The leather seat hummed under me as the car pulled away from the academy gates. For a moment, I just stared out the tinted window, watching the blur of trees and traffic.
Everything that had happened today pressed against me at once—the whispers, Oracle's taunts, Star's revelation, the Seven Stars watching me like hawks.
And yet, strangely, I wasn't suffocating.I wasn't drowning.
A small, wry smile tugged at my lips.This was what I'd wanted, wasn't it? Adventure. Chaos. Something bigger than myself.
Annoying as it was, Oracle had lit a fire in me. Star had shown me that my world wasn't limited to shadows. And for the first time, I realized I wasn't just the underworld queen.
I was the world's most powerful princess too.
And maybe—just maybe—that wasn't such a bad thing.
The thought had barely settled when something caught my eye through the glass—a street vendor's stand lined with sweets, the faint gleam of wrappers stacked neatly under the fading sun. My heart gave an embarrassingly sharp jump.
Chocolate.
Without hesitation, I leaned forward. "Stop the car."
The driver stiffened, startled. "P–Princess?"
"Stop," I repeated, already unlocking the door.
The car halted by the curb. I strode over, the cool evening breeze tugging at my hair as I handed the vendor cash and stacked bars of chocolate into my arms like treasure. The vendor blinked at me in awe, mumbling blessings under his breath.
Behind me, my driver just stared, his jaw slack. To him, I was the Ice Princess—the cold, untouchable daughter of the immortal mafia king. And now here I was, clutching chocolate like a child on her first holiday.
When I slid back into the car, I unwrapped one bar instantly, breaking off a piece and savoring the rich sweetness on my tongue. The driver's eyes flickered to the rearview mirror, clearly trying not to gawk.
"Don't look at me like that," I muttered, cheeks warming. "I like chocolate. Deal with it."
If he had been shocked before, now he looked like he'd just been handed state secrets. I ignored him, popping another piece into my mouth.
***************
By the time we reached the estate, the faint traces of sunlight had vanished, replaced by the glowing lanterns lining the mansion gates.
Inside, the grand hall felt warm, the scent of dinner drifting through the air. My father sat at the head of the table, Kael leaning casually against the arm of his chair, both of them waiting.
Kael smirked first. "So, little princess. How was day one of royal academy life?"
I dropped my bag onto a nearby chair and sat down, unwrapping another chocolate. "Eventful."
Father raised a brow. "Eventful?"
I nodded, chewing slowly. "Let's see… whispers, stares, Oracle making me want to burn down the school system, meeting the so-called Seven Stars, discovering that the academy isn't just an elite school but a place where magic is taught… oh, and apparently I'm not human."
Their silence was telling.
"You knew?" I asked flatly.
Kael shrugged, as if it were obvious. "Of course."
I frowned. "Do you both… have magic too?"
Father's expression softened. "We do. Our bloodline is tied to power beyond mortals. But your magic…" His gaze lingered on me, sharp but proud. "…is meant to be the most powerful of all. That is why control has always eluded you."
Something inside me twisted. "Well, funny you say that, because today I found out I'm not alone."
Their attention sharpened instantly.
"I met… her," I continued, fingers curling around the chocolate bar. "She called herself Star. Said she's my half-spirit. That if I focus, I can control anything—time, elements, even the unseen. She's been with me since birth."
Kael's smirk finally faltered. Father's eyes narrowed, but not in disbelief—rather, in recognition.
"You've awakened her already?" Father asked, almost to himself.
I shifted uneasily. "You're… not surprised?"
"No," he said at last, voice calm but unreadable. "Stunned, yes. But not surprised. It seems destiny moves faster than I thought."
The weight in his words settled heavy in the air.
Before I could push further, he straightened. "After you've had lunch and freshened up, come to my office. There are things you need to understand."
Kael leaned forward, interest flashing in his eyes, but Father silenced him with a look.
I hesitated, then blurted, "Wait—does everyone have… another half? Like Star?"
For the first time, Kael grew serious. His voice was quieter when he answered. "Not everyone. But those who do… they're the ones destined for power."
Father's gaze locked with mine, unwavering. "And you, Calista… are at the center of it."
***************
Steam curled lazily from the tub, the surface of the water rippling faintly as I leaned closer. My mind wasn't on the warm bath, but on Star's words echoing from earlier.
If you focus, you can control anything.
Something inside me whispered to try. Slowly, I reached out my hand, focusing on the water.
The surface stilled. Then, with a single sharp breath, it moved—spiraling upward like liquid silk, curling around my wrist before dripping back down in shimmering rivulets.
My heart pounded. I could do this.
I clenched my fist, and the water obeyed, freezing midair in jagged crystal shapes before melting back into ripples.
The shock should have paralyzed me. Instead, excitement burned through my veins. But the knock on my door snapped me back.
"Princess, your father is waiting," came the voice of a maid.
I released the water instantly, shaking my hands dry. There wasn't time.
***************
The study smelled of old leather and smoke, heavy with the weight of centuries. My father sat behind his mahogany desk, Kael perched lazily in one of the chairs. But when I entered, both of them straightened.
I crossed my arms. "You said you'd tell me more after the gala. But I want answers now."
My father studied me for a long moment, then finally inclined his head. "Perhaps it is time. Sit."
I did, pulse quickening.
He leaned back, voice deep and even. "Your mother… was murdered."
The words hit like ice water. I had always known something was wrong with the story of her death, but hearing it aloud still made my chest ache.
"She was targeted by our enemies," Father continued. "Not because she was my queen, but because of you. They feared the child she carried. The prophecy—" He stopped himself, catching the word before it slipped fully. "…the threat you represented."
I swallowed hard. "So they came after her because of me?"
"Not because of you," he corrected firmly. "Because of what you would one day become." His gaze hardened. "And that is why you must learn to control yourself. You carry a power greater than you yet realize. That is why you must never reveal everything—not even to those closest to you."
I narrowed my eyes. "There's more. You're not telling me everything."
For once, his composure cracked, a flicker of guilt in his eyes. But his voice stayed calm. "When the time is right, you will know."
The answer only made my curiosity flare hotter. I clenched my fists under the table. Then I'll find out on my own.
"Tell me this," I pressed. "If I use my powers—new powers—should I tell you?"
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "Every time. It is dangerous otherwise."
I hesitated, then admitted quietly, "I… tried something. With water. I could shape it. Freeze it."
Kael sat up straighter, interest sparking. Father's expression, however, remained unreadable.
"Elemental control," he murmured, more to himself than me. "Good. But remember, Calista—this is only the beginning. There are powers beyond element, time, or shifting. Things you have not yet touched. And you will discover them… soon."
The promise in his words sent a shiver down my spine.
He rose, ending the conversation with a wave of finality. "Now—choose your gown for tonight's gala. You will be introduced not just to our clans, but to the humans and the academy as well. Everyone will be there. Tomorrow, you move into the dorms."
I nodded slowly, then paused at the door. "One more question. If our enemies want me dead… won't they try, once they know I've returned?"
Father's jaw tightened. "They don't know yet. And even if they did, the academy is heavily guarded. They may suspect, but they cannot confirm. Not now."
It wasn't the comfort he wanted it to be, but I let it go. For now.
***************
Back in my room, I paced the floor restlessly, replaying every word in my head. My mother's death. The enemies lurking in shadows. The untapped power surging under my skin.
They're hiding things from you, Star whispered from the depths of my mind.
"I know," I whispered back. "But I'll uncover them myself."
The glow of her light flickered faintly in my chest. Good. Because your destiny is larger than even they realize.
Before I could ask what she meant, the door opened and maids entered, arms full of silk and velvet. They spread gowns across my bed—each more exquisite than the last.
Emeralds, sapphires, silvers… but my gaze locked instantly on one dress.
Black. Midnight black, threaded with golden embroidery that shimmered like captured starlight. The gown wasn't delicate; it was commanding, made for a queen.
I touched the fabric, and for the first time all day, a real smile curved my lips.
"This one," I said.
The maids bowed and began preparations.
As they fussed around me, I looked once more into the mirror. My reflection stared back—eyes glowing faint violet in the light, no longer hidden behind contacts or wigs.
Not just a girl. Not just a daughter.
A princess.A weapon.A declaration.
And tonight… the world would see it.
***************
"And tonight… the world would see it."
The words echoed in my mind as the maids swarmed around me like a carefully trained army. The gown I had chosen lay draped across the bed like a shadow spun from gold.
They lifted it carefully, layers unfolding like the wings of a dark phoenix. The fabric was midnight black, stitched with embroidery of molten gold that shimmered with every movement. The bodice clung to me, sculpted yet regal, with golden vines curling upward like living fire. The skirt swept out in cascading layers, a storm of black satin kissed with threads of gold, each fold catching the candlelight as if stars were sewn into its depths.
The gown didn't whisper of innocence. It commanded.
When they fastened it around me, the weight was solid, grounding—yet strangely liberating.
Next came the finishing touches.
My hair was brushed until it shone, then twisted into a sleek, elegant style that bared my throat and shoulders yet left soft strands framing my face. A golden comb inlaid with black diamonds secured the bun, catching the faintest light. My lips were painted a deep crimson, my eyes lined in sharp strokes of kohl that made the violet of my irises blaze even brighter.
When the maids stepped back, I barely recognized myself.
But they weren't done.
"Your cloak, Princess," one whispered reverently.
The cloak was laid across my shoulders like a mantle of night. Heavy black velvet, lined with shimmering gold thread, the clasp shaped like a dragon coiled protectively around a star. It swept the floor behind me as I moved, making me taller, sharper, untouchable.
Then came the crown.
Not delicate, not dainty. A circlet wrought from black steel and gold filigree, rising in sharp spires like blades of fire. At its center glowed a single gemstone—a purple crystal that caught the flicker of every flame and turned it into lightning.
Finally, the jewels:
Golden bangles traced my wrists, their etchings faintly glowing with runes.
A necklace of black diamonds and pearls rested against my collarbone.
Earrings of golden crescents dangled like slivers of moonlight.
When they stepped back again, silence fell in the room.
I looked in the mirror, and the breath caught in my throat.
The girl I once was—the girl who wore wigs and lenses, who hid in shadows, who wanted nothing but normalcy—was gone.
In her place stood not a princess, but a queen.
Cold. Fierce. Eternal.
Star's light flickered faintly inside me, then radiated outward, a subtle glow that made my skin seem luminous, my eyes alive with violet fire. The maids gasped softly, crossing themselves as if in worship.
One whispered, "She doesn't look like a girl… she looks like destiny."
I smirked faintly. Destiny. Or doom.
Either way, the world would bow.
***************
When I descended the staircase, the household froze. My brothers—Kael lounging with his wine glass, Aiden sharpening a dagger, Lucien sprawled with careless grace—looked up one by one, expressions shifting from smugness to stunned silence.
Then Kael broke it with a grin."Well, well. Look at you, little sister. Did you steal Father's crown for yourself?"
Aiden chuckled darkly. "Careful, Kael. She wears it better than him."
Lucien just whistled low. "I pity anyone who thought you were just a pretty face."
Heat threatened to creep to my cheeks, but I smothered it beneath a cold smile. "Jealous already, brothers? Don't worry. I'll still let you bow first."
Their laughter echoed as my father approached, tall and imposing in his own ceremonial black suit lined with gold. He looked at me once, eyes lingering on the crown, the cloak, the fire in my stance—and for the first time, I thought I saw pride soften his hard features.
"Ready?" he asked.
I nodded. "Always."
When I descended the staircase, the household froze. My brothers—Kael lounging with his wine glass, Aiden sharpening a dagger, Lucien sprawled with careless grace—looked up one by one, expressions shifting from smugness to stunned silence.
Then Kael broke it with a grin."Well, well. Look at you, little sister. Did you steal Father's crown for yourself?"
Aiden chuckled darkly. "Careful, Kael. She wears it better than him."
Lucien just whistled low. "I pity anyone who thought you were just a pretty face."
Heat threatened to creep to my cheeks, but I smothered it beneath a cold smile. "Jealous already, brothers? Don't worry. I'll still let you bow first."
Their laughter echoed as my father approached, tall and imposing in his own ceremonial black suit lined with gold. He looked at me once, eyes lingering on the crown, the cloak, the fire in my stance—and for the first time, I thought I saw pride soften his hard features.
"Ready?" he asked.
I nodded. "Always."
***************
The gala was already alive with murmurs when my brothers entered before us. The great hall was vast—crystal chandeliers spilling starlight, marble floors gleaming, a sea of nobles, business tycoons, mafia lords, politicians, and cloaked immortals mingling under one roof. Human dignitaries clustered in awe, unaware of the true powers beside them.
But when I entered on my father's arm, silence fell.
Every eye turned. Every breath seemed to still.
The Ice Princess had arrived—no, not princess. Not anymore.
The glow Star lent me made me shine brighter than the chandeliers themselves. My cloak swept behind me like a storm, the crown on my head catching every flicker of light, and I walked with steps carved from steel.
Whispers surged like wildfire.
"She's… she's real.""The Purple-Eyed Queen…""No, impossible—it's just a story—""Look at her. She's the prophecy."
And in the crowd, I caught them—the seven boys. The Stars of the academy. Their usual arrogance flickered into something else—shock, curiosity, hunger.
My father's voice thundered, silencing the hall.
"Tonight, I present to you my blood. My daughter. My heir. The next ruler of our clan and kingdom."
He said my full name—long, ancient, carrying weight like a blade. Gasps followed. For many, the name was legend. A ghost whispered in old stories.
And here I stood, living proof.
The gala was already alive with murmurs when my brothers entered before us. The great hall was vast—crystal chandeliers spilling starlight, marble floors gleaming, a sea of nobles, business tycoons, mafia lords, politicians, and cloaked immortals mingling under one roof. Human dignitaries clustered in awe, unaware of the true powers beside them.
But when I entered on my father's arm, silence fell.
Every eye turned. Every breath seemed to still.
The Ice Princess had arrived—no, not princess. Not anymore.
The glow Star lent me made me shine brighter than the chandeliers themselves. My cloak swept behind me like a storm, the crown on my head catching every flicker of light, and I walked with steps carved from steel.
Whispers surged like wildfire.
"She's… she's real.""The Purple-Eyed Queen…""No, impossible—it's just a story—""Look at her. She's the prophecy."
And in the crowd, I caught them—the seven boys. The Stars of the academy. Their usual arrogance flickered into something else—shock, curiosity, hunger.
My father's voice thundered, silencing the hall.
"Tonight, I present to you my blood. My daughter. My heir. The next ruler of our clan and kingdom."
He said my full name—long, ancient, carrying weight like a blade. Gasps followed. For many, the name was legend. A ghost whispered in old stories.
And here I stood, living proof.
***************
The time came for me to speak.
I stepped forward, letting my gaze sweep across the hall. Some stared in awe, others in envy, and a few—already—burned with hatred.
Perfect.
"My name," I began, voice sharp and steady, "needs no approval. No validation. I am not here to beg recognition from any of you. I will prove myself by what I build, by what I conquer, and by what I rule."
The words sliced through the murmurs like knives. I tilted my chin, eyes blazing.
"I am not a story. I am not a legend. I am the one who writes them."
Silence followed—thick, charged, suffocating.
And then, slowly, the murmurs shifted. The ones who doubted fell silent, their mouths closing tight.
In the corner of my vision, my father stood with arms folded, pride etched into his features. My brothers exchanged knowing smirks, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
And me?
I didn't feel like the girl who once hid her violet eyes.
I felt like a queen.