The Hidden Moon goddess at All-Boys Academy

Chapter 1 Valery's POV It was a sunny afternoon in the castle's garden. I stretched my arm toward the ripest fruit. Just one more inch, and I could reach it. My fingers brushed it lightly, and I felt a triumphant thrill. Finally. “Princess Valery!” a familiar voice called from below. I froze, squinting into the dappled sunlight. I could recognize that voice, even in my sleep. It was Alison. Ally’s small form moved among the shadows of the orchard trees, her hand raised in a wave. “There you are princess" she said with a tired sigh, "Master Rafe’s looking for you,” she said. "Rafe is?" My eyes widened in excitement I balanced myself on the branch, considering my options. I stared at the tree, wondering which was the fastest and safest option to climb down. I hadn't even come to my conclusion but the branch gave an unexpected squeak under my weight. My foot slipped “Ah!” I yelped, trying to grab another branch, but it snapped under my hands. The world tilted, and I fell, screaming. However strong arms caught me before I could hit the ground. My heart pounded violently against my ribcage. “You’re just as clumsy as ever.” Rafe’s deep voice rumbled, tinged with amusement. I blinked up at him, cheeks burning. He held me effortlessly, one arm supporting my back, the other gripping my waist. His golden-brown eyes sparkled with humor as he looked down at me. “I—thank you,” I stammered, though it sounded weak even to me. “Why do you keep putting yourself at risk” Rafe chuckled. I twisted my head, scowling slightly. “If only I was as strong as you brother” I said to him. Rafe’s expression softened, and he shook his head gently. “I love you regardless. You don’t need to be strong like me to be… important. To me.” "I know you do, I'm your only sister after all" I giggled. “Of course you know you spoiled princess" he teased. I shook my head, letting out a soft laugh. “Sometimes I wish I could be as invincible as you. Everyone expects so much from you, and you just… handle it all, so perfectly good.” Rafe crouched slightly to meet my eyes, and for a moment, the golden heir didn’t seem invincible at all. He seemed just like my brother, someone who had always understood me. “I handle it because I have to. You… you’re different. You don’t need brute strength to matter. You just need to be you.” he said. His words almost made me teary. I was fortunate to have such an amazing twin brother. Although, Rafe and I were stark opposite to the public eyes at least. He was the handsome, strong male heir to the throne, and I.. was his clumsy, helpless and weak sister. After losing our parents, it was as difficult as ever to grow up in an environment where I wasn't exactly favoured. The guards would always sneer at me and the maids would always snicker and gossip about how I was a disgrace to the family, but I ignored it all. I had learned to live with it all thanks to my amazing twin brother, Rafe, who never failed to always stand up for me and defend me. I had been able to live through it all with Rafe, and my only best friend and personal maid, Alison who we all referred to as Ally. "Hello? Earth to Valery" I was snapped out of my thoughts when I felt my brother shake me. I blinked and looked at him with a small frown. "What?" I blurted out. "You spaced out on me, sister. What were you thinking about?" He asked with a side smile. "Hmph, it's nothing!" I huffed, not wanting to tell him how I was thinking about what an amazing brother he was. “Alright now, how about we leave the trees behind and go have lunch? I’m starving, and I refuse to let you climb any more perilous branches.” he said to me. I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “Fine." Rafe and I walked together to the dining hall and everyone that walked by bower their head respectfully but I knew they weren't paying resect to me but to my brother instead. We got to the dinning hall and we served lunch, while I drifted into my thoughts. However, my thoughts were once again interrupted by a guard. "Your majesty" the guard bowed to Rafe, ignoring me as usual but I was already used to it. "What is it?" Rafe asked impatiently with a frown on his face as he stared at the guard dissatisfied. "Wel-" "I believe there are two royals on this table. You have failed to acknowledge the other person" Rafe said, earning a little smile from me. He did not need to do this but he was always looking out for me. The guard turned and hesitantly bowel "Good day princess" he greeted coldly and I answered him with a short nod. "So what business do you have here today at our dinning table?" Rafe asked. "A letter has arrived for you my lord" The guard said, presenting the letter. A small, neatly folded letter was placed in front of Rafe. His brow furrowed, and I leaned slightly forward, curiosity tugging at me. “Who’s this from?” I asked. Rafe unfolded the letter, scanning its contents quickly, the edges of his mouth tugging upward into a rare, genuine smile. “It’s from the Lycan Spirit Academy,” he said, his voice bright with excitement. My chest tightened. That academy was no ordinary school. Every member of the royal family who had graduated from it had earned their place at the top, their claim to leadership solidified through trials and battles. If Rafe was accepted, it meant he was closer than ever to claiming the throne. “They accepted me sister! I got into the academy,” he said finally, almost like he couldn’t believe it himself. “I have to leave on the third day.” "On the third day?!”