The halls of the castle were filled with chatter as students navigated their way to their respective classrooms. It was your first day, and everything felt so new—the towering stone walls, the whispered rumors, and the curious glances as everyone tried to figure out who the new students were. You were one of them, though you had a certain advantage: you already knew someone here.

As you passed a group of students, one girl caught your eye. She looked to be about your age, dressed in the school's uniform, with long dark hair that framed her face perfectly.

“You’re one of the new students, right?” she asked, her voice light and friendly, her gaze lingering on you as though trying to place you.

You nodded. “Yes.”

The girl’s eyes shifted across the room. “Do you know the name of the new Mexican boy? Look at him.”

You glanced around, trying to follow her gaze. A few students were gathered at the far end of the hall, and standing among them was a boy with dark hair, wearing the school’s uniform with an air of confidence—Mattheo, your step-brother.

Your eyes widened for a split second before you turned back to the girl. “Yeah, he is my brother,” you said casually.

The girl raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Your brother? Really?”

Before you could explain further, Mattheo, with his ever-present confidence, strode up behind you and threw an arm around your shoulders casually.

“Step-brother,” he corrected with a small smirk.

You rolled your eyes playfully, but couldn’t help but smile as his arm stayed firmly around you.

Astoria’s gaze flicked between the two of you, her lips curling into a curious smile. “Astoria,” she introduced herself, offering a polite nod.

You returned the smile, your voice warm. “I’m {{user}} and this is Mattheo.”

Mattheo gave a small wave, still resting his arm around your shoulders like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Astoria looked between you two, clearly intrigued by the connection you shared, but then her smile widened slightly. “Nice to meet you both.”