The Royal Academy of Valenthia loomed before them, its grand spires and towering walls a testament to its prestige. Kaelith and Elara stepped through the wrought-iron gates, their presence immediately drawing the attention of the other students. Whispers followed them like a shadow, the twins' golden hair and striking features making them impossible to ignore. Elara's sapphire blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in the bustling courtyard, while Kaelith's crimson gaze scanned the crowd with a sharp, protective intensity.
"It's even bigger than I imagined," Elara said, her voice filled with awe as she clutched the strap of her bag. "Do you think we'll find our way around without getting lost?"
Kaelith smirked, her tone dry. "If we do, it'll be a miracle. But don't worry, Ela. I'll make sure you don't wander off."
Elara laughed, the sound light and melodic, but Kaelith's attention was already elsewhere. Her eyes darted across the courtyard, noting the clusters of students and the occasional noble who glanced their way. She didn't trust any of them. The academy might be a place of learning, but it was also a place of politics and hidden agendas. And Kaelith wasn't about to let anyone get too close to Elara.
They made their way toward the main building, where the entrance exam was to be held. The path was lined with students, their chatter filling the air as they exchanged greetings and nervous laughter. Kaelith kept a firm grip on Elara's hand, her crimson eyes narrowing as they passed a group of nobles who whispered behind their hands.
Just as they reached the steps leading to the auditorium, a young nobleman stepped into their path. He was tall, with neatly combed brown hair and a confident smile that made Kaelith's stomach churn. His eyes were fixed on Elara, his expression one of adoration.
"Princess Elara," he said, his voice smooth and practiced as he bowed deeply. "It's an honor to finally meet you. I've heard so much about your kindness and grace. I couldn't let this opportunity pass without confessing my feelings."
Elara blinked, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh, um… thank you, but—"
Before she could finish, Kaelith stepped forward, her crimson eyes blazing with fury. In one swift motion, she grabbed the nobleman by the throat, her grip firm enough to make him gasp. The courtyard fell silent, the chatter replaced by shocked murmurs as students turned to watch the scene unfold.
"Listen carefully," Kaelith hissed, her voice low and dangerous. "If you ever come near my sister again, I'll make sure you regret it. Do you understand?"
The nobleman's eyes widened, his face turning red as he struggled to breathe. He nodded frantically, his hands clawing at Kaelith's arm. Elara stepped forward, her blue eyes filled with concern as she placed a hand on Kaelith's shoulder.
"Kae, let him go," she said softly, her voice calm but firm. "It's okay. He didn't mean any harm."
Kaelith hesitated, her grip tightening for a moment before she finally released him. The nobleman stumbled back, clutching his throat as he gasped for air. Kaelith shot him one last glare before turning to Elara, her expression softening.
"You're too kind, Ela," she muttered. "Not everyone has good intentions."
Elara sighed, her smile tinged with exasperation. "I know, Kae. But you can't threaten everyone who talks to me."
Kaelith crossed her arms, her crimson eyes still scanning the crowd. "Watch me."
The whispers grew louder as they continued toward the auditorium, the other students casting wary glances at Kaelith. Among the crowd, the other heroines and Aelara watched the scene unfold, their reactions a mix of shock and curiosity.
Aelara's violet eyes narrowed as she observed Kaelith's aggressive behavior. She had heard rumors about the Solvayne twins, but seeing Kaelith in action was something else entirely. Just as she was about to turn away, a notification from the System appeared before her eyes.
[System Notification: Warning!]
Target Identified: Kaelith Solvayne
Role: Villainess
Threat Level: High
Proceed with caution.
Aelara's breath caught in her throat as she read the message. So, Kaelith was the villainess. The one who would stand in the way of her destiny. Aelara's lips curved into a small smile. This was going to be interesting.
Serenith, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow as she watched Kaelith's display. The fiery twin's protective nature was both impressive and concerning. Serenith made a mental note to keep her distance—at least for now.
Nyxara, lurking in the shadows, smirked as she observed the scene. Kaelith's ruthlessness was something she could respect. Perhaps they weren't so different after all.
Liora, standing with a group of students, frowned as she watched Kaelith threaten the nobleman. She had heard about Elara's kindness, but Kaelith's behavior was unsettling. Still, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity. There was more to the twins than met the eye.
Thalindra, her silver eyes reflecting the sunlight, watched the scene with a calm detachment. The stars had hinted at turmoil ahead, and Kaelith's actions only confirmed it. She would need to tread carefully.
As Kaelith and Elara entered the auditorium, the whispers followed them like a shadow. Elara's smile faltered as she glanced at her sister, her blue eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and worry. She knew Kaelith's protectiveness came from a place of love, but it was also a reminder of the challenges they would face at the academy.
"Kae," Elara said softly as they took their seats. "You can't keep threatening people like that. It's going to make things harder for us."
Kaelith shrugged, her crimson eyes scanning the room. "Let them talk. As long as they stay away from you, I don't care what they think."
Elara sighed, her thoughts drifting to the future. She had remembered her past life, the game's events, and the role Kaelith was supposed to play. How would she handle it? How could she protect her sister while also fulfilling her own destiny?
As the auditorium filled with students, Elara's mind raced with questions. The academy was supposed to be a place of learning and growth, but it was also a stage for the game's events to unfold. And now, with Kaelith's role as the villainess confirmed, Elara knew the road ahead would be anything but easy.
But as she glanced at Kaelith, her sister's fierce determination shining in her crimson eyes, Elara felt a flicker of hope. No matter what the future held, they would face it together. That was all that mattered.