The carriage's wheels crunched softly against the gravel path that led to the gates of Mistral Royal Academy. Adrian stepped out first, his boots sinking slightly into the finely maintained path.

His gaze swept upward, taking in the towering spires and gleaming arches of the academy. The main building's white stone facade gleamed in the midmorning sun. Flags bearing the academy’s crest fluttered in the breeze, and students in pristine uniforms moved about across the grounds.

Adrian adjusted the collar of his new jacket, stiff against his neck. The crisp shirt beneath clung to his shoulders uncomfortably, and the polished boots pinched slightly at the toes. He resisted the urge to pull at the collar again, knowing Natasha would catch it and mock him for his fidgeting. These clothes are far too stuffy. Hopefully by the time I actually wear the academy uniform, it won't be this bad.

Adrian’s hand hovered near his collar again, itching to adjust the fabric, but he stopped himself at the last second. He felt Natasha’s eyes on him before she spoke,

“Stop fidgeting,” she said, stepping closer.

"Well I—"

Before he could react, her hands moved to the collar of his jacket, deftly straightening it and smoothing the lapels. “You’re going to wrinkle it before we even meet anyone.”

Adrian blinked, caught off guard by the gesture. “Huh, thanks."

Natasha stepped back and crossed her arms as she huffed. “Don’t read too much into it. I was just feeling nice today. That’s all.”

“Oh, how touching. My little princess is showing her softer side.” Lysander chained in.

Natasha stiffened, her cheeks flushing as she turned sharply toward her father. “Daddy, why do you have to make such a big deal out of it?"

Lysander let out a light chuckle. “Relax, Natasha. I’m just proud of you.”

Adrian bit back a smirk, watching as Natasha muttered something under her breath. I’ll have to remember this moment for later.

The gates to the academy creaked open as the group moved forward. Adrian felt his nerves stir again, but he pushed the feeling aside. You’re just visiting. No one’s expecting you to fit in yet.

When they neared the main building, a student approached them from the opposite direction. He was tall and lean, with neatly combed black hair, sharp green eyes, and a pair of round glasses perched on his nose. His uniform was impeccable, the crest of the academy embroidered neatly on his breast pocket.

“Good morning,” the student greeted them with a polite bow. “I’m Julius Marlow. Welcome to Mistral Royal Academy.”

Lysander stepped forward, his imposing presence making even Julius straighten a little further. “Good morning, Julius,” he said, extending a hand. “I take it you’ll be our guide for today?”

Julius accepted the handshake with a firm grip, his smile growing slightly. “That’s correct, Lord Whitewynn. I volunteered for the role. I may just be a freshman, but I already love this academy and enjoy giving back however I can.”

Adrian studied Julius as he spoke, noting the enthusiasm in his voice and the precision of his words. He really believes in this place. Maybe he’s someone worth paying attention to.

Natasha tilted her head as she regarded Julius with mild curiosity. “Freshman or not, you certainly sound like you’ve been doing this for years.”

Julius adjusted his glasses with a modest smile. “I take pride in representing the academy. Now, if you’ll follow me, I'll show you around the dorms first."

Julius led the group through the towering archway of the main building and onto a well-paved stone path that branched into several directions. So this is where I’ll be spending the next part of my life in three years' time, Adrian thought, his gaze sweeping over the academy’s sprawling campus.

“The dormitories are just ahead,” Julius said, gesturing toward two large, identical buildings on opposite sides of the path. “The one on the left is for boys, and the one on the right is for girls. Between them is the common hall, which serves as a shared space for meals, studying, and even certain sports."

When they approached, Adrian took in the dormitory buildings. Their facades were crafted from the same white stone as the main building, accented with tall windows that reflected the sunlight. Ivy crawled up the sides, adding a touch of greenery to their walls.

“The dorms are divided by year and rank,” Julius continued. “First-year students reside on the lower floors, while upperclassmen take the higher levels. The common hall, however, is open to all and is often a gathering place for students of every year.”

Lysander nodded approvingly. “Very nice, I like how this space encourages camaraderie while maintaining order.”

Natasha walked beside Adrian, her arms still crossed as her sharp eyes surveyed the area. “And how is order maintained, exactly? I can’t imagine a place like this without its troublemakers.”

Julius smiled, adjusting his glasses. “There’s a strict code of conduct, enforced by both the faculty and a student council comprised of elected representatives. They handle minor disputes and ensure the rules are upheld. Of course, serious matters are dealt with by the administration.”

Natasha raised a brow, clearly intrigued but offering no further comment.

Julius led them toward the common hall, its large wooden doors standing open to reveal a bright and welcoming interior. The main hall was spacious, with rows of long tables neatly arranged beneath high, vaulted ceilings. A few students were scattered throughout the space: some chatting over meals, others poring over books or notes.

“This is the cafeteria and primary gathering area. Meals are served here three times a day, but the space remains open for studying or socializing at all hours. There are also smaller rooms branching off from here for club meetings and group projects.” Julius explained.

Adrian’s attention was drawn to the vibrant atmosphere of the hall. Despite the formal setting, there was a warmth to the place that made it feel less daunting. I have to admit, this place is quite nice looking.

Natasha crossed her arms, her gaze sweeping the hall again. “It’s functional, I suppose it’ll do.”

Lysander chuckled, shaking his head. “My princess, you’ve got to start seeing the brighter side of things. You’ll be spending a lot of time here soon.”

Natasha rolled her eyes. “I’ll get used to it when I have to, Daddy. Until then, don’t expect me to sing its praises.”

“Not even a little bit?” Lysander teased, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. “Surely, this grand hall could win at least some approval from you.”

Natasha smirked faintly. “Well, the ceiling is nice. And the chairs don’t look like they’ll fall apart. If that’s what you’re fishing for, there you go.”

“High praise from my little princess,” Lysander replied with a dramatic sigh.

Adrian, unable to resist, let out a quiet laugh. Natasha turned her sharp gaze on him. “And what are you laughing at?”

“Nothing,” Adrian said quickly.

Before Natasha could retort, Julius cleared his throat gently. “If I may, there’s a lounge just beyond the common hall. Would you care to see it?”

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“Please,” Natasha said, with an exaggerated sigh. “Let’s move on before Daddy decides to embarrass me further."

The group followed Julius through a side door, which opened into a cozy lounge area. Plush chairs were arranged around low tables, and shelves along the walls held books, board games, and puzzles, and a large fireplace at the far end crackled softly.

“This is a popular spot for relaxing after classes or working on group projects. The atmosphere is quieter here compared to the cafeteria, which makes it a favorite for studying.” Julius explained.

Adrian allowed his gaze to wander over the space, noting the relaxed postures of the students occupying the room. A group was engaged in a spirited game of chess near the fireplace, their laughter mixing with the occasional clink of pieces on the board.

Julius led them back to the main hall and toward a staircase that spiraled upward. “If you’d like, I can show you a standard dorm room next.”

“That would be helpful,” Lysander replied. “I’d like to ensure the accommodations meet expectations.”

They ascended the staircase and stopped at a hallway lined with doors, each bearing a neatly engraved plaque with a student’s name. Julius opened one of the doors to reveal a compact but well-appointed room. It contained a single bed with clean linens, a sturdy desk by the window, and a wardrobe in the corner.

“Each room is equipped with the basics,” Julius said. “Students are allowed to personalize their space within reason. Upperclassmen often have slightly larger rooms, but the essentials are consistent across the board.”

Adrian stepped inside, running a hand along the edge of the desk. The room was small, but there was a certain charm to its practicality. Good enough.

Natasha leaned against the doorframe, her arms still crossed. “I suppose it’s adequate. At least it’s clean.”

Julius inclined his head. “The cleaning staff works diligently to maintain the facilities, though students are expected to keep their own rooms in order.”

Adrian glanced over his shoulder at Natasha. “You planning on giving them a hard time, too?”

She smirked faintly. “Only if they deserve it.”

Lysander stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the room. “It’s suitable. Thank you, Julius.”

Julius bowed slightly. “My pleasure, Lord Whitewynn. If there’s anything else you’d like to see, please let me know.”

Lysander gave a thoughtful nod as they exited the dormitory hallway. “The living arrangements are satisfactory, but I’d like to see some of the educational facilities next."

Julius’s expression brightened at the request. “Of course, Lord Whitewynn. One of the most popular destinations for visitors is the magic research wing. While some areas are undergoing renovations for the summer, I can still show you a few of the key laboratories and lecture halls.”

Natasha arched a brow. “Magic research? You’re not going to subject us to a dull lecture, are you?”

Julius chuckled lightly. “Not unless you’d like one, Miss Whitewynn."

The group followed Julius down a tree-lined path toward the southern end of the campus. Adrian noted how the layout of the academy seemed carefully planned, with open spaces for gathering and neatly spaced buildings connected by wide, clean walkways. Would I actually fit in here?

As if sensing his unease, Natasha fell into step beside him. “Don’t worry, if you embarrass yourself here, at least you’ll have me to laugh at you.”

Adrian rolled his eyes. “Comforting.”

Julius eventually stopped in front of a tall, glass-fronted building. Inside, rows of shelves lined with alchemical instruments, glowing crystals, and stacks of books were visible.

“This is one of our general magic laboratories, it’s used primarily for introductory courses and collaborative projects." Julius explained, gesturing to a few of the workstations nearby.

Lysander peered through the glass with interest. “Impressive. Do students frequently collaborate across disciplines?”

“Yes, collaboration is encouraged,” Julius replied. “Our faculty believes that exposure to multiple magical fields helps students broaden their perspectives."

Adrian’s gaze lingered on a student carefully sketching runes onto a glowing crystal. There's a lot I could potentially do in a facility like this, it's rather well equipped.

Afterwards, Julius led them past a few smaller buildings, describing their purposes with enthusiasm. He pointed out lecture halls, smaller libraries, and practice arenas. The group eventually approached a more unassuming structure that blended into the surrounding campus. It lacked the grandeur of the other buildings, with no banners or visible signage to indicate its purpose.

Adrian’s steps faltered as they drew closer. A strange sensation crept over him, like the air around the building was heavier, pressing against his skin. What is that?

The closer they got, the more pronounced the feeling became. It was as though something unseen was watching from the structure itself. Adrian’s chest tightened, his hand instinctively moving to his side where his flames usually ignited. No, stop it. You’re just imagining things.

“Adrian,” Lysander’s voice broke through his thoughts. “What’s wrong?”

Adrian blinked, realizing he had stopped walking. Natasha and Julius were both looking at him now, Natasha with a smirk that spelled trouble.

“It’s nothing,” he replied quickly. “Just... felt something strange.”

Natasha’s smirk widened. “Don't tell me… are you actually scared of a building?"

Julius chuckled, though his tone was light. “I assure you, there’s nothing unusual about this structure. It’s just one of the older faculty offices.”

Adrian forced a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I must’ve just imagined it. Maybe I’m just… uh, overwhelmed?"

Natasha nudged him with her elbow. “Overwhelmed already? You’re going to have a tough time surviving here in the future.”

Lysander placed a reassuring hand on Adrian’s shoulder. “It’s natural to feel uneasy in a new environment. Trust me, you’ll adjust.”

Adrian nodded, though the uneasy sensation hadn’t fully left him. They didn’t feel it. Whatever that was, it was just me. And if no one else noticed, it’s better to let it go.

He offered a sheepish grin. “Guess I’ll just chalk it up to nerves. Let’s keep going.”

Julius concluded the tour with a gesture toward the nearby administration building, its sleek design contrasting with the older architecture of the academy. “That’s the last stop for today,” he said with a satisfied smile. “If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to let me know. It was a pleasure guiding you around the academy.”

Lysander stepped forward, extending his hand once more. “Thank you, Julius. Your assistance was invaluable.”

Julius shook his hand firmly. “It was my pleasure, Lord Whitewynn."

Natasha made her way to a nearby bench under the shade of a large tree and sat down with an exaggerated sigh. “Finally. My feet were starting to protest.”

Adrian rolled his shoulders, stretching out the stiffness in his back and neck. He wandered a few steps away, letting his gaze drift across the bustling grounds. Whew, that took longer than expected.

That was when he caught sight of another tour group. They were elves: tall, elegant, and radiating a regal air. Their clothing appeared to be impeccably tailored, adorned with subtle embroidery while golden jewelry accented their attire.

Adrian's gaze swept lazily across the gathered crowd, his curiosity no more than a passing flicker, until it landed on her. Who… is that?

She stood out like a dream made flesh: an elf girl with hair the color of cherry blossoms, cascading in soft waves over her slender shoulders. Her porcelain skin was as flawless as polished marble. But it wasn’t just her beauty that held him hostage, it was her eyes. Vivid green eyes, like shimmering emeralds, bore into him and refused to let go.

As though responding to his unspoken awe, the girl turned her head in his direction, her gaze finding his as if it had always been meant to. The moment their eyes locked, the world around them fell away.

The hum of the courtyard dulled, the voices and movements of the crowd reduced to meaningless static. Time slowed, each second stretching as an unspoken connection bridged the distance between them. Adrian’s heart pounded. It wasn’t just attraction, there was something else, something deeper, something familiar. Why do I feel like I’ve seen her before? Who is she? And why do I feel like this when I see her?

They stood frozen. She didn’t look away, and neither did he. It’s like she knows me… but that’s impossible. Isn’t it? Have I met her before? No… I would’ve remembered. But why does this feel like I’ve known her my whole life?

His thoughts swirled, until a tall figure stepped into the periphery of his vision. An elf man with silver hair tied neatly behind his head came to stand beside the elf girl. His pale eyes held no warmth as he leaned down to whisper something into the girl’s ear. She stiffened under his touch, shoulders tensing as though his words carried weight she could not ignore.

Reluctantly, she nodded, casting one final glance in Adrian’s direction. Then the man placed a firm hand on her arm and turned her away.

Adrian’s chest hollowed as she disappeared. He exhaled shakily, shoulders sagging under the weight of an inexplicable loss. Why does it feel like she just took a part of me with her?

A firm pat on his back startled him, jolting him out of his spiraling thoughts. He turned sharply to find Lysander standing at his side with a knowing smile. “Didn’t know you had a thing for elf girls."

Adrian flushed, his eyes darting away. “It-it’s not like that.”

“Sure, sure. You were only staring at her like she was the last star in the night sky. Very subtle.”

Natasha, who had been observing from the bench, raised an eyebrow. “What are you two whispering about over there?”

“Nothing,” Adrian said quickly, shooting Lysander a warning look.

Lysander chuckled and raised his hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll drop it, for now.”