A Game of Shadows

Noir turned the black Joker card between his fingers, feeling its rough edges press into his skin. The flickering lanterns on the balcony cast shifting shadows over his face, his ice-blue eyes reflecting the faint golden glow.

An invitation to the underground duels.

Where real power was tested.

Where rules meant nothing.

Caius Evernight leaned against the stone railing, watching him with quiet intensity. The Jack of Spades didn't waste words—everything he said carried weight. And right now, Noir could feel the unspoken challenge in the air.

"Why me?" Noir asked, his voice calm.

Caius smirked slightly. "Because you're an unknown variable."

Noir flicked the card once, letting it spin through his fingers. "And that's a good thing?"

"That depends," Caius replied. "For some, an anomaly is dangerous. For others, it's an opportunity."

Noir let the words settle. The Executors—the academy's shadow enforcers—were already watching him. If he entered the underground duels, he'd be exposing himself even more. And yet… he wasn't the type to sit idly by while fate tried to dictate his path.

He slid the Joker card into his coat pocket. "Fine," he said. "I'll play."

Caius nodded, pushing off the railing. "Tomorrow night. Midnight. West Wing Courtyard. Don't be late."

And just like that, he disappeared into the dimly lit corridors, leaving Noir alone on the balcony.

A gust of wind brushed against his skin, carrying the scent of rain.

Noir exhaled softly, tilting his head up toward the sky.

He had come to the Grand Arcana Academy expecting resistance. But he hadn't expected the weight of so many eyes on him so soon.

The Ace of Spades was a cursed card.

A Joker was a hunted anomaly.

And he… was both.

For the first time in a long while, Noir felt something stir deep in his chest.

Excitement.

Because if fate had stacked the deck against him…

Then it was time to cheat.

Noir moved through the academy halls, blending into the flow of students. Whispers followed him, eyes lingering a little too long before looking away. His demonstration at the entrance trials had already made him infamous. Now, his presence felt heavier—like people were waiting for him to snap.

He ignored them.

At least, until he turned a corner and nearly collided with someone.

A flash of silver hair.

A sharp intake of breath.

Noir barely had time to react before a dagger glinted in the dim light, stopping just an inch from his throat.

Selene Avaris.

The Queen of Spades grinned, crimson eyes alight with amusement. "Tch. You're quick."

Noir remained perfectly still, his gaze locked onto hers. "You were aiming for my face," he said dryly.

"Maybe," she admitted, flipping the dagger effortlessly between her fingers before slipping it back into her belt. "Or maybe I just wanted to see if you'd flinch."

Noir let a slow smirk curl his lips. "Did I?"

Selene studied him for a moment before laughing. "No. And I like that." She stepped back, folding her arms. "So, what's this I hear about you getting a special invitation?"

Word traveled fast.

Noir pulled the black Joker card from his pocket and spun it between his fingers. "I take it you've been to the underground duels."

Selene's smile sharpened. "Oh, I don't just go to them."

Noir raised an eyebrow. "You run them."

She winked. "Now you're getting it."

That explained a lot. The House of Spades thrived in deception, and Noir had suspected Selene had more influence than she let on. But this? This meant the underground duels weren't just some rogue event.

They were her game.

"You still planning on showing up?" Selene asked, tilting her head.

Noir pocketed the card. "Wouldn't miss it."

"Good," she purred. "Then I'll make sure you get a proper welcome."

Something about the way she said it made him suspect that the night ahead was going to be more than just a simple fight.

Not that he minded.

Noir liked challenges.

And if the underground duels were the next piece in this game…

Then it was time to play.

The West Wing Courtyard was empty, the usual foot traffic absent in the dead of night. Noir moved swiftly through the shadows, following the faint echoes of distant voices.

Then, he saw it.

A hidden entrance beneath the old stone bridge.

Stepping inside, he was met with a sight that made even him pause.

A vast, cavernous arena stretched before him, carved deep beneath the academy. The glow of enchanted lanterns bathed the space in a crimson hue, illuminating the makeshift battlegrounds. Students from every House gathered along the balconies, murmuring with anticipation.

And at the center of it all—

Selene Avaris.

She stood atop a raised platform, arms outstretched.

"Welcome," she called, her voice carrying through the underground chamber. "To the real Grand Arcana Academy."

Noir descended the stone steps, his presence already drawing attention. Some students eyed him with curiosity, others with barely concealed hostility.

Then, Selene's crimson gaze locked onto his.

Her lips curled into a wicked grin. "And tonight's first challenger?"

She pointed straight at him.

"Noir Vale."

A low murmur rippled through the crowd.

Noir's smirk didn't waver. He had expected this. Selene wasn't the type to let him simply watch from the sidelines.

He stepped forward, unbuttoning his coat, letting it fall from his shoulders.

"Fine," he said, rolling his wrists. "Who's my opponent?"

Selene chuckled. "Oh, don't worry."

Her grin widened.

"You'll like this one."

And as a figure stepped into the arena, Noir's eyes narrowed.

Because standing before him was not just any challenger.

It was Caius Evernight.

The Jack of Spades.

And his golden eyes burned with something dangerous.

Something hungry.

The crowd roared as the duel began.

And Noir?

Noir smiled.

Because fate had just shuffled the deck.

And he was about to cheat the game once more.