The sun had barely risen when Alessia finished packing.

Her dorm room, once filled with scattered training gear, books, and shimmering costumes tails, was now bare. Everything was neatly tucked into her travel bags. Her time at the academy was over.

Still, she didn’t regret it.

She had made her decision, and for the first time in a long while, she felt at peace.

Down in the school park, Cyrus and Cerise were waiting for her.

“You better keep your promise and visit us during winter break,” Cerise said, crossing her arms.

“Yeah,” Cyrus added, a teasing grin on his face. “We’ll even throw you a ‘failed tail dancer turned swim racer’ party.”

Alessia rolled her eyes but couldn’t help laughing. “You two are ridiculous.”

Then, without another word, she pulled them both into a tight hug.

“I’ll miss you guys,” she admitted, her voice softer now.

Cerise sniffled but played it off with a smirk. “Don’t go getting all emotional now.”

Cyrus nodded. “You’ll do great in racing, Alessia. You’ve always been a speedster.”

With a final smile, Alessia picked up her bags and turned toward the academy gates. A new path awaited her.

Meanwhile, Aurora had her own big moment ahead.

She stood beside Calloway, her fingers lightly intertwined with his as they waited at the academy’s guest lounge.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” she muttered under her breath.

Calloway smirked. “What, meeting my parents? Or me meeting your dad?”

“Both,” Aurora admitted.

At that moment, the doors swung open.

On one side, Mr. Cripiano entered, his posture as firm and composed as ever.

On the other, Mr. and Mrs. Vyacheslav arrived in their elegant attire—Calloway’s rich, aristocratic parents, known for their wealth and influence.

Aurora swallowed.

This was going to be interesting.

Calloway’s father was tall and commanding, with sleek silver scales, while his mother had a graceful presence, her deep-blue tail shimmering under the academy lights.

“Aurora Cripiano,” Mr. Vyacheslav said, his tone polite but assessing. “Calloway has told us a lot about you.”

Aurora gave a small smile. “I hope it’s mostly good things.”

His mother chuckled. “Mostly.”

On the other side, Mr. Cripiano arrived greeting Calloway's parents and turning towards him.

“You’re the siren who’s been distracting my daughter from her training studies?”

Aurora groaned. “Dad.”

But Calloway chuckled, unfazed. “I’d say she’s distracted me just as much.”

For a moment, there was silence.

Then—Mr. Cripiano cracked a small smile.

“You’ve got guts, kid.”

"He sure does, I hope you treat her well" says Mr Vyacheslav.

And with that, the tension eased.

Aurora exhaled, relieved. Maybe this meeting wouldn’t be a disaster after all.

That evening, the academy held its final celebration—a grand dance to welcome the new autumn season.

The ballroom, located near the ocean cliffs, was lit by golden lanterns that reflected off the waves. Music filled the water, echoing in the twilight.

Aurora stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching the waves shimmer beneath the setting sun.

A warm hand suddenly slipped into hers.

“Are you going to spend the whole night watching the sunset?” Calloway teased.

She turned to him, smirking. “Maybe. It’s a nice view.”

“Then let me give you a better one.”

Before she could react, Calloway pulled her onto the dance floor.

The music swelled around them, the rhythm of the ocean matching their movements.

Aurora laughed as he twirled her, their bodies moving effortlessly in sync.

The night felt like magic.

As the final song played, Calloway dipped her low, his eyes locking onto hers.

And then—he leaned in.

Their lips met, the kiss deep and warm, with the golden sunset casting their silhouettes in a soft glow.

The ocean swirled around them, the waves carrying their moment into eternity.

Volume 1 ending

(To be continued)