."
"There's no point cloaking sunlight with fog."
> "I'm not—"
"Thalionric."
He fell silent. But didn't deny it.
---
🔍 Inside the Tower – Professor Miraven's Secret Room
The room was dark and filled with memory crystals.
At its center stood Professor Miraven, her face grim.
Behind her—a large map of Solveria, marked with spreading red dots.
> "I can't keep this hidden any longer," said Miraven.
"There's a shadow organization calling themselves Thorn of Dusk.
They've infiltrated the academy… and plan to overthrow the royal family."
Thalionric clenched his fist.
Eiden tensed.
> "Their target isn't just the academy. But every Duke… and the House of Arelthia."
Alexa stared at the map.
One red dot blinked—right on Solaria, her family's estate.
> "We don't know which students have already been recruited.
But we do know… they're searching for something."
> "What?" Alexa asked.
> "The Rose of Silverblood."
Silence.
> "An ancient legend. Of a noble bloodline capable of wielding all five elements—water, fire, earth, wind, and light.
And we believe… they think you are the key, Lady Zevarelis."
---
💭 Afternoon – Academy's Back Garden
Alexa walked alone. The wind blew gently.
Her dragon spirit appeared behind her, casting a transparent silhouette over her icy shadow.
> "I never asked to be the center of prophecy…" she whispered.
But as she closed her eyes—the dragon showed her a vision of the future:
🔹 Thalionric on a battlefield, blood staining Arelthia's crest.
🔹 Eiden lying among shattered ruins, his mist fading.
🔹 And herself—standing alone, hands covered in frost wounds, a cracked silver rose crown upon her head.
> "If that's fate… then I'll break it."
---
💌 Night – Balcony conversation between Alexa & Thalionric
> "If the world will fall because of me… why do you stay?" Alexa asked.
> "Because I am Crown Prince of Solveria," Thalionric answered firmly.
"And because I can't look away… from the only light that can defeat the shadows."
> "You know I could destroy your palace."
> "If you want to destroy it…
Then I'll stand beside you—holding a sword, not a crown."
Alexa stared at him.
And for the first time… she didn't argue.
---
🌙 To Be Continued…