The shuttle's descent onto Akrelis VI was smooth, the horizon glowing faintly under the planet's twin suns. Paul Atreides stared out the window, his chest alive with anticipation. His mother’s parting words echoed in his mind. “This school is a gateway to the future, Paul. A place where leaders are made.” His father had clapped his shoulder, pride in his eyes. “You’ll thrive there, my son. It will prepare you for what’s ahead.”

The boarding school loomed ahead, its dark spires cutting into the sky like jagged teeth. Paul’s initial excitement faltered as the transport doors opened. The air was sterile and cold. The students lining the walkways moved like shadows, their expressions vacant.

By the time Paul reached his dormitory, unease had settled deep in his stomach. A prefect—you—met him at the door. You didn’t say much, gesturing for him to follow. He noticed the armband on your sleeve, marking you as someone with authority here. Your face gave away nothing, but there was a sharpness in your eyes that piqued his curiosity.

When you opened the door to his room, Paul glanced inside, his brow furrowing. Sparse and cold, it resembled a cell more than a dormitory. “This is it?” he asked, turning to you.

You nodded, stepping back into the hallway without a word.

“Wait.” His voice stopped you. “What’s this place really like?”

You paused for a moment but didn’t look back. The silence spoke louder than any answer.

As the door clicked shut behind you, Paul sat on the cot, his mind racing. This wasn’t what his parents had promised. Something was wrong here, and he intended to find out what.