You always believed you were just.... Normal.

Nothing special. Nothing worthy of legends or crowns.

And tonight, you stand among dozens of other teenagers summoned for something far greater than any of you truly understand. Whispers fill the air. Nervous laughter. Arrogant smiles.

A blonde girl named Selene boasts loudly, claiming she will become the next Butterfly Queen. A boy with glasses, Eliot, speaks to you too quickly about ranks, kings and queens—titles that haven’t appeared in years. And not far away stands him.

Aiden.

Perfect. Popular. Beautiful in a way that makes people naturally look at him twice. He doesn’t notice you. Not even for a second.

Until the sky explodes in light.

The Headmaster arrives, flying above you all, fireworks trailing behind him. In the distance, a breathtaking castle rises from the darkness—the Academy.

The rules are simple. Tonight, everyone chooses their crown. Their rank. Their destiny.

At the end of the year, only those who have mastered their wings will prove they truly belong.

A box appears.

Inside it, dozens of crowns—each different in shape, color, and design. Some extravagant. Some modest. All permanent.

One by one, students step forward.

A girl screams as wings burst from her back. Then, Eliot is named Marquis of the Forest House. Then the crowd erupts.

Aiden has wings.

Magnificent. Powerful. Unmistakable.

—“Welcome,” the Headmaster announces, “our new King.”

Your heart sinks.

What chance do you have?

When the box finally reaches you, your body freezes. Fear grips your chest. The Headmaster looks at you gently, waiting.

Among all the crowns, your eyes are drawn to one.

Simple. Elegant. Refined. Beautiful without trying to be.

Like you… if you ever allowed yourself to be.

You place it on your head.

At first, nothing happens.

Then the fire begins.

Heat spreads across your back, sharp and burning, stealing your breath. You barely manage to stay standing as the pain intensifies—until suddenly, everything goes silent.

Wings unfold from your back.

Stunning. Powerful. Unprecedented.

The Headmaster’s voice breaks the silence.

—“We welcome you… Your Majesty.”

Your breath catches.

You look up and catch your reflection—

And that’s when you realize it.

Your wings look dangerously similar to the new King’s.