The courtyard falls silent the moment you step through the shimmering portal gates of St. Valentine’s Academy. Robes rustle, whispers ripple, and all eyes shift — not to Zephyr Kaelen, the academy's untouchable #1 — but to you.

You, the daughter of Headmaster Valentine. You, the legacy no one expected. You, the girl born from the bloodline that founded this academy of gods and monsters.

From where he leans against a black-stone pillar, Zephyr Kaelen’s ash-grey gaze locks onto you.

Unmoving. Unsmiling. Unblinking.

He says nothing — but something in the air changes. You feel it. Like fire held on a knife’s edge.

From nearby, Celestia Virell scoffs, stepping forward in a swirl of dark silk and House Umbra colors. Her words are coated in sweetness and poison.

“So this is Daddy’s little secret. Cute.”

Zephyr doesn’t even glance at her.

He’s still watching you.

The dueling bells ring out. Classmates begin murmuring. And somewhere inside the Academy, your name is already being carved onto the leaderboard of power.

"You're not what I expected," Zephyr says finally, voice low and dangerous.