The crisp morning air carried the distant hum of student chatter as Vaelis Cara stepped into Aurelius Universityâs music building. Unlike the grand halls filled with finance and law students, the music department had a quieter charmâa world of rhythm, melody, and unspoken emotions.
Her fingers brushed against the polished black piano keys in the empty practice room.
She had always been drawn to music, even in her past life. But in the original novel, Vaelis Cara never had the luxury of choosing her dreams. Now, she had seized that chance.
A smirk played on her lips as she pressed a key, letting the soft note echo through the room.
This was hers.
And no one would take it from her.
---
Vaelis entered the lecture hall, ignoring the curious glances thrown her way. Most students recognized her as the scholarship student who topped the universityâs entrance exams, yet had abandoned a prestigious finance degree in favor of music.
Some thought she was foolish.
Others⦠intrigued.
âWelcome, students.â The professor, a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes, smiled warmly. âThis is the Foundations of Composition. Whether you are pianists, violinists, or vocalists, this class will refine your understanding of music theory and creativity.â
Vaelis took a seat near the back, away from unnecessary attention.
As the lecture began, she jotted down notes, her focus unwavering. Music theory came easily to her. It was structure and chaos combinedâa perfect blend of precision and freedom.
Halfway through the lesson, the door swung open.
Latecomers.
She didnât bother lookingâuntil a familiar voice reached her ears.
âApologies, professor,â Rowan Sinclair drawled, strolling in with effortless arrogance.
Vaelisâ grip on her pen tightened.
Rowan Sinclair was not supposed to be here.
In the original novel, he had nothing to do with music.
Yet here he was.
He slid into the seat beside her like it was the most natural thing in the world. âDidnât expect to see you in my class, Black Swan.â
She didnât even spare him a glance.
âAh, ignoring me already?â he mused, resting his chin on his hand. âThatâs fine. I like a challenge.â
She exhaled sharply.
The class continued without further distractions, but Rowanâs presence was an annoyance she refused to acknowledge.
What had changed?
Why was he here?
---
After class, Vaelis headed to the outdoor courtyard, choosing a secluded table beneath the shade of a cherry blossom tree.
The soft rustling of petals in the breeze was peaceful.
Finally, a moment to herself.
She opened her lunchbox, quietly eating, enjoying the rare solitudeâ
Until it was shattered.
The chair across from her scraped against the ground as someone took a seat. Then another. And another.
She didnât need to look up to know who they were.
Rowan Sinclair, Adrian Voss⦠and Ezra Lockhart.
Vaelis continued eating, not sparing them a single glance.
Rowan leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. âYou know, most people would at least acknowledge when three very attractive men decide to join them for lunch.â
Silence.
Adrian, ever composed, observed her carefully. His presence was quieter, more calculating, as if trying to decipher what went on inside her mind.
But it was Ezra Lockhartâs gaze that lingered the longest.
Vaelis knew without looking.
His stare burned. Possessive. Unrelenting.
He tilted his head. âPrincess.â
The title was smooth, yet laced with something dangerous.
Vaelis took another bite of her food, unfazed.
She would not give them what they wanted.
Silence stretched between them, thick with unsaid words.
Rowan chuckled. âSheâs really committed to ignoring us, huh?â
Adrianâs lips quirked slightly. âItâs impressive, actually.â
Ezra, however, didnât speak again.
But his fingers tapped against the table in an impatient rhythm.
On the other hand, Vaelis?
She just continued eating.
As if they werenât even there.