The Pharaoh's princess

senior assembly

Renee – POV

After letting Annavi drag me to our first class, I tried to focus, but my brain wouldn’t shut up. That vision—hallucination—whatever it was, still clung to my thoughts like static. The image of robes and gold sandals flickered behind my eyes every time I blinked.

Our world history teacher strolled in, pulling me back to reality. Young, sharp-featured, and the kind of teacher students whispered about between classes. He had dimples when he smiled, dark hair that looked artfully tousled, and warm brown eyes that flicked across the room like he actually cared. His clothes were modest, but the sleeves of his charcoal-gray shirt hugged biceps that definitely knew what a gym was.

Just as I started to drift again, the loudspeaker crackled overhead.

“All seniors, please report to the gymnasium.”

Annavi and I exchanged grins. The senior assembly. This was it—our year, our moment. We had promised each other this would be the year we remembered for the rest of our lives.

The halls buzzed with energy as we made our way to the gym. My thoughts kept slipping, though—back to him. The boy from earlier. And just like that, fate delivered. He appeared again, walking a few paces ahead, headed in the same direction.

This time I got a full view.

Medium brown skin that caught the overhead lights like brushed bronze. Clean waves that shimmered in the light. Full lips, sculpted jawline, and those amber eyes—bright and impossible to ignore—framed by lashes so thick they looked unreal. His frame was tall and lean, and when he walked, it was smooth and unbothered. Confident. Natural. My eyes drifted down—yep. Athletic build. Probably a soccer player.

Then he turned and caught me looking.

His lips curved into a knowing grin, like he could read my thoughts word for word.

I looked away fast, heat rising in my cheeks. My stomach flipped in that ridiculous way it does in cheesy romance movies. I ducked behind my hair and made a beeline for the bleachers.

I’d seen cute guys before—plenty, in fact. But something about this one felt different. Familiar, even. Like something ancient waking up inside me, drawn to him in a way I didn’t understand.

Annavi dropped down beside me. Jacob—her boyfriend since last spring and our childhood best friend—took the spot on her other side. They were cute. A little too cute, sometimes. Being their third wheel was getting old fast.

The principal approached the mic.

“Good morning, students,” she said. Her voice echoed slightly in the open space, firm and no-nonsense.

She was petite and sharp-eyed, her sleek gray bob unmoving despite the fans humming overhead.

“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Principal Holloway,” she said, her tone more cheerful now. “And I’ve got some exciting updates for your final year here at Belmore.”

Everyone leaned forward. You could practically feel the air shift.

“The academy’s budget was generous this year, which means more opportunities for you. First up—field trips.”

A collective murmur of excitement rippled across the bleachers.

“This fall, we’ll be visiting the Mythos Archives in Avondale, followed by a haunted October excursion to the Shadowscorn Maze. In winter, we’ll tour the Celestia Institute of Natural Wonders and attend a ballet performance of The Starlight Prince.”

I blinked. A real ballet. I’d never seen one before.

“In February, it’s senior skate night at Starfall Arena. And in May, just before prom and graduation—we’re flying to Solstice Kingdom Theme Park.”

The gym erupted. Cheers, whistles, even a few standing ovations. You’d think she just promised each of us a crown.

Principal Holloway beamed. “I take it you approve.”

I clapped along with everyone else. Okay, maybe this year was going to be amazing.

“There will also be three seasonal dances: the Autumn Gala, the Midwinter Masquerade, and the Moonlit Hearts Ball. And, of course… prom.”

More cheering. A few girls behind me started squealing about dress colors and limos.

“But remember,” she added, tone sharp, “your behavior determines your privileges. Your attendance. Even graduation. Stay focused. Stay out of trouble.”

Typical warning, but fair.

“Finally,” she said, “we’ve added new sports and extracurriculars this year. You’ll find sign-up tables along the far wall. Feel free to explore them before heading to your next class. Let’s make this a year to remember.”

With a final smile, she stepped down.

I turned to Annavi immediately. “Dress shopping after school?”

She gave me a look. “You know I’d rather wrestle a wyvern than step foot in a mall.”

I laughed. “Of course you would.”

We followed the flow of students toward the tables. Colorful banners lined the walls—clubs, sports, volunteer programs. Students clustered around them in buzzing hives.

And there he was again.

He stood at the soccer table, casually writing his name down. Should’ve guessed.

I found the cheerleading table and picked up a glittery silver pen. This was my year. I’d put in the work, the hours, the sweat. I was going for captain. No hesitation. No fear. I signed my name in bold loops.

One more year. One last shot.

And I was going to make it unforgettable.