Chapter 2: Sharing a Dormitory

The grand hall of the academy was an overwhelming sight, even for someone as composed as Amelia Ashbourne. The intricate banners of the three kingdoms hung from the vaulted ceilings, each radiating its kingdom's essence. Gilmoria's golden sunburst glimmered with embroidered light, Envidal's black and crimson sigil burned with foreboding power, and Solaria's shimmering moon and starry runes seemed alive, pulsing faintly with magic.

All students from all the three kingdoms milled about the hall in clusters, their voices creating a low hum of conversation. The air was thick with curiosity, tension, and unspoken weight of rivalry.

Amelia stood near the Gilmoria group, her back straight and her expression neutral. She had been trained to hold her emotions in check, especially in unfamiliar and potentially hostile environments. Her fathers voice echoed in her mind: A princess does not falter, even when surrounded by enemies.

Lara, standing slightly behind her, fidgeted nervously. "Do you think they're watching us?" she murmured, her voice barely audible.

"They're always watching," Amelia replied calmly, her sharp blue eyes scanning the crowd. She caught a few glances from the witches, their gazes cool and enigmatic. The demons, however, were far less subtle.

At the far end of the hall, the group of Envidalian students stood like shadows against the light. Their presence was magnetic, commanding attention whether one wanted to give it or not. They were tall and imposing, their dark attire tailored with sharp precision. Their crimson eyes glowed faintly, making them as creatures born of fire and darkness.

And at the center of them was him.

He moved with a grace that belied his size, his steps silent yet commanding. The other demons naturally fell in line behind him, their deference speaking volumes about his status.

Lara followed Amelia's gaze and let out a low whistle. "That's got to be someone important. Maybe a prince."

"Maybe," Amelia replied, her tone carefully neutral. She forced herself to look away, unwilling to give him satisfaction of her attention for too long.

Before Lara could reply, a bell rang out, clear and resonant. The conversation in the hall hushed instantly, and all eyes turned toward the front of the room.

An imposing figure stepped forward onto the raised dais. She was a tall woman with silver hair and sharp, hawkish features, dressed in gray robes. Her presence commanded respect, and when she spoke, her voice carried easily through the hall.

"Welcome to the Academy once again," she began, her tone both warm and authoritative. "You stand here today not as princes or princesses, not as soldiers or mages or whatever title you may have back at home, but as equals. The Academy is a place where titles mean nothing, and only skills and discipline will carry you forward. Remember this: the world does not favor the weak." her gaze swept the room, lingering briefly Amelia, the witch prince and then on Him. 

"The Academy is not merely a place of learning. It is a test. A test of your strength, your resolve, and your ability to rise above the divisions of your birth. Remember , your kingdoms have entrusted you with their futures. Do not disappoint them." the headmistress continued.

"The Academy was forged from war, but it is built on the hope of peace. Whether you embrace or reject that hope is up to you, my advice is don't start one." 

A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mix of pride and pressure settling over the students.

The headmistress raised a hand, and the room fell silent once more. "Now, you will be assigned your quarters. Each dormitory houses students from all three kingdoms. Consider this your first challenge to coexist."

A collective tension filled the room. Amelia's stomach tightened. Sharing a space with demons? It was unthinkable. And yet, here she was, bound by duty to play along.

The headmistress began calling out names, pairing students with their assigned dormitory groups . Amelia listened carefully, her posture rigid as she waited for her name.

"Amelia Ashbourne of Gilmoria," the headmistress announced.

Her heart skipped a beat.

"You will be in Dormitory seven."

A flicker of movement caught her eye, and her breath hitched. The demon leader was stepping forward.

"Kael Blackthorne of Envidal," the headmistress continued. "Also assigned to Dormitory Seven."

The hall was silent for a moment, and then the whispers began.

Amelia's hands clenched at her sides. This must be a mistake.

Lara's eyes were wide in shock. "You're kidding. Him?"

Amelia didn't reply. Her gaze was locked on Him, who was now standing at the front of her, his storm gray eyes flickering in her direction.

There was no shock on his face, no hesitation. If anything, he looked faintly amused.

The headmistress continued to call names, but Amelia barely heard them. Her mind was racing. Sharing a dormitory with a demon– no with him–was a nightmare. And yet, she could already feel the weight of her fathers expectations pressing down on her. She couldn't afford to falter.

When the headmistress dismissed them, Amelia squared her shoulders and made her way to the dormitory. Lara trailed behind her, muttering under her breath about bad omens and unfortunate luck.

The dormitory was spacious, well–furnished with a large common area and separate sleeping quarters. It was neutral in design, with no hint of allegiance to any kingdom.

Kael, his name as the headmistress called, was already there when they arrived. He was leaning casually against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes met Amelia's as she entered, and a slow, almost imperceptible smirk curved his lips.

"So," he said, his voice deep and raspy, "we share dormitory, Little flame."

Amelia forced herself to remain calm, her expression icy. "This doesn't change anything."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Did I say it did?"

Amelia raised an eyebrow "And my name is Amelia."

The tension between them was palpable, crackling like a storm on the verge of breaking.

Lara cleared her throat awkwardly. "Um, I think I'll… go unpack." she disappeared into one of the side rooms, leaving Amelia and Kael alone in the common area.

Kael pushed off the wall and took a step closer to her. "You know," he said, his tone light but laced with something darker, "this could be interesting, little flame."

Amelia's eyes narrowed. "Don't mistake this for an alliance. I don't trust you, Demon"

He tilted his, studying her with unsettling intensity. "Good. trust makes you weak."

For a moment, they stood in silence, locked in a battle of wills. Then Kael stepped back, his smirk returning. "Try to keep up, little flame."

He turned and walked away, leaving Amelia alone with the weight of her growing unease–and something else she couldn't quite name.

For the first time in her life, she wasn't sure what the future held.