A new beginning

The first day of her final year at the Royal Academy rolled around, bringing 

a mix of excitement and nerves. Seraphina stood at the gates, her heart feeling heavy as she looked up at the towering spires of the academy. The stone walls were familiar, like a second home. Still, today they felt more like a reminder of everything she was about to leave behind.

She adjusted her cloak, feeling the weight of the royal insignia on her shoulder. It had been almost six years since she first walked through these gates, wide-eyed and full of dreams. Over those years, she learned way more than she ever thought she would: the magic she could wield, the political drama she uncovered, the enemies she made, and the friends who had become so much more. All of it was part of her now, but it was time to step outside of the safe walls of the academy.

As she took her first step inside, her breath caught in her throat. The sound of her boots echoed in the stone courtyard. The air had that sharp fall chill, and the distant sound of the bell ringing for the new academic year felt both clear and strong.

"Seraphina!"

She turned to see Leandro, her closest friend, rushing over. His usual carefree smile was replaced by a look of curiosity; he'd definitely noticed the uncertainty in her eyes.

"Did you even sleep last night? You look like you've been fighting a dragon," he said, raising an eyebrow.

"I was just thinking," Seraphina replied, forcing a smile. "It's hard to believe this is our last year. I keep expecting someone to say I've got one more year to go."

Leandro slapped her on the back. "If you've made it this far, no way they're going to stop you now. Besides, we've got this. It's our last chance to show everyone what we can do."

She laughed lightly, but the knot in her stomach tightened again. "I'm not so sure. I've spent these last few years trying to keep up with everyone else, learning stuff I never thought I'd need. And now, we're supposed to have it all figured out. Just like that."

Leandro leaned against the stone wall, his eyes softening. "You've always figured it out, Sera. Maybe not in the way others expect, but you always find a way. You'll get through this. Plus, you're not alone. You've got me and the rest of the gang."

Seraphina really looked at him for the first time that morning. Leandro had been her rock—her partner in crime, her sounding board, her loyal friend. He was right; they had always tackled everything together. But this year felt different. The academy was no longer a place of wonder. It had become a battlefield, where each decision felt like it could make or break their futures.

"I just don't know what happens next, Leandro," she admitted, her voice low. "Once we graduate and all this is over, where do we go? What's left for us?"

Leandro flashed her a crooked grin, that familiar mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "That's the cool part. You don't need to know right now. This is the year we shape our own futures. Who knows, by the time we leave, we could end up ruling the kingdom ourselves."

Seraphina snorted, her earlier tension easing up. "Well, if you're going for the throne, I'd love to see you try."

"Don't challenge me," Leandro said with mock seriousness. "I could totally pull it off."

The bell rang again, signaling the start of the first class of the year. The courtyard began to fill with students buzzing with excitement or nerves, but Seraphina felt detached. This should've been a moment of celebration, of eager anticipation for what was next, but all she could think about was the weight of the decisions ahead.

"Are you ready?" Leandro asked, sensing her shift in mood.

Seraphina glanced up at the towering gates once more. The academy was full of possibilities, but the walls felt like they were closing in.

"I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be," she said, giving him a half-smile. "Let's make this year count."

And with that, they headed toward the doors, ready for the start of their final year.