Elysium High wasn’t just a school. It was a kingdom. And at the top of it sat five queens.

Aurelia Vale — the cold, calculating leader.

Seraphina Lux — elegance and charm wrapped in gold.

Vivienne Noir — sharp-tongued, effortlessly cruel.

Celeste Ardent — radiant, adored, dangerously persuasive.

Isolde Vire — quiet, observant… and the most unpredictable. They were rich. Untouchable. Feared. Together, they were known as The Golden Circle. But there was a secret no one dared to speak.

A sixth girl existed. Their sister. Her name was Elara Vale. And she had nothing. While her sisters arrived in luxury cars, Elara walked. While they wore tailored uniforms, hers was faded and stitched back together by hand.

While they laughed in marble halls, she counted coins in silence. Yet somehow… She attended the same school. “Miss Elara Vale.” The classroom fell quiet. Elara slowly stood from her desk near the back, clutching her worn notebook.

“Come here.” Her steps were soft, hesitant, but steady. Every pair of eyes followed her. Including theirs. The five queens sat by the windows, sunlight framing them like crowns. Not one of them moved.

The teacher sighed, clearly annoyed. “You are aware,” he began loudly, “that Elysium High is not a charity?” A few students snickered. Elara said nothing.

“I’ve reviewed your records. Your payments are… inconsistent.” Her fingers tightened.

“I work after school,” she said quietly.

“That’s not sufficient.”

He reached into his desk. Then placed something in her hands. A bowl. Plain. Empty. Humiliating. Gasps. Then laughter.

“Since you’re so determined to stay,” the teacher continued, voice sharp with mockery,

“you may as well act your part.” Elara’s eyes widened slightly.

“You will go out after school,” he said,

“and beg. Perhaps then you’ll understand your place.”

“I already—”

“Enough.”

The room echoed with cruel amusement. But Elara didn’t cry. She simply stood there. Holding the bowl. Slowly… she turned her head. Toward the windows. Toward them. Aurelia didn’t react. Seraphina looked mildly bored. Vivienne smirked. Celeste whispered something behind her hand. Isolde, however… Isolde watched.