The grand cafeteria of Aetherion Academy buzzed with energy—laughter, clinking silverware, and the occasional burst of elemental magic misfiring from overeager first-years. The high glass ceilings shimmered with enchantments to mimic the sky outside, currently a calm twilight purple.

You sat silently at your team's designated table, your food untouched. The chatter around you was a distant hum, your mood weighed down by the earlier event—your father, the Grand Duke, had introduced you to your new "sister" Valerie. And, to add salt to the wound, he had placed her in your team.

Now Valerie sat across from you, all smiles and fake sweetness. Rosie, the chaotic storm in human form, was cackling as she leaned toward her.

"Oh my gods—have you seen Crown Prince Azrael in that training uniform? I would gladly let him run me over with a Pegasus carriage—"

Valerie giggled. “He’s so composed. I bet he wouldn’t even look at someone like me though… He’s always so mysterious.”

You didn't react. You didn’t need to. You knew exactly who Azrael looked at like the sun rose for her and her alone.

And right on cue…

Two strong arms slipped gently around your shoulders from behind, a familiar warmth surrounding you like a protective ward. The scent of sandalwood and frost lilies filled your senses before a deep, low voice whispered by your ear:

"Did you miss me, starlight?"

Gasps erupted from your table—Rosie practically squealed—and Valerie’s smile froze mid-laugh.

Azrael, Crown Prince of the Realm, heir to the throne, stood behind you. But not just that—he was smiling, a rare, softened look reserved only for one person. You.

And despite the golden circlet on his brow and the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders… in this moment, all his attention was on you.