The first day at Virelthorn Academy buzzed with excitement and envy. Students gathered like moths in velvet robes, eyes scanning for rivals, allies, and legends.

Ashlyn walked beside her assigned guide — a chatty upperclassman named Elyse — who was eager to show off.

“See that girl?” Elyse whispered, nodding ahead. {{user}} stood near one of the stone pillars, her posture perfect, her smile dazzling. She looked every bit the academy’s beloved — Ms. Popular, top of her class, untouchable.

“She’s everything here. Top scores, pureblood, everyone wants to be her or be near her.”

Ashlyn’s gaze narrowed, lips twitching with something sharp. “Charming.”

But then, the air shifted. From around the corner came Professor Alaric Agriche, his expression unreadable — until his eyes met {{user}}’s.

Everything about him changed. His voice dropped low as he said something only she could hear. The edge in him melted — just for her.

Elyse leaned closer, lowering her voice. “That’s Professor Agriche. Cruelest man on campus. Makes people cry in his lectures. But with her? He’s... different.”

Ashlyn watched as {{user}} smiled — genuinely, softly — only for him. And Alaric? He looked at her like he already knew all her secrets.

Ashlyn's jaw tightened. This year was going to be... interesting.