The gates to the inner court swung open, and Mira took her first steps into a world unlike anything she had ever known.
Compared to the outer court, where life had felt rigid yet manageable, the inner court radiated a suffocating intensity—not just in its beauty, but in the sheer weight of power it carried. The towering palace ahead shimmered under the sun, its silver-carved walls standing as a silent testament to the history of magic within these grounds. A massive tree, its roots half-submerged in a glowing pool, stood at the center of the courtyard, as if it had been there since the beginning of time. The energy here was different. Thicker. Heavier. Alive. The air pulsed with unseen power, each step through the Inner Court sending shivers of magic through Mira's veins, as if the very walls were alive and watching
As Mira stepped into the Inner Court, the change in atmosphere was instant. The air thrummed with power—denser, richer, as though the walls themselves pulsed with magic. She followed the receptionist through the towering halls, trying to suppress the nerves tightening in her chest.
They entered a grand atrium, its ceiling high enough to vanish into mist. The walls were engraved with ancient glyphs, shifting like liquid gold. At the center stood an enormous mural, its surface gleaming with enchanted light.
Mira's gaze drifted across the figures carved into the mural—eight figures, standing before eight gates.
She barely had time to take in the details before voices nearby caught her attention.
"Elder Veena took an interest in a new student? That's rare," a young woman murmured to her companion.
"The Ripe Gate is no joke. Only those with exceptional combat potential are placed there," the other replied. "Her lineage is tied to the Dawnblades… same as Kai."
Dawnblade. The name struck a chord. Mira's brows furrowed as she turned back to the mural.
Her fingers brushed against the engraving of a regal woman wreathed in golden light—Elder Veena Dawnblade, Guardian of the Ripe Gate.
So, Kai was related to an Elder. That explained a lot.
Her eyes drifted to the other names.
Ragnor Shadowcrest – Titan Gate. Strength.Seraphis Voltaris – Void Gate. Shadows.Aria Aerovault – Celestial Gate. Knowledge.
One by one, the names clicked into place. Each Elder's surname… matched one of the Seven Devils.
A quiet realization settled over her. This wasn't just a place of learning. This was a legacy.
"Mira."
She turned as the receptionist called her name.
"Your room is in the Ripe Gate, third floor." The woman gave her a calculating look. "Elder Veena rarely takes an interest in students. If you're under her, it means you have much to prove."
Mira tightened her grip on her badge.
So, this was how it was going to be.
She took one last glance at the mural, her pulse steadying.
Then she turned, stepping forward—into the heart of the academy's power.
Before she could thank him, a group of boys sauntered up beside her, their smirks immediately setting off alarms in her mind.
"Outer court girl, huh?" One of them leaned against the counter, arms crossed, expression dripping with amusement.
"You sure you belong here?" Another one snickered.
Mira exhaled slowly. She wasn't in the mood for this.
"Pretty sure," she said flatly, slipping her badge into her pocket.
The tallest one chuckled. "Better watch your back. The Seven Devils don't take in just anyone. If they let you in, it means they have plans for you." He tapped a finger against the counter, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "Hope you can handle it."
Mira forced a smile, though her patience was running thin. "Guess we'll find out."
They laughed as they walked off, and she didn't miss the way a few students nearby watched her a little too closely. She wasn't just a newcomer—she was a target.
Taking a deep breath, she turned back to the receptionist, who gave her a nod of approval. "Don't let them get to you," he said. "The inner court… it tests you. But if you're strong enough, you'll carve your place here."
Mira gave a small nod in return. Strong enough, huh? She wasn't sure what that meant here, but she would figure it out.
She climbed the steps to the third floor, gripping her badge tightly.
Her old life was gone.
There was no turning back now.