Crown of Ash and Shadow

I was used to commanding armies, wielding fire that could burn forests, and staring down courtiers who thought they could manipulate me. Ako si Liora Althain, princess ng Eryndor, at yes, I am powerful—more than most dare to imagine. Pero ngayon, I’m being sent to Astrae Academy, isang lugar kung saan ang elite magicians ng every kingdom are trained. And of course… kasama ko sa listahan ng bagong students? Si Prince Kael Veyran, heir ng Veyrath—my family’s mortal enemy. Perfect. Eryndor and Veyrath have been at war for generations. Every political move, every negotiation, every battle—it all boiled down to this rivalry. And now, some council of mysterious elders decided, “Oh, let’s put them together in one school so they can ‘enhance their powers.’” Translation: You’re stuck with your enemy. Deal with it. The first day, I arrived at the academy gates. High walls, floating spires, runes glowing in the air—an impressive display of magical power. But nothing impressed me more than the fact na maglalakad siya sa harap ko, aura cold enough to freeze a lake. Kael Veyran. Tall, impeccably dressed, eyes sharp like a hawk scanning prey. He didn’t just walk—he claimed the path. And kahit wala pa kaming sinabi, I knew: this guy thinks he owns the world. I smirked. Good. Let him think that. I’ll break him in class… or at least make him regret every arrogant move he’s ever made. He glanced at me for a split second, and I swear, parang nakakita siya ng threat—at maybe he did. “Princess Althain,” he said, voice low but cutting, “try not to burn down the academy on your first day.” I raised an eyebrow. “Prince Veyran, don’t worry. I’ll save the pyrotechnics for your ego.” And just like that, a war began—not on the battlefield, but here, among floating classrooms, dueling grounds, and corridors lined with magical traps. I grinned, feeling the familiar rush of power. Bring it on, Veyran.