Sophie's small hand tightened around Eliana's as they passed through the ornate gates, the world beyond bursting with life and color. The academy grounds were a sprawling tapestry of manicured lawns, winding pathways, and towering structures that seemed to touch the sky. Students of all ages and backgrounds milled about, their voices a symphony of laughter, chatter, and excited exclamations.
Sophie's eyes darted from one marvel to the next, her young mind struggling to comprehend the sheer scale and grandeur of it all. She had heard tales of Elysium Academy, of its prestigious reputation and the extraordinary individuals who walked its halls. But nothing could have prepared her for the reality that unfolded before her very eyes.
