The soft chirping of birds fluttered through the silk curtains of Evelyne's dormitory window. The academy grounds were slowly waking from their winter slumber, touched by the gentle warmth of early spring. Trees began to bud again, and students—new and old—were arriving in waves, filling the courtyards with laughter, gossip, and ambition.
Evelyne Ardent sat by the window, brushing her silver hair in silence.
She had changed.
Not outwardly. To others, she was still the cold, aloof noble girl who sat at the top of the social ladder—unshakable, untouchable, and alone. But inside, her soul had lived and died once. She remembered the screams, the betrayal, and the sword that had taken her life at the guillotine.
Yet she had returned. And this time, she would not fall the same way.
A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts.
"Lady Evelyne?" came a shy voice.
She turned slightly. Standing in the doorway was a petite girl with chestnut-brown hair and wide, warm eyes. Her uniform looked freshly ironed, though slightly oversized.
"Elisse Callia," Evelyne said calmly. "You're my new roommate?"
The girl nodded quickly, fumbling with her bag. "Y-Yes! It's an honor to be assigned with you. I—I didn't think… um, sorry, I'll be quiet."
Evelyne didn't respond immediately. Instead, she studied her.
So this is the heroine of the story. The girl everyone would grow to love. The one who had once looked at her with fear… and eventually pity.
But not this time.
"You don't have to apologize for breathing," Evelyne said finally, standing. "Come in."
Elisse blinked, stunned. Then hurriedly stepped in with a nervous bow.
As they unpacked in silence, Evelyne let herself glance at the girl again.
She looked fragile. Sweet. The kind of girl born to be protected. In the past, Evelyne had scorned her innocence, seeing it as weakness. But now… she wondered if that kindness was something she wanted to shield.
"Is it true?" Elisse asked suddenly, breaking the silence. "That you… protected a commoner last year from the third-year bullies?"
Evelyne paused. She hadn't expected that question.
"…Yes," she said softly. "Why?"
Elisse smiled faintly. "Because I was there. That girl… was my cousin."
Silence stretched between them. Then Evelyne turned back to her mirror, hiding her face.
So it begins again.
---
Later that day, the dormitory halls buzzed with excitement. The second-year students were to be introduced at the grand assembly. Nobles, royals, and commoners all mingled under the sky-painted ceiling of the academy's marble auditorium.
But Evelyne felt something different this time.
Eyes followed her wherever she walked. Girls whispered. Boys stared too long. And among them, someone new leaned against a stone pillar—eyes cold and gray, like snow under moonlight.
Ciel Lirien.
He smirked slightly as their eyes met.
"I've heard the rumors," he said when she passed. "They say the empress who once ruled with cruelty now walks among us again… in a girl's uniform."
Evelyne didn't blink. "Then I suggest they bow quicker this time."
He laughed softly. "I look forward to watching, Lady Evelyne Ardent."
And just like that, the game of shadows began again.
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