A Princess in Disguise: Arvanya's Path into Unknown Shadows at Vortex

Arvanya's POV:

As the day passed, I couldn't shake the weight of my decision. Every time I closed my eyes, the visions returned, more vivid and real than before.

I stood before the mirror, the soft hum of the morning around me, my reflection staring back at me with a steady gaze. The room felt unusually quiet, the only sound the soft flutter of my dress as I brushed my fingers over my air elemental insignia—a simple swirl. To anyone else, it might have been nothing more than an intricate design, but to me, it represented everything I was willing to fight for.

Not just for myself, but for all elemental dragons and their human counterparts who had suffered under the oppressive hierarchy of Vortex Academy and who were enduring some unseen danger lurking within its walls.

I thought of Nico, my friend who always joked about how fire elementals were "too hot to handle." He loved the attention, the respect that came with being a fire dragon. The way he was always the center of the room, his fiery nature lighting up everything he touched.

I chuckled to myself, imagining him strutting around, flames flickering from his fingertips, always trying to impress everyone in his fiery, theatrical way. But there was a darker side to that power—a side that often overlooked the vulnerabilities of others. The pressures and expectations placed on him to perform, to be seen as the strongest, were suffocating.

I needed to challenge that status quo. I had to prove that every element, even air, had its place in the grand scheme of things. We all had our strengths and weaknesses, and it was time to show that no one should be judged solely by their elemental affiliation.

I envisioned the day I would walk through the gates of Vortex Academy, my head held high, ready to face whatever challenges awaited me. It wouldn't be easy, but nothing worth fighting for ever was. I would need to gather allies, bridge the gaps between the elements, and ultimately help the dragons that had been so wronged.

The next day, as we headed to the academy, the atmosphere in the car was thick with unspoken concerns. My brothers kept glancing at me, their eyes filled with a mixture of love and worry. Adrian, ever the protective one, broke the silence, his voice rough with emotion. "Arvi, you know you don't have to do this. If you've changed your mind about going to Vortex Academy, it's okay. No one would blame you."

I shook my head, the weight of the decision settling heavily on my chest. My resolve was firm. "I know, Adrian. But I can't turn my back on those dragons who need my help. If I have these powers, it's for a reason. I'm meant to use them to help others, and that's exactly what I'm going to do."

Thiago glanced back at me through the rearview mirror, his expression serious. "Just remember, we're always here if things get too intense. You're not in this alone, Arvi."

I smiled softly at him, grateful for his unwavering support. "I know. Thanks, Thiago. But I need to see this through."

When we reached the academy, my friends were already waiting for me, their faces painted with a mix of excitement and concern. Sofia was the first to step forward, her eyes scanning me closely, like she was searching for any signs of hesitation. "Arvi, we've been thinking... You know how elemental dragons have their own unique scents, right? You're going to have to disguise yours if you're going to pretend to be an air elemental at Vortex. How are you going to manage that?"

I took a deep breath, feeling the air around me shift, a gentle breeze teasing my hair. I focused, sensing the subtle currents that flowed around me. "I've been practicing something that might work," I said, my voice steady. "By controlling my breath and connecting with the air, I can create a layer around myself, altering my scent so it mimics that of an air dragon. It's almost like blending in with the air itself, hiding within it."

Lila raised an eyebrow, her expression a mixture of admiration and caution. "That sounds tricky, Arvi. You'll have to keep it up constantly. But if anyone can pull it off, it's you."

Nico folded his arms, a skeptical look on his face. "You sure you can do that, Arvi? One slip-up, and people will know you're not what you say you are."

I met his gaze, my resolve hardening. "I won't let that happen, Nico. I've come too far to make mistakes now. I have to make this work."

Just as we finished our discussion, Sofia offered me a hopeful smile, the corners of her mouth lifting despite the tension. "You know, Arvi, with all the changes ahead, there's a chance you might meet your mate at Vortex. Sometimes, the strongest bonds form in the most unexpected places. Just keep your heart open—who knows what might happen?"

Her words lingered in my mind long after the conversation ended, the possibility of finding my mate both thrilling and daunting. I had to focus, but part of me couldn't help wondering if fate would bring us together at Vortex Academy.

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Later that Day...

After our classes, I met up with my brothers, and we drove back home. When we arrived, my dad was waiting for me in the study, his expression unreadable. He motioned for me to sit, and I did, my heart thumping in my chest, unsure of what was coming next.

"Arvi," he began, his voice calm, but there was an undercurrent of tension I couldn't ignore. "I spoke with King Drakos."

I held my breath, waiting for him to continue.

"He's agreed to your admission at Vortex Academy," my dad said, his tone steady. But I noticed his jaw tighten, as though he was bracing himself for something.

Relief flooded through me, but it was quickly followed by a wave of anxiety. "What about my cover story?" I asked, the reality of everything starting to sink in.

My dad nodded, the lines around his eyes deepening as he gave me a solemn look. "We've created a new identity for you. You'll be known as Aria Collins—a brilliant scholarship student who has come to Vortex Academy to pursue her studies in elemental combat and academics. No one will know that you're the Princess of the Aquara Kingdom. The name 'Aria Collins' is already set, and all your records have been altered to match."

I took a deep breath, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "Aria Collins. Okay, I can do this. Thank you, Dad."

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching mine as if trying to gauge whether I fully understood the gravity of the decision. "Arvi... I didn't tell King Drakos about your real identity. He doesn't know you're the Princess. I didn't think it was necessary for him to know. But the danger of revealing yourself is real. You remember what happened to Lucian, don't you? He was nearly taken from us, attacked by those who wanted to exploit his powers. He was lucky to escape, but that doesn't always happen. If anyone discovers who you really are, you could be put in danger just like he was."

I stiffened at the mention of Lucian, the cruelty of what he had endured still haunting me. I thought about the ruthlessness with which people had tried to exploit him, and how that might one day happen to me if my powers were exposed. My heart ached at the thought, but I couldn't let fear stop me.

"I understand," I said quietly, my voice resolute. "I'll be careful with my powers. I won't reveal anything about who I truly am unless it's absolutely necessary."

My dad's gaze softened, but there was still an edge of concern there. "Be vigilant, Arvi. Don't make any mistake that reveals your powers. There's no room for error when it comes to your safety."

I nodded, taking in his words, but deep down, I knew the path ahead wasn't going to be that simple. The world was far more complicated than that.

Then, I looked up at him, my eyes bright with determination. "Ok Dad, I will be careful. But the hierarchy at Vortex Academy—especially how they treat air elementals—I'll make sure they get a taste of their own medicine."

My dad raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching as though he were about to say something, but then he seemed to reconsider. Instead, he simply gave me a long look, one that seemed to carry both pride and caution. "Just be smart about it, Arvi. You may have the power, but Vortex Academy is a place full of politics and schemes. Don't let your anger guide you; let your actions speak louder than your words."

I nodded again, my resolve hardening. "I will, Dad. I promise. I'm not going to let them walk all over me."

He finally smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "Just remember that the world isn't black and white, Arvi. And you're not alone. We'll be watching over you, no matter where you are."

I placed my hand over his, grateful for the support, but I knew that this journey was mine to take. "I'll be careful, Dad. I'll make sure of it."

The Morning of Departure

The day had finally arrived. Today, I was leaving for Vortex Academy. My father had made sure everything was set up so that no one would suspect who I truly was. Even King Drakos had sent an official admission letter addressed to "Aria Collins"—my new identity.

It felt surreal to know that I would soon be stepping into a place where my true self had to remain hidden beneath a mask.

The morning was filled with a mix of excitement and tension. My friends and family gathered around me, trying to lighten the mood with their words, but there was an underlying worry in their eyes.

"Arvi—no, I mean, Aria—just make sure you stay out of trouble, okay?" Nico said with a smirk, trying to sound casual, but his concern was obvious. "And don't go showing off too much in those combat classes."

Dante added, nudging Nico playfully. "Yeah, we wouldn't want you to show up the rest of the class on your first day! But seriously, keep your head down and blend in, like you said."

Sofia hugged me tightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just be careful, Arvi. Remember, we're just a call away. If you need us, we'll be there."

Lila nodded, her expression serious. "And don't forget to send updates. We'll be worried sick until we hear from you."

Then Kai stepped forward, looking more serious than usual. "Just remember, no matter what, we've got your back. We're only a message away. And if you need help hiding your scent or anything else, just call. We're rooting for you."

I offered them a reassuring smile, even though my heart felt heavy. "I'll be okay, I promise. I'll keep you all updated, and I'll stay in touch. This is just... something I have to do."

My dad stood nearby, a hint of pride in his eyes despite the worry. "Your brothers could accompany you, Arvi. It's not too late to change your mind."

But I shook my head. "No, Dad. If I go with them, it'll attract attention. I need to arrive alone to keep up the cover story. It's the only way."

Adrian, Thiago, and Luca looked reluctant but eventually agreed, understanding the logic behind my decision. They insisted on driving me to the airport, though, their protective instincts impossible to quell.

As we headed out, I glanced back at my parents and friends, taking in their faces one last time before the journey. It was hard to leave them behind, but I knew I had to.

At the airport, my brothers lingered a little longer, each giving me a tight hug.

"Remember, we're always here for you," Adrian said softly, his expression serious. "If things get too dangerous, come home. Don't be a hero."

Thiago ruffled my hair like he always did, a small, sad smile on his lips. "You've got this, little sis. Just be yourself... or, well, Aria. You know what I mean."

Luca clapped me on the back, his tone trying to stay lighthearted. "And don't forget—no blowing your cover with those powers of yours. Keep it simple, okay?"

I nodded, smiling at them even as I felt a lump form in my throat. "I'll be fine, guys. I promise."

With one last wave, I turned and headed toward my flight to Kaeloria, my heart heavy but determined. I was leaving behind my world, my family, my friends—but I knew it was the only way to find the answers I sought.