The long tables were laden with food, steaming dishes spread in abundance. The rich aroma twisted Eirene's stomach with hunger—but no matter how inviting the feast looked, she couldn't bring herself to eat.
Her thoughts kept circling back to the blood-soaked headlines.Theron Ravencrest.The murdered royal family.
A strange heaviness pressed against her chest, as if she had lost someone dear—someone she had never even met.
Across the table, Lily noticed her untouched plate and gently nudged her elbow."Eirene… why aren't you eating?" she asked softly. "Are you feeling alright?"
Eirene startled, then forced a small nod. To reassure her, she scooped a little biryani onto her plate and took a slow bite. Seeing this, Lily finally relaxed and returned to her own meal.
After a few moments of silence, Lily spoke again, curiosity lacing her voice."I've heard you've been here since you were little. You must know everything about Grimswald."
Eirene shook her head. "Not everything. I mostly lived with Uncle Maeron in his cottage. I only visited the college occasionally." She paused, then asked, "What about you? Where are you from?"
"I'm from the Calestra Clan," Lily replied.
The words struck Eirene like a lightning bolt.
Her hand froze mid-air, food hovering inches from her lips."C-Calestra?" she whispered. "Then… you know what happened there yesterday?"
Lily's eyes dimmed as she lowered her gaze. "Yes. King and Queen Valestra were kind people. I met them many times. My father served as the King's right hand." Her voice trembled slightly. "Marcus and I had already left for Grimswald when it happened. We only learned the truth from this morning's paper."
Before Eirene could reply, a sharp voice cut in.
"That topic is forbidden."
A staff member stood beside their table, expression stern."Headmaster Dreymark has strictly prohibited discussion of recent events. If either of you speaks of it again, I will report you directly to Head Girl Tessa Wynn."
Both girls stiffened.
"We're sorry," Lily said quickly.
Eirene nodded, lowering her eyes. They returned to their meals in silence.
Moments later, as the last students finished eating, the plates and utensils vanished in a shimmer of magic. Vice-Headmistress Seraphina Duskbane rose from her seat, her commanding presence quieting the hall.
"Students," she announced, "you will now proceed directly to your respective House dormitories. First-years will follow their Head Boy or Head Girl. No wandering. No mischief."
Her sharp gaze swept across the room."Headmaster Dreymark is absent. Until his return, your safety is your own responsibility. Behave accordingly. Good night—and best wishes for the new academic year."
At once, the first-years lined up by House.
As the groups began to move, fate—or perhaps something else—placed Kalen and Eirene walking in opposite lines.
The moment Eirene saw him, her frustration spilled over.
"It's good we're in different Houses," she snapped. "You don't even bother talking to me anyway."
Kalen didn't respond. He walked on as if he hadn't heard her at all.
That silence ignited her temper.
She leaned forward, voice sharp. "Why don't we compete? If I defeat you this year, you'll stop acting so superior."
Still nothing.
"Say something!" she demanded. "You're not mute. Then why don't you ever speak?"
Kalen finally glanced at her—just once. A faint smile touched his lips, but he said nothing.
Fuming, Eirene turned away, crossing her arms. She walked on in silence.
But strangely… her silence bothered him.
Just as the Houses split toward their respective paths, Kalen stopped, turned, and said calmly,
"You won't be able to defeat me."
Then he walked ahead, disappearing down the Moonveil corridor.
Eirene stood frozen, speechless.
"Do you know him?" Lily asked, eyes bright with curiosity. "Is he really the son of King Theron Ravencrest?"
Eirene huffed. "No idea. I don't know who he thinks he is." She lifted her chin. "But it's fine. I have an entire year ahead of me. I'll deal with him sooner or later."
Talking quietly, the Emberthorn students reached their dormitory.
The large wooden door stood firmly shut.
"It's locked!" one student said nervously. "How are we supposed to enter when no professor is around? Is there a password?"
Head Girl Tessa Wynn smiled calmly. "No password is required. If you belong to this House, the door will open for you. Only Emberthorn students may enter."
One by one, the students stepped forward. As promised, the door opened effortlessly for each of them.
Inside lay a warm common room—soft sofas, tall bookshelves, glowing firelight, and an atmosphere that felt safe and alive.
Tessa gestured toward a notice board."Your dorm assignments are posted there. Check your room numbers and head to bed. Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, assemble in the Main Hall. Your syllabus will be posted, and you'll collect your books from the library."
She nodded. "Rest well. Tomorrow begins your real journey."
Eirene and Lily checked the board—and smiled.
Same dorm. Same room.
Laughing softly, they headed upstairs together, unaware that this year would change everything they thought they knew—about magic, destiny… and each other.