A week later...
The Academy buzzed with a strange silence. Rumors had burned through the halls like wildfire.
"The four heirs... taken by the royals?"
"Shane, Luna, Rio, and Xin... are real royalty?!"
"Did you see the carriages?!"
The students whispered, eyes glued to the massive gates of the academy, hoping to catch a glimpse.
Then—BOOM.
The trumpets blared.
The gates slowly opened.
First came rows of elite royal guards—armored in silver, blue, emerald, and gold. They lined up with military grace. Behind them…
Four dazzling carriages appeared.
From the carriage glowing with crimson flame steps out Lan Rio, dressed in a deep royal red cloak embroidered with healing sigils and lion crests. His hair swept back, eyes sharp like a commander. The crowd of girls screamed.
"Oh my god, it's Rio!"
"He's so... refined! He looks like a king!"
"He's glowing!"
From the icy blue carriage, Lei Xin walked with a composed silence, his robe elegant, sword at his side, frost aura trailing his footsteps. Even the nobles bowed their heads.
Then—Shane appeared.
Dressed in a sleek battle-style princess robe with golden flames stitched down the arms, she had a confident smirk. Her hair was so long in her kingdom's style, her steps proud and bold.
The crowd went completely silent.
"Is that... the same Shane?"
"She looks like a war goddess!"
Last, the moonlight carriage opened.
Luna stepped down like a true dream made flesh.
Wearing a flowing dress laced with stardust thread, her eyes shimmered silver under the sun. Her presence was soft yet powerful. The crowd whispered as if afraid to disturb her glow.
"She's like a moon angel."
"I feel like crying…"
Behind them, the guards bowed in sync. Even professors stood stunned.
The four walked side by side, royalty in every step.
In the garden, Sheha, Selen, Weihansol, and Yen Yu watched with wide eyes.
Sheha gripped her fan. "I... didn't know Lan Rio could be this... HOT."
Selen's cheeks turned faintly pink. "Shane looks like she could kill and heal in one smile."
Weihansol narrowed his eyes. "They were always strong... now they know who they are."
Yen Yu quietly looked at Luna. His voice low. "She's returned home."
As the four royals stopped in front of the academy, the Academy Master stepped forward.
"Let it be known—our hidden heirs have awakened. They've returned polished, trained, and blessed by their kingdoms. May this new chapter begin."
He turned, gesturing to the platform.
"Now... allow me to introduce our special guests."
Another trumpet call.
From another set of carriages, four new students stepped into view—regal, graceful, powerful.
"These are the future protectors and rivals of the realm... the four elite royals of our neighboring star kingdoms."
Princess Sheha of the Moonfire Clan, eyes sharp, posture queen-like.
Princess Selen, daughter of the Beauty Goddess, elegant yet icy.
Prince Weihansol, the mysterious sword prodigy, aura golden.
Prince Yen Yu, the noble with moonlight affinity and unreadable eyes.
The moment their eyes met the returned heirs—sparks flew.
Shane raised an eyebrow. "You again, sword guy?"
Weihansol smirked. "Glad to see you're still loud, princess."
Luna's gaze lingered on Yen Yu, heart oddly still.
This... was just the beginning.
To be continued...