Ethan shuffled awkwardly as the applause died down, slipping back into his seat among the sea of students. His heart was still racing from the headmistress's dramatic introduction. A beacon of unity? Inspire and connect? The words felt like a poorly fitted jacket—too big, too stiff, and completely out of place.
"Looks like you're the star now, Luminary," Lila whispered, leaning over from her seat beside him. Her amber eyes sparkled with amusement. "Better get used to everyone staring."
Ethan groaned under his breath. The idea of being the center of attention didn't sit well with him. Before he could respond, the headmistress resumed her speech, outlining the academy's rules and traditions. Ethan tried to focus, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the phrase that seemed to define his new life.
As the orientation ended, students began to file out of the grand hall. Ethan lingered, unsure where to go next, when a deep, melodic voice called out behind him.
"Ethan Valmont."
He turned to see a striking woman approaching. She looked too young to be a teacher, but the flowing dark violet robes she wore marked her as someone of authority. Her long silver hair glimmered like silk under the chandeliers, and her sharp violet eyes seemed to pierce straight through him.
"I am Professor Celeste Avaris," she said, inclining her head slightly. "I teach History and Mythology. A pleasure to meet the academy's newest Luminary."
Ethan shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, thanks. I guess?"
Celeste's lips curled into a faint smile, as though she found his awkwardness amusing. "You'll be meeting with me later this week for a private session. It is essential for every Luminary to understand the weight of their role and its connection to our traditions. We wouldn't want you to stumble blindly into destiny, would we?"
Her tone was teasing, but there was something in her gaze that made Ethan uneasy.
"Right," he said, nodding. "Looking forward to it."
"Good." Celeste's smile widened slightly. "Oh, and a word of advice—pay close attention to those around you. The bonds you forge here will shape your path more than you realize."
Before Ethan could ask what she meant, she turned and swept out of the hall, her robes trailing behind her like shadows.
Lila had insisted on guiding Ethan to the dorms, chattering non-stop about academy life as they walked.
"So, here's the thing about Serendipity Academy," she said, tossing her pink-streaked hair over her shoulder. "It's not just about academics or whatever. It's a whole ecosystem. You've got your cliques, your rivalries, your drama—oh, and the occasional ghost story. Keeps things interesting."
"Ghost story?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah! Like, they say the west wing is haunted by some old headmistress who—"
Lila stopped mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing. "Oh no."
"What?" Ethan asked, confused.
"You've been assigned to the wrong dorm wing."
Ethan blinked. "What do you mean, wrong?"
Lila pointed at a nearby noticeboard where a list of dorm assignments was pinned. Sure enough, his name was listed under the North Wing Dormitory – Girls' Section.
"Uh, that's gotta be a mistake," Ethan stammered.
"Maybe," Lila said with a mischievous grin, "or maybe the academy decided to spice things up. Either way, you're stuck there for now. Good luck explaining this one."
Ethan groaned, dragging his bag toward the north wing, Lila trailing behind him for her own amusement.
The dorm was surprisingly quiet when Ethan arrived. Most of the students were still unpacking or exploring the campus. He found his assigned room—a modest but comfortable space with a large window overlooking the gardens.
Just as he was setting down his bag, the door swung open.
"What are you doing here?"
Ethan turned to see Amelia standing in the doorway, her expression a mixture of shock and irritation.
"I, uh… this is my room?" Ethan said, holding up the key.
Amelia's eyes narrowed. "This is the girls' dormitory."
"I know! There's been a mix-up!" Ethan said quickly, holding up his hands. "I'm just as confused as you are."
Before Amelia could respond, another voice chimed in.
"Ethan? You're in the north wing?"
It was Lila, who had wandered in behind Amelia. She smirked, clearly enjoying the chaos.
"I guess the Luminary gets special treatment," she teased.
Amelia crossed her arms, glaring at Ethan. "You'd better get this sorted out. And stay out of trouble."
"Yeah, yeah," Ethan muttered, already dreading the inevitable awkward encounters this mistake would cause.
Later that night, Ethan sat by the window, staring out at the moonlit gardens. His thoughts were a jumble of questions and worries. What did being the Luminary really mean? Why had the academy chosen him?
A soft knock on his door broke the silence.
When he opened it, he found Celeste standing there, her expression unreadable.
"Professor?" Ethan asked, startled. "What are you doing here?"
Celeste stepped inside, her violet eyes scanning the room. "I came to deliver a warning, Ethan. You've been thrust into a role that will shape not just your future, but the future of this academy. Be careful who you trust."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ethan asked, his unease growing.
Celeste smiled faintly. "You'll understand in time. For now, focus on building connections. They'll be your greatest strength—and your greatest vulnerability."
With that, she left as swiftly as she'd arrived, leaving Ethan with more questions than answers.
As he closed the door, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life at Serendipity Academy was only beginning to unravel its secrets.