The gates of Vasra Academia loomed before them, tall, gleaming, and ancient, etched with symbols that pulsed faintly in the moonlight. Celeste slowed, holding the cub tightly against her chest, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
"You… brought it inside?" Leroy asked, incredulous.
Celeste narrowed her eyes. "Yes. It's my responsibility. If anyone here questions it, they'll have to answer me."
Leroy smirked, though the edge of concern in his eyes betrayed him. "You certainly don't lack courage—or stubbornness."
Nathan floated above them, scanning the academy's defenses. "The gates are enchanted. It won't let just anyone pass. Even royals are evaluated before entry. Celeste… your energy is strong enough. But keep the cub close—it may trigger some reactions."
Celeste nodded and stepped forward. The gates shimmered as she approached, symbols lighting up in recognition of her power. A faint hum resonated in her ears, and the cub stirred, letting out a soft purr that blended with the magic in the air.
"Seems like it approves," Nathan whispered, a hint of awe in his voice.
Leroy's eyes flicked to Celeste. "Not bad, princess. I admit, I didn't think you'd make it this far without causing a scene."
Celeste rolled her eyes. "Watch it, royal. One wrong move and—"
Before she could finish, the gates pulsed with a blinding light. Celeste stumbled slightly, clutching the cub, and felt energy coursing around her. The air crackled, and a low voice echoed in her mind.
"The trials have begun. Only those who are strong and cunning will survive."
Celeste froze, realizing this was just the start. Vasra Academia's reputation for dangerous trials wasn't a myth. And with Leroy—her royal, arrogant companion—and Nathan by her side, she knew she had to navigate more than just physical challenges.
She glanced at Leroy. "Don't think I'm trusting you just because we made it this far."
He smirked. "I wouldn't dream of it."
Nathan hovered closer to her, a faint smile on his face. "Then let's focus on surviving the trials first. The rest… we'll handle later."
The gates opened, revealing the sprawling grounds of the academy. Light glimmered off marble spires, and the air was thick with magic. Students moved in pairs and groups, preparing for what lay ahead.
Celeste spotted Emile amd her group.
Celeste tightened her hold on the cub, feeling both dread and determination. Every warning about royals, every lesson about trust, every moment of her life had led her here. The trials would test her powers, her patience, and perhaps even her heart.
She glanced at Leroy once more, his gaze steady but unreadable. "Just… stay out of my way," she said.
He chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of being in it, princess. I wouldn't dream of it."
Nathan hovered above them, scanning the crowd. "Alright. Let's find a safe spot, figure out the first trial, and make sure you and that cub survive the night."
As they stepped fully into the academy, shadows shifted behind them. Hidden, observing, and waiting. Celeste didn't notice the figure watching from above the spires, eyes glinting in the dark.
"Excuse me , are the kids that have just arrived ?" A female teacher asked Celeste.
"Yeah" Leroy anwersed. " I am the Headmistresss. After the briefing, you guys are to got your chambers. " The lady said with authority.
"Headmistress, I thought Vasra had Mr.Regis as the headmaster. " Leroy was cautious.
"Regis was suspended. He has a very colorful past here."The Lady continued." I am Ms Eloise. "
" Our pleasure, to meet you . " Celeste faked a smile. "You should really see the school doctor for the injury. " Ms Eloise pointed at Celeste is injured arm.
"Why are we going to rest while the others take the trials ? " Nathan brought the topic.
"The trials already ended. Didn't they tell you?" Ms Eloise pointed out.
"But they just announced. Trials are to begin. " Celeste was confused. "Ohh, those trials are for the juniors and sophomores ." Mr Eloise pointed. " But they completed they're trials first year. " Leroy was also confused.
"A moment please!" Ms. Eloise stopped Leroy. She took the podium. Every student took their seats. "Varsa Academia welcomes the freshmen. " Ms Eloise smiled and continued. "The innovnives you faced were all prepared. "
A moment of silence was im the auditorium. " Those of here are overcomers." Ms. Eloise continued." Any questions before I let go."
"Miss , what about our trials? " Nathan asked.
"General notice to all of you. Every kind of knowledge you think know about this Academia.
For this on moment has changed."Ms Eloise tuned a Grimm Reaper smile towards Leroy 's side. "What's that mean ?" Nathan asked confused about the knowledge part.
Every one stood up . " She means Lucian has happened." Leroy stood angrily.
"Where are going? " Nathan asked the angry Leroy who was walking away.
" Going to some really answers." Leroy walked away.
" Okay,you go do that. " Nathan saved his breath . "You still here." Nathan turned to Celeste. " Don't worry about that . I was just leaving too." Celeste turned to walked away.
"Wait, you can't just leave here."Nathan followed behind Celeste.
"Why can't I? " Celeste stopped her tracks and asked.
"Because you need me." Nathan was serious. "I need you. Nathan, you. I don't need at least Leroy isn't that shameless." Celeste was trying not sound angry.
"Celeste, I may not be from around this realm. But I have seen what happens in situations like this." Nathan was prospsing a deal.
"Keep talking." Celeste was giving him a chance. "The Academia like a like any other boarding school. They are power grabs every where . " Nathan paused described.
"I can handle myself but why do I need you." Celeste wasn't getting the point.
"Let's become partners. " Nathan proposed with a smile.
"Why , I don't trust you because of your family. I don't Leroy trust. " Celeste said it with pride. She walked. " Where does Leroy come in all of this.? " Nathan followed desperate. "He said you are family. That means you are royal. "Celeste waved bye.
"Damnit!" Nathan scolded himself. In school had large green. Cold wind blew and a large shadow was seen .
"Nathaniel " A dark telepathy voice called out.
"Yes , my king." Nathaniel answered.
"Keep an eye on my granddaughter." The voice was cold. Ancient and formidable.
" I don't understand. I thought all your children were dead." Nathaniel was confused.
"My youngest son has come around. The sliver sword necklace will guide you." The voice was from a different realm. A realm of darkness. Almighty throne Darkness around sat a cold figure. The shadows were bowing to the throne