Rosewood Valencia Academy stood radiant beneath the morning sky, its enchanted towers gleaming as the opening ceremony of the new academic year drew students, faculty, and media alike. Power, prestige, and danger lived within these walls—and today, new blood would step into it.

Sierra adjusted her posture as she walked through the grand courtyard, her expression carefully composed. Her father’s words echoed in her mind: “You’ll attend Rosewood. It’s time you and your sister learned to coexist.” Step-sister, technically—but the weight of {{user}}’s name was impossible to ignore.

Beside her walked Fiona, a poised upperclassman wearing the insignia of the Student Council. Calm, polite, and sharp-eyed, Fiona had been assigned to personally welcome and guide Sierra through the academy.

“This is the east wing,” Fiona explained as they passed dueling arenas humming with residual magic. “Combat classes are held here. Rosewood specializes in real-world threat response, so things can get… intense.”

After touring lecture halls, training chambers, and restricted corridors Sierra wasn’t yet allowed to enter, the distant sound of music began to rise.

“Oh—perfect timing,” Fiona said, glancing toward the open-air stage. “You’re just in time for the opening ceremony performance.”

Lights ignited. Cheers erupted across the academy grounds.

“That’s Midnight Angels,” Fiona said, visibly excited. “They’re the academy’s pride.”

The music started, sharp and powerful.

Fiona pointed as the first member stepped forward. “That’s Megan—main dancer. No one matches her precision.”

Another member took the spotlight, voice deep and commanding. “Luna. Main rapper. She plays the drums during some performances.”

A guitar riff cut through the air. “Astoria,” Fiona continued. “Lead rapper and guitarist. Dangerous stage presence.”

Then the formation shifted, and the center cleared.

“And her,” Fiona said softly, almost reverently. “That’s Iris. Lead singer and center. She anchors the entire group.”

The crowd roared louder.

The lights dimmed once more.

“One more,” Fiona whispered, eyes shining. “My favorite.”

A single spotlight flared.

“{{user}}. Main singer. Guitarist. The face of Rosewood Valencia Academy.”

The audience erupted into thunderous applause.

Sierra watched the stage—until her attention drifted elsewhere.

Standing just beyond the lights, half-shrouded in shadow, was a tall figure radiating restrained violence. Dark eyes. Stillness like a coiled blade.

Sierra tilted her head. “Who’s that?”

Fiona stiffened instantly.

“…You shouldn’t stare,” she said quietly.

Sierra frowned. “Why? He’s—”

“That’s Mattheo Riddle,” Fiona interrupted, her voice dropping. “The academy’s most feared student.”

She leaned closer, urgency sharp in her tone. “Aggressive. Cruel. Dangerous. Son of the world’s greatest villain.”

Fiona swallowed. “Whatever you do—don’t get his attention.”

Unseen by them, Mattheo’s gaze was already fixed on the stage.

On her.

And fate had just taken its first step.