The academy buzzed with energy as students streamed into the examination hall. Footsteps echoed across the polished floor, conversations mingled with the shuffle of papers and soft laughter, while some students jostled for seats near their friends.
All were waiting for Headmaster Eldric Vaelor, the man whose presence alone could silence a room.
His white hair and beard framed a face lined with centuries of battle and wisdom. Clad in black robes, his green eyes glinted with authority, carrying the weight of over 250 years of experience.
He had survived the Eternal Concord War and now trained the next generation, commanding respect without a word.
Selene Ravenshade entered first, the current heir of the Ravenshade family. Her black hair framed her face, her composure nearly perfect, though her dark eyes betrayed a flicker of unease.
Male students' heads turned instinctively; admiration and awe etched across their faces. Female students cast jealous glances, stiffened shoulders, and lips pressed into thin lines.
Selene's mind raced, however. Yesterday's news, Adrian Kaelthorn's white hair played on repeat in her head.
Her brother, once timid and obedient, was changed. How had he transformed? How would she face him now? She clenched her fists beneath the desk, feeling her pulse quicken.
Next came Theodore Ashbourne and his sister Viviene Ashbourne. The twins moved with quiet grace, silver hair and black eyes, their expressions calm yet alert.
They exchanged a fleeting glance with Selene, acknowledging her shock with a subtle nod.
Julian Ravenscar followed, purple hair and black eyes, eyes flicking around the room before he settled in a corner, posture relaxed yet alert, fingers tapping lightly on his desk in curiosity.
Then came Crown Prince Lucian Auraldane and his sister Evelyne Seraphina Auraldane. Their golden hair and piercing blue eyes immediately drew attention.
Male students bowed slightly, adjusting their posture, while female students quietly straightened their skirts and smoothed their hair, hoping to maintain some semblance of dignity.
Evelyne's lips pressed together, her heartbeat quickened as the thought of Adrian Kaelthorn crossed her mind. She adjusted her seating slightly, aware that today's exams might confront her with something unexpected.
Seris Eryndor, princess of the Eryndor Empire, entered next, with white hair and icy blue eyes. Her gaze swept the room, sharp and analytical.
Students instinctively straightened, their movements small, almost imperceptible.
Carmila Noctharyn followed, red hair and crimson eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Male students stiffened, hearts thumping, but tried to hide their reactions.
Nymera Dravenholt's golden-blonde hair and emerald eyes carried a proud air as she walked in, shoulders back, spine straight, silently asserting her presence.
The second son of the Anvilgard Empire arrived quietly, unnoticed by most, settling at a corner without drawing attention.
Finally, Kael Rivers entered. Black hair, amber-gold eyes, and a gaze filled with determination.
The room seemed to shift as he moved to his place. Some students whispered, turning heads toward him: "Who is he?" "I've heard the name Kael Rivers."
He didn't flinch; his aura quietly demanded attention, even from those who had no reason to acknowledge him.
The hall was settling when Headmaster Eldric Vaelor stepped forward. The air seemed to compress under his presence, and even the most distracted students straightened.
He opened his mouth to begin the examination instructions, but before he could speak, the doors at the far end of the hall burst open.
Every head turned instantly.
A boy entered. White hair, black eyes that cut through the crowd like steel. His movements were controlled, precise, and deliberate. Every step carried authority. The aura radiating from him was subtle but oppressive, like the calm before a storm.
A few students instinctively drew a breath they didn't realize they were holding. Others leaned forward slightly, curiosity and fear warring in their eyes.
Selene Ravenshade's calm façade fractured. Her chest tightened, fingers pressing against the desk to steady herself.
Theodore's jaw clenched; Viviene's hand hovered near her satchel as if ready to defend or flee.
Julian Ravenscar raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his dark eyes.
Lucian's posture stiffened, subtle tension running through his shoulders.
Evelyne's breath hitched; she adjusted her seat, exhaling slowly to calm the sudden surge of unease.
Seris's gaze sharpened, analyzing every micro-motion, every shift in Adrian's stance.
Carmila's crimson eyes gleamed with curiosity and something almost mischievous.
Nymera's lips pressed into a thin line; her emerald eyes studied him like a rival she was eager to challenge.
Even the lesser nobles from Anvilgard subtly straightened, no longer invisible, compelled by the presence of a single figure.
Whispers cascaded through the hall: "It can't be… Adrian Kaelthorn?" "The former heir?" "He's… changed…"
Adrian Kaelthorn's black eyes scanned the room, unhurried, noting every reaction without the slightest hint of emotion.
A faint lift of his brow at some students, a subtle pause in his stride, a slight tilt of his head measured, controlled. Small shifts of weight, quiet breath adjustments, every micro-gesture reinforced the aura of command he exuded.
Selene swallowed hard, eyes flicking nervously between him and the exit, as if measuring her options.
Theodore's fingers flexed slightly around the edges of the desk.
Viviene's lips parted for a brief second before pressing together again.
Julian's eyes narrowed, almost imperceptibly.
Lucian's jaw tightened; his fingers itched to adjust his stance, to assert himself.
Evelyne's breath faltered.
Kael Rivers' eyes narrowed, scanning Adrian like a tactician observing an unknown opponent's first move.
Adrian finally stopped near the front. The room felt tighter, heavier, as if every heartbeat, every breath, had slowed to match the weight of his presence.
Murmurs rippled across the hall like wind through dry leaves: "How strong is he?" "What happened during the year he was gone?" "Is he… the same boy from the news?"
Even Headmaster Vaelor's green eyes narrowed. Years of experience told him that this student was no ordinary heir returned but someone who had shaped himself deliberately into something far more dangerous.
The practical exam he had intended to start now felt almost secondary; the hall had shifted entirely around Adrian Kaelthorn.
Every gaze followed him, every student subconsciously measuring their own strength against his. Some shifted in their seats, hearts pounding; others felt their confidence falter.
A few male students clenched fists under the desk, unwilling to show fear, while female students pressed their lips together, gripping their skirts in silent apprehension.
Even those who had been certain of their rank felt the subtle pressure of being measured, weighed, and found wanting by the mere presence of a single boy.
The hall held its collective breath. The lost heir had returned. And in that moment, nothing else mattered.