We arrived at the ballroom just as it was beginning to fill.
The building itself was unlike any other hall within the academy.
The high ceiling was adorned with simple geometric patterns, from which soft crystal lights hung—never blinding, yet bathing the space in a warm glow. Dark fabrics lined the walls, reflecting light rather than absorbing it, while the polished floor mirrored the movements of the guests with quiet elegance.
It wasn't extravagant in an excessive way.
But it was refined.
Intentional.
Students streamed in from every direction—small groups, pairs, and a few individuals lingering near the edges, hesitating before deciding where to go. The music was gentle, steady in rhythm, barely noticeable, yet it filled the space without demanding attention.
Most of those present were first-years… but not all.
A handful of upper-year students were there as well—not to participate, but to observe.
Charlotte walked beside me, her steps steady. She didn't look nervous, but she wasn't entirely relaxed either. She glanced around briefly, then turned to me.
"What do you think?" she asked.
I looked over the hall once more.
"It's not bad," I replied.
It wasn't flattery.
Nor was it criticism.
Just… honest.
She smiled faintly, as if she had expected that answer.
We moved to one of the side tables, where only a few students were seated. It offered a clear view of the hall without placing us at its center. I sat down, and she took the seat beside me.
Minutes passed.
Soft conversations. Brief laughter. Glances exchanged.
I observed more than I spoke.
Then the atmosphere shifted.
Not abruptly—but unmistakably.
The noise level dropped slightly. Several heads turned in the same direction. Whispers spread—not in confusion, but anticipation.
Leander entered.
His presence was evident without him trying to assert it.
His attire was elegant and well-coordinated, lacking any ostentatious nobility, yet refined enough to mark him as no ordinary student. His posture was straight, his steps calm, his gaze steady.
At his side was Oriana.
Her dress was simple in design, yet graceful in a refined way. The colors were subdued, her movements composed. She wasn't trying to draw attention—yet it came to her naturally.
And then there was Naira.
Completely different.
Her smile was bright, her dress more lively, her presence lighter. She moved with ease, as though the hall was familiar to her—as if the ball were nothing more than an opportunity to enjoy the evening.
Eyes followed them as they made their way into the hall.
It wasn't just admiration.
It was recognition.
These were… central figures.
Even if no one said it out loud.
Leander noticed me quickly.
We exchanged a brief look. There was no challenge in it, nor clear warmth—just a silent acknowledgment of each other's presence.
They approached our table.
"Good evening," Leander said as he stopped in front of us.
"Good evening," Charlotte replied calmly.
Naira waved cheerfully. "I knew we'd find you here."
They sat down.
Oriana took her seat quietly. She glanced at me for a brief second, then looked away without comment. There was no obvious tension in her behavior—but it wasn't entirely natural either.
Conversation began.
Naira spoke about the hall, the music, some students she recognized. Charlotte responded occasionally, adding a remark here and there. Leander joined in when necessary, but he wasn't talkative.
As for me…
I remained mostly silent.
Listening. Watching. Speaking only when addressed directly.
"Do you like the music?" Naira asked me suddenly.
I thought for a moment.
"It's not annoying," I said.
She laughed. "That's your highest praise, isn't it?"
I didn't deny it.
Time passed like that.
Then it happened—just as I had expected it would.
The hall gradually quieted.
Not because the music stopped, but because something else had drawn everyone's attention.
The Student Council entered.
They moved with clear coordination, their steps synchronized, their presence formal without being forced. They weren't identical, but they shared the same air—an air of calm authority.
And at the center…
Elara von Sylvain.
Her entrance wasn't loud.
It didn't need to be.
Her silver-gray hair flowed smoothly, reflecting the crystal light in a subdued glow. Her green eyes were clear and steady, surveying the hall without haste—as if she saw everyone… without focusing on anyone in particular.
Her dress was elegant, simple in design yet impeccably crafted, emphasizing her confident posture without excess. Nothing about it screamed look at me—and yet, it was difficult to look anywhere else.
Beauty alone didn't explain it.
It was presence.
And silent control.
I noticed many people stop talking altogether.
Even the music seemed to fade into the background.
Elara didn't head straight to the center of the hall. She paused briefly, exchanged a few quiet words with a council member, then began moving among the students—offering greetings here, nodding there.
When her gaze passed over our table, it stopped for a second.
No longer than that.
But it was enough.
I showed no reaction.
Neither did she.
Conversation resumed at our table moments later.
But the feeling had changed slightly.
As if everyone had become more aware—of the place, and of themselves.
"Looks like it'll be a quiet night," Charlotte said.
"So far," Naira replied.
Leander said nothing.
And I simply looked out over the hall once more.
The lights.
The faces.
The music.
Everything was flowing smoothly.
Calm. Orderly.
As though this night had been designed to be normal.
But I knew—through experience—that the calmest moments… often come right before change.
And so, I remained silent.
Watching.
And waiting.
----
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