The headmaster's voice boomed across the colosseum, silencing the murmur of the crowd. "First to enter today's test... PRINCESS ARIA!"
Thunderous cheers erupted as Aria strode into the arena, sapphire hair gleaming like spun cobalt under the sun. The crowd chanted her name in waves – "Ari-a! Ari-a!" – while nobles in the royal box stood applauding. She acknowledged them with a cool, regal nod, her piercing violet eyes already scanning for Akihiro in the initiates' stands, a flicker of familiar irritation crossing her features before she schooled her expression.
"...and AMELIA!"
A quieter ripple of applause followed Amelia's entrance. Before stepping onto the sun-baked sand, she turned toward the first-year benches where Noah and Akihiro sat. Their eyes locked. Noah gave an anxious thumbs-up. Akihiro nodded once, his expression unreadable beneath the worn scarf pulled high on his face.
