CHAPTER TEN- THE ANNOUNCEMENT
881 Words
I'll train with you."
He walked away before she could answer.
Olivia stood alone beneath the moonlight.
For the first time since arriving at Valoria Academy...
She didn't feel hopeless.
She looked down at her hand.
A small flame appeared once more.
This time...
It didn't roar.
It simply rested in her palm.
Quiet.
Patient.
Waiting.
The final bell echoed through Valoria Academy, signaling the end of another exhausting day. Students poured into the corridors, laughing, arguing, and showing off their abilities as they made their way toward the Grand Assembly Hall.
Olivia followed Becca through the crowd.
"What's going on?" Olivia asked.
Becca smiled. "The principal only calls an emergency assembly when it's something important."
Within minutes, every student had taken their seat.
The massive hall fell silent.
At the center stood the faculty members. Behind them hung the silver crest of Valoria Academy, glowing beneath the crystal chandeliers.
A moment later, the towering doors opened.
Principal Cassandra walked onto the stage with her usual graceful confidence. Beside her stood Vice Principal Aldric and several instructors.
"Good afternoon, students," Cassandra began.
"Good afternoon, Principal," the hall replied in unison.
She smiled.
"I hope your first week has been... eventful."
A ripple of laughter spread through the room.
"I've watched many of you grow stronger already. Some of you have impressed your instructors..."
Her eyes briefly landed on Omar.
"...while others still have a long way to go."
A few students glanced toward Qwen, who simply adjusted his glasses without reacting.
Cassandra continued.
"However... strength is not the only thing that matters at Valoria Academy."
The room became quiet again.
"Leadership. Trust. Unity. Those qualities are just as important."
She paused dramatically.
"Which is why I am pleased to announce that next Friday evening, Valoria Academy will be hosting its annual Royal Moon Ball."
For a split second...
Silence.
Then the hall exploded.
"No way!"
"Seriously?"
"I can't wait!"
"This year's finally here!"
Students cheered while others immediately began discussing outfits and partners.
Becca grabbed Olivia's arm excitedly.
"This is going to be your first academy ball!"
Olivia blinked.
"A ball?"
"You've never been to one?"
Olivia shook her head.
Becca laughed.
"Then you're in for a surprise."
Across the hall, Mia exchanged excited looks with her friends.
"This year's theme is Celestial Royalty," Principal Cassandra continued. "Elegant formal attire will be required."
Cheers erupted once again.
"The tradition of the Royal Moon Ball dates back centuries. It is a night where every student stands as equals, regardless of rank or bloodline."
Wyatt folded his arms.
"Equals?" he muttered under his breath.
Omar remained expressionless.
The principal smiled knowingly.
"There will be music, dancing, performances... and, as always..."
She paused.
"...the opening Royal Dance."
The hall erupted louder than before.
"The Academy King and Queen will lead the first dance."
Students immediately began whispering names.
"Asher and Mia."
"It has to be Omar"
"What about Mia?"
"They're definitely winning."
Mia's confident smile grew wider.
She already imagined herself wearing the crown.
Across the hall, Asher leaned casually against a pillar.
His eyes drifted toward Olivia.
A small smile crossed his face.
Interesting...
Very interesting.
Completely unaware of the attention she was attracting, Olivia leaned toward Becca.
"So... how do they choose the King and Queen?"
Becca smiled mysteriously.
"Oh..."
"That's where things get complicated."
Becca stood beneath a flowering tree, arms folded across her chest.
Moments later, footsteps approached.
Omar.
The moment he saw her, his usually serious expression softened.
"You've been waiting long?" he asked.
She forced a smile.
"Not really."
He stepped closer and gently took her hand.
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
It was one of the few moments they could simply be themselves.
Not the head boy.
Not the academy's future king.
Just Omar and Becca.
Becca sighed.
"I hate this."
Omar looked at her.
"Hate what?"
She glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before lowering her voice.
"Always hiding."
She pulled her hand away.
"Every time someone walks by, we have to pretend we barely know each other."
"It feels like I'm your secret."
Omar's eyes filled with guilt.
"You know that's not true."
"Then why can't we tell people?"
He looked away, his jaw tightening.
"My father."
Becca frowned.
Omar nodded.
"He forbids me from dating."
Her expression fell.
"He says I'm the crown prince."
"The future king."
My only responsibility is to become stronger... wiser... and worthy of the throne."
"He believes relationships are distractions."
"He says feelings make rulers weak."
- Writer
