The car slowed to a gentle speed.

Through the tinted window, the city shimmered—cobblestone streets glistening faintly under the soft glow of iron lampposts. Somewhere, a violin’s delicate notes echoes through the breeze.

Ahead, a tall gate stood proud, its ironwork etched with musical verses, a silent promise of what lay beyond.

Aria Luna Music Academy.

Catherine pressed her face close to the car window, eyes wide.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

The gates chimed softly as they opened. The car rolled forward.

They had arrived.

—

They stepped out, bags heavy on their shoulders.

Catherine spun on her heel, grinning.
“Okay, real talk—is this Hogwarts for musicians?”

Evelyn smiled quietly, taking in the view.
“It’s beautiful.”

Eluera stayed silent, her eyes fixed straight ahead. A strange weight pressed down on her chest, as if she’d crossed into a place she wasn’t sure she belonged.

—

A woman waited by the gate—poised and polished, her smile warm but measured.

“Welcome to Aria Luna, Harmony Band. I’ll be your guide.”

They nodded quietly.

“Let’s begin,” she said, turning gracefully.

They followed her footsteps onto the stone path, winding deeper into the academy.
The air was thick with faint echoes of laughter and footsteps—the subtle hum of students moving through their day.

“The Crescendo Cafeteria is to your left,” the guide explained.
“That’s where students gather between classes.”

Catherine raised an eyebrow.
“Real question—do they serve actual food? Not like that prison-gruel we had back at our school.”

The guide smiled politely, unshaken.

“And to the right is the Resonance Class,” she continued.
“Where your lessons will take place.”

She gestured toward a building with wide, arched doors.
“Inside, a stadium-style layout—rows of polished wooden tables, each paired with sleek chairs.”

Evelyn’s eyes lit up with curiosity.
“Is the class mostly theory, or do they focus on practice?”

Catherine nudged her.
“As long as I can nap during class, I’m good.”

Eluera’s gaze drifted instead toward the distant Sound Garden—a rectangular courtyard centered around a fountain, framed by gently swaying trees.

A soft whisper slipped from her lips.
“This garden… it feels special.”

Catherine’s voice softened, almost dreamy.
“It already feels peaceful just by looking at it.”

—

Their next stop was the Rhythm Dorms—tall, dome-like buildings with arched windows, divided neatly by sectors.

Inside, warmth wrapped around them. Polished wood floors gleamed under soft lighting, and cozy lounge furniture invited quiet rest.

“Each dorm room houses up to seven students,” the guide said, leading them inside.
“You three will share a room together.”

Catherine ran her fingers along a smooth railing, smirking.
“This place is way too fancy. I’m just waiting for a maid to pop out with a tray.”

Evelyn chuckled, glancing up at the high ceiling.
“Or at least an automatic vacuum. We’re definitely going to mess this place up.”

Eluera’s lips twitched into a small, hopeful smile.
Maybe... this could be home.

—

The last stop was the grandest yet: The Sanctum of Echoes.

Inside, a colossal auditorium awaited—red velvet seats tiered like waves, a stage wide enough to hold an entire orchestra, and chandeliers scattering soft starlight across the polished floor.

“The Sanctum of Echoes is the heart of the academy,” the guide said softly.

Here was where the Final Sonata would be performed—the ultimate test of dreams and skill on the spectacle stage.

Outside stretched a wide, open field, used for ceremonies, gatherings, and outdoor practice.

“That concludes your tour,” the guide said, bowing politely.
“I hope you enjoy your time here.”

The trio stood still for a moment, taking it all in.

Catherine blew out a breath, tossing her bag over one shoulder.
“Well... that was a lot of touring for one morning.
I’m pretty sure I forgot half of it already.”

Evelyn tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, voice soft but thoughtful.
“This academy is something else. Truly beautiful.”

Eluera remained quiet, her yellow eyes tracing the towering Sanctum, and the winding paths that led toward dreams she wasn’t sure she was ready to chase.

Catherine clapped a hand on each of their shoulders, grinning wide.
“Alright, team. No time to zone out — we’ve got a story to write.”