Chapter 6

Adrelo stared at his reflection in the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his plain traveling jacket. His hands trembled slightly, betraying the calm mask he was trying to maintain. The face that stared back at him was familiar yet unfamiliar, a stranger in its confidence despite the mounting dread in his chest.

"One step at a time," he murmured to himself, taking a steadying breath.

He glanced around his room, the space that had been his sanctuary during the weeks of preparation. It felt smaller now, suffocating under the weight of what lay ahead. The academy wasn't just any institution; it was a crucible, a place where legends were forged-or failures were exposed. And the original Adrelo, the one whose body he now inhabited, had already earned the latter reputation.

A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. The butler stood there, bowing respectfully.

"The carriage is ready, young master."

Adrelo nodded, grabbing his bag and squaring his shoulders. "Let's go."

As he descended the grand staircase of his family's manor, he couldn't help but notice the fleeting glances of the servants. He knew what they were thinking-that he was the disgrace of the family, the one who didn't belong in such an esteemed place as Mystevorne Citadel of Enchantment.

But he ignored their silent judgments and stepped into the waiting carriage. As the horses began to trot, the rhythmic clatter of wheels against cobblestone soothed his nerves. The world outside the window blurred into a kaleidoscope of greens and golds, but Adrelo's mind was elsewhere, preparing for the challenges to come.

****

The carriage came to a halt, and Adrelo's heart skipped a beat as he stepped out onto the cobblestone path. Before him loomed Mystevorne Citadel of Enchantment, an architectural masterpiece that seemed to defy logic.

The towering spires reached for the sky, their tips glinting in the sunlight like celestial beacons. Intricate carvings of mythical creatures and ancient runes adorned the walls, their golden accents shimmering as if alive with magic.

Vast archways framed by marble columns stood at intervals, each etched with glowing glyphs that hummed faintly with power. A cascading waterfall of light poured from enchanted fountains, flowing like liquid stars into crystal basins that reflected the heavens above.

The main building, an immense structure of white stone veined with threads of iridescent silver, seemed both ancient and timeless. Its windows glowed softly, like the citadel itself was alive, observing the newcomers with silent vigilance.

Adrelo's breath hitched. "So this is the infamous Mystevorne," he whispered, awe momentarily overtaking his apprehension.

His gaze fell upon the students milling about the grounds. Their uniforms were as regal as the citadel itself: deep navy robes trimmed with silver and gold, embroidered with the sigil of Mystevorne-a radiant star encircled by a wreath of flames. The underlayers were tailored to perfection, with high collars and fitted sleeves that gave an air of elegance. Every detail, from the polished boots to the enchanted pins that marked their academic rank, spoke of refinement and prestige.

Adrelo couldn't ignore the occasional glances cast his way. Whispers flitted through the crowd like restless leaves on the wind.

"Is that him?"

"The infamous trash bastard of the House of Dierre..."

"I can't believe he was allowed in."

Adrelo forced himself to remain calm. The weight of their scrutiny was suffocating, but he reminded himself of his plan. Keep your head high. Don't react.

Adopting a cool, nonchalant expression, Adrelo strode toward the academy's grand entrance. The massive doors were a sight to behold, crafted from dark wood and reinforced with gleaming silver runes, they were adorned with intricate carvings of stars and swirling constellations. The handles, forged into the shapes of twin dragons, seemed to radiate warmth, as though alive with latent magic.

With a firm push, the doors swung open effortlessly, revealing the academy's grand interior. The polished marble floors reflected the dazzling chandeliers above, their crystal pendants casting rainbows across the high-vaulted ceiling. Students bustled through the wide hallways, their movements a symphony of chatter and laughter.

Adrelo caught snippets of the whispers as he passed.

"Isn't he the failure of his house?"

"Why is he walking like he owns the place?"

"I heard he's only here because of his family's connections."

He clenched his jaw but kept his pace steady, his eyes fixed ahead. Let them talk. Words were harmless compared to the trials that the original Adrelo faced.

At last, he reached the dormitory building, a smaller yet equally magnificent structure nestled within the academy grounds. The exterior was adorned with enchanted ivy that glowed faintly in the twilight, its leaves shifting colors with the passing breeze.

Stepping inside, Adrelo was struck by the luxurious yet practical design. The common area was a sprawling space filled with plush chairs, enchanted fireplaces that radiated warmth without smoke, and walls lined with shelves brimming with books. Above, a vaulted ceiling painted with a shifting night sky gave the illusion of being under the stars.

The dormitory halls were no less impressive. Each door was marked with a unique rune, glowing faintly to signify its occupant. Adrelo found his room and stepped inside, his breath catching at the sight.

The room was spacious yet cozy, with a large canopy bed draped in silken sheets that shimmered like liquid silver. A desk of polished mahogany stood near the window, which offered a breathtaking view of the citadel's main courtyard.

Adrelo set his bag down, taking it all in. The room was far more luxurious than he'd anticipated, a stark contrast to the whispers of his supposed inferiority.

He sank onto the edge of the bed, his fingers brushing against the smooth fabric of the sheets. Despite the grandeur around him, the weight of his situation settled heavily on his shoulders.

"This is just the beginning," he murmured, gazing out the window at the glowing spires of Mystevorne Citadel.

Tomorrow, challenges might begin to entangle him. But for now, he allowed himself a moment to breathe, to prepare for the storm ahead.

****

Adrelo had barely unpacked before exhaustion overtook him. The weight of the day, the journey, the whispers, and the overwhelming grandeur of Mystevorne, pressed heavily on his shoulders. He decided to close his eyes, just for a moment.

The soft embrace of the silken sheets and the faint hum of magical energy in the air lulled him into a deep slumber. His breathing slowed, his face relaxed, and the tension that had marred his expression earlier melted away, revealing a serene innocence.

Moments passed in quiet stillness until the dormitory door creaked open, breaking the silence.

Standing in the doorway was a boy who seemed almost otherworldly in his beauty.

His golden-blonde hair cascaded in soft waves over his shoulders, catching the faint light of the room like spun sunlight. His delicate yellow eyes shimmered, holding a depth of innocence that seemed untouched by the world's harshness. His slim frame and slightly taller stature gave him an ethereal presence, as though he had stepped out of a painting rather than from the mundane reality of the academy.

He paused in the doorway, his gaze sweeping across the room until it landed on the figure lying on the bed. His expression shifted to one of shock.

The boy stepped forward cautiously, his eyes widening as they fixed on Adrelo.

Adrelo's sleeping face seemed almost angelic in its beauty. His dark lashes rested delicately against his pale skin, framing his closed eyes like strokes of an artist's brush. His soft, full lips parted slightly as he breathed in the steady rhythm of sleep, and a faint blush graced his cheeks, as if kissed by the warmth of dreams.

The golden light streaming through the window seemed to gravitate toward him, illuminating his features with an ethereal glow. To the boy, it was as if Adrelo had descended from the heavens themselves.

How... can someone look like this? the boy wondered, his breath catching in his throat.

He stepped closer, unable to tear his gaze away. The subtle rise and fall of Adrelo's chest, the delicate curve of his jaw, and the faint glint of light catching on his soft hair made the sight before him utterly captivating. Adrelo looked so peaceful, so untouched by the burdens of the world, that it stirred something unfamiliar in the boy's chest.

"Beautiful..." the word escaped his lips in a whisper before he could stop himself.

Adrelo shifted slightly in his sleep, a faint sigh escaping him, and the boy froze. For a brief moment, he feared the angel before him might wake and shatter the spell of this perfect moment. But Adrelo remained lost in his dreams, blissfully unaware of the awe-struck figure standing in his room.

The boy shook his head, trying to regain his composure. This... is the infamous Adrelo? The trash of the House of Dierre? He found it hard to reconcile the rumors with the ethereal beauty before him. Adrelo looked nothing like the notorious failure he had heard about. Right now, he looked pure, otherworldly, almost too perfect to be real.

He backed away slightly, his heart racing, his mind swirling with confusion. Who was Adrelo, really?

The boy, still lingering by the door, felt a strange stirring in his chest that he couldn't quite place. He was used to admiration, his beauty often left people speechless, 'but this... this was different.'

For the first time, he was the one captivated.

His delicate fingers absently tucked a golden strand of hair behind his ear as his gaze wandered around the room, searching for a distraction. His eyes fell on a small stack of belongings near the corner, carelessly unpacked but unmistakably new. Books, quills, and a finely embroidered satchel bore the insignia of the academy, suggesting their owner's recent return.

He just arrived, the boy realized. Adrelo Le Ven Dierre. The name floated through his mind with an odd weight. He had heard it whispered in hallways and spoken with contempt, the failure of the House of Dierre, the talentless bastard among prodigies.

But now, staring at the serene figure on the bed, those rumors seemed almost laughable. How could anyone associate this angelic face with the disgraceful image painted by gossip?

The boy sighed softly, his breath barely stirring the air as he moved closer to the center of the room. He tried to occupy himself by taking in the rest of the space, noting the meticulous design of the dormitory with its gilded edges and enchanted embellishments. But no matter how much he tried to distract himself, his gaze inevitably returned to Adrelo Le Ven Dierre.

There was something about him, something that demanded his attention. He was unlike anyone the boy had encountered before, and it wasn't just his looks. There was an aura around him, a quiet pull that made it impossible to look away.

Why am I so... drawn to him? The boy frowned, confusion flickering across his delicate features.

He stepped closer, his curiosity outweighing his hesitation. Slowly, cautiously, he leaned forward until his face was mere inches from Adrelo's. The boy's golden hair spilled over his shoulder, catching the faint light and framing his own ethereal features.

From this close, he could see the tiniest details-the soft curve of Adrelo's lips.

Unconsciously, the boy whispered, his voice barely audible, "You're... beautiful."

Adrelo stirred slightly, letting out a quiet sigh, but didn't wake.

The boy lingered for a moment longer, his heart racing in a way he couldn't understand. Then, realizing he had been standing there for far too long, he straightened up. His cheeks flushed faintly, though he wasn't sure why.

He turned away, gathering his composure as he made his way toward the door. The feeling in his chest still lingered, a strange mix of confusion and intrigue that he couldn't shake.

'Adrelo Le Ven Dierre', he thought again as he left the room, closing the door softly behind him. What is it about you?

The boy sighed once more, shaking his head. There was no use in dwelling on it now, he had schoolwork to attend to. But no matter how hard he tried to push the image of Adrelo's sleeping face from his mind, it refused to leave him.