KNIGHT ACADEMY

THE CHOICE

CHAPTER ONE

THE CHOICE

Princess Aria Vale was supposed to choose the crown.

Everyone knew it.

The entire kingdom of Lunaris had gathered inside the Grand Hall to watch her make the most important decision of her life.

Hundreds of werewolves filled the enormous hall, their voices reduced to whispers as Aria stood before the ancient altar.

Behind her sat the royal family.

In front of her were two objects.

On the left was the Golden Crown.

On the right was the Knight's Blade.

The Crown represented royalty.

The Blade represented the Knight Academy.

Once she chose, there would be no turning back.

Aria stared at both.

The crown glittered beneath the chandeliers.

It was beautiful.

Expensive.

Powerful.

And completely unwanted.

"Princess Aria," the Royal Elder announced, "you have reached the age of eighteen. By ancient law, you must now choose your path."

The hall became silent.

"Choose the Crown, and you will remain among the royal family. You will be trained to rule Lunaris and eventually take your place among the kingdom's leaders."

The elder paused.

"Choose the Blade, and you will surrender your claim to the throne. You will enter Knight Academy and train to protect the kingdom."

Aria glanced toward her father.

The King was staring at her.

His expression made his expectations painfully obvious.

Choose the Crown.

Her mother gave her a small smile.

Choose the Crown.

Her older brother leaned against his chair, looking completely confident.

Of course she would choose the Crown.

Aria almost laughed.

They had already decided her future for her.

They had simply forgotten one thing.

She had never been good at following orders.

The Royal Elder stepped closer.

"Princess, which do you choose?"

Aria slowly walked toward the two objects.

Her heels echoed across the marble floor.

Step.

Step.

Step.

She stopped in front of the Crown.

The crowd held its breath.

Someone whispered, "She's choosing it."

Aria looked down at the golden crown.

Then she smiled.

"No."

The entire hall froze.

Her father immediately stood.

"What did you say?"

Aria turned toward him.

"I said no."

A wave of whispers swept through the hall.

The King descended the steps of his throne.

"Aria, you will choose the Crown."

She raised an eyebrow.

"That's interesting."

"What is?"

"I don't remember asking for your permission."

Gasps filled the room.

Her brother covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.

Her mother looked horrified.

The King, however, looked furious.

"You are a princess."

"I know."

"You were born to rule."

"I know that too."

"Then why are you embarrassing this family?"

Aria's smile disappeared.

"Because being born a princess doesn't mean I was born to sit on a throne."

She turned away from him.

Her eyes settled on the Knight's Blade.

The ancient sword rested inside a black stone pedestal.

Legends said that only those who truly desired the path of a knight could lift it.

Aria reached for the handle.

The moment her fingers touched it—

CRACK!

A strange pulse of silver light exploded through the hall.

Everyone stepped backward.

Aria's eyes widened.

For one brief second, she heard a voice.

Not from the crowd.

Not from the elders.

From somewhere inside her.

Choose.

Then everything went silent.

Aria tightened her grip.

The ancient blade came free.

The hall erupted.

"She chose the Blade!"

"Impossible!"

"She's a princess!"

"She cannot abandon the Crown!"

Aria turned toward the crowd.

Her heart was pounding, but she refused to show fear.

She raised the sword.

"I choose the Knight Academy."

Silence.

Then the doors at the opposite end of the hall opened.

Everyone turned.

A young man walked inside.

He wore the black uniform of the royal guard, decorated with silver markings.

The room immediately fell silent.

Even the elders lowered their voices.

Prince Kael Draven.

The Crown Prince of Lunaris.

He was known throughout the kingdom for his ruthless discipline and frightening temper.

Unlike Aria, Kael had never questioned his destiny.

He would become king.

He walked toward the center of the hall, his eyes fixed on the sword in Aria's hand.

Then he looked at her.

For several seconds, neither spoke.

Finally, Kael said,

"So you're the princess who thinks she can become a knight."

Aria tilted her head.

"And you're the prince who thinks everyone should be impressed by him."

Several students nearby immediately looked away.

Kael's expression hardened.

"You have a sharp tongue."

"I've been told."

"You might want to learn when to use it."

Aria stepped closer.

"Why? Are you going to punish me?"

The room went completely silent.

Kael stared at her.

Then, unexpectedly, the corner of his mouth lifted.

"No."

He looked at the sword.

"The academy will do that for me."

Aria's confidence faltered for half a second.

Kael walked past her.

Then he stopped.

Without turning around, he said,

"Welcome to Knight Academy, Princess."

Aria watched him leave.

She tightened her grip around the blade.

Something told her that choosing the academy had just changed far more than her future.

And she was beginning to suspect that the strange voice she had heard wasn't a coincidence.

Somewhere beneath the palace, something ancient had awakened.

And it knew her name.