Lyra nervously drummed her fingers on her lap, looking out the window as the black Escalade moved slowly through the carpool line. She couldn't believe it—she really was here.

Astralis Academy of Arcane Arts.

The most prestigious magic academy known around the world. Only the best of the best got accepted here. 

The anticipation and anxiety were nearly palpable, making the confined space of the car feel even smaller. Yadnus, her former king's guard, sat beside her. Despite his imposing size, he was a gentle giant with soft blonde hair and golden eyes that radiated kindness. His presence was comforting, a reminder of the familiar in a sea of the unknown. In the front seat, her handmaiden, Elara, turned around to face her. Elara was a slender woman with long chestnut hair and piercing green eyes, her features sharp and always filled with a blend of concern and determination.

"Princess—uh, Lyra," Yadnus corrected himself. "Remember, you need to keep a low profile. The academy is filled with students from all over Draconis but none of them can know who you really are. You're here to learn, but your safety is paramount."

Lyra nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "I understand, Yadnus. I'll be careful."

Elara leaned over the seat, her green eyes filled with worry. "Are you sure about this, Princess? There's still time to change your mind. This place... it's so different from Yruf. And the dangers..."

Lyra took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I have to do this, Elara. I need to learn more about my Moonstone. It's the only way to understand my powers and protect our kingdom."

Elara sighed, her worry evident. "Just promise me you'll stay safe, for the Queen's sake. If anything feels wrong, you contact us immediately."

"I promise," Lyra replied with a soft smile, her voice more confident than she felt.

The Escalade came to a halt at the entrance of the academy. A large white marble gate, inlaid with intricate gold metalwork, stood tall and imposing, its grand arches leading to the academy's elegant university. The gate's design was a testament to European grandeur, with delicate carvings and ornate detailing that caught the eye. Security cameras, discreetly mounted on each side, kept a vigilant watch over the entrance. Beyond the gate, the university rose majestically, its architecture a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary styles.

Yadnus opened the door and helped Lyra out of the car. As she stepped onto the cobblestone path, she took a moment to take in her surroundings. The atmosphere was electric with the buzz of students arriving for their mid term, each one brimming with excitement and anticipation.

"Here we go," Yadnus said softly, handing her a small bag. "Everything you need is in here. There should be two students that will be meeting you closer towards the entrance. They will be your tour guides and here to help you start your semester."

Lyra nodded, clutching the bag tightly. "Thank you, Yadnus. For everything."

Yadnus and Elara gave Lyra one last final hug before they got back into the Escalade. Lyra watched as the SUV drove away, leaving her standing alone at the front gates to her new life. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and turned to face the academy.

As she walked through the gates, she was met by two figures who seemed to emerge from the crowd with effortless grace. They were as different as night and day. The first was a strikingly handsome young man with silver hair that shimmered in the sunlight and the most piercing blue eyes Lyra had ever seen. He had a charming smile and a nice tan that highlighted his features, giving him an almost ethereal glow. He was dressed in a tailored suit, exuding an air of effortless confidence. His tattoos were shown from neck to his fingers, his suit covering most of them, however.

The other student to his left, was a brown skinned woman with vibrant orange hair pulled into a ponytail, a few strands framing her face. She wore sportswear that highlighted her athletic build, and her demeanor was no-nonsense and straightforward. Despite her tough exterior, there was a warmth in her golden eyes that hinted at a kind heart beneath.

"Welcome to Astralis Academy," the man greeted her with a broad smile, taking her bag from her hands. "You must be Lyra. It's an absolute pleasure to meet you. I'm Kloud and this is Alaska."

"Yes, welcome," Alaska added, her tone more measured but not unkind.

Lyra's eyes widened in surprise. "You're Kloud? Kloud Bassnectar? The Emperor's son?" she asked, her voice filled with awe. "And you're Alaska Whiterun, right?! The only dragon tamer from Yruf? And one of the best, might I add."

Kloud raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Looks like the new girl did her homework."

"Wow! It's truly a honor to be in both of your presences. Might I ask, Alaska, how did you get accepted to this school? I thought those from Yruf weren't allowed here?" Lyra inquired curiously, lowering her voice to a whisper for the last part.

Alaska frowned. "Naturally, but I'm from the border. We've had an unspoken truce with Draconis after King Sol's passing. The Emperor exempted us, which I'd think you of all people would understand. If I'm not wrong, your transcripts say you're from Draconis' border, no?"

Lyra froze, her mind racing. She knew nothing of this truce and had limited knowledge about those living along the border. "I don't pay much attention to politics and, unfortunately, I was rather...sheltered," she admitted. It was a truth.

Alaska, however, looked skeptical. Kloud quickly intervened, patting Alaska on the back before swinging his arm over her shoulder. "Well, ladies, I say we get this tour started. Lyra, you're going to love it here!" he said gleefully, changing the subject.

As they walked through the grand gates and onto the main campus, Lyra couldn't help but feel the eyes of many students on her. Whispers followed in her wake, some admiring, others curious. Kloud, ever the social butterfly, had a whole group of admirers trailing behind him, casting glances at Lyra with a mix of envy and curiosity.

"Don't mind them," Kloud said with a wink, noticing her discomfort. "They're just curious and maybe a bit jealous you're getting a personal tour from us."

Lyra managed a small smile. "I guess I'll have to get used to it."

"You're in good hands with us," Alaska assured her. "Kloud may be a flirt, but he's also one of the best students here."

"Why, thank you, Alaska," Kloud replied with a mock bow. "I never thought I'd hear those words come from you."

Lyra couldn't help but laugh at their playful banter, feeling some of her anxiety melt away. As they walked, Kloud pointed out various landmarks and important buildings on the campus.

"In front of us is the entrance to the main hall, where we have our assemblies and special events," Kloud explained. "And that building to the left is the library. It's massive—you could get lost in there for days."

"And the training grounds are to the right," Alaska added. "That's where most of the magic sparring and practical lessons take place. It's a good area to blow off some steam."

Lyra nodded, taking it all in. The academy stood as a large and majestic university , its imposing gothic-structure crowned with a striking blue roof and framed by grey stone walls. Grand entrance stairs, intricately carved and flanked by ornate railings, led up to the main building, which exuded an air of timeless elegance. Surrounding the academy were lush gardens filled with vibrant flowers and ancient trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The sky above was a clear, brilliant blue, with fluffy clouds drifting lazily, adding to the serene yet awe-inspiring scene.

Students of various races and backgrounds bustled about, their conversations a hum of different languages and accents. As they neared the dormitories, Kloud turned to her with a mischievous grin. "Now, this is where it gets interesting. Due to your late arrival, you've been assigned to a very special dorm."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Special how?"

"Well, you'll be sharing quarters with the Dragon Prince," Kloud revealed, his grin widening. "He's a bit of a mystery around here. Hardly ever comes to the academy, and when he does, he keeps to himself."

"Don't let Kloud scare you," Alaska interjected. "The Dragon Prince is a bit of an enigma, but he's not unkind. Just... reserved."

"I didn't know there were co-ed dorms here?" Lyra questioned, her eyebrows knitting in confusion.

Kloud's grin widened. "Yeah, that's the other interesting part. There isn't. But all the dorms are filled, and we wouldn't want a pretty little newcomer like yourself sleeping outside. Subzero is barely here because of his princely duties, and my dad waived the arrangement."

Lyra's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't believe she was to be roommates with the Dragon Prince. And the Emperor approved it? She had heard stories about him from her father—an incredibly wise elf, believed by many to be a descendant of a god. "I see. Well, I suppose I'll have to make the best of it," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the excitement and nerves bubbling within her.

"You'll be fine," Kloud said reassuringly. "Just enjoy yourself. And if you need anything, we're here to help."

They led her to a grand building, its facade as elegant as the rest of the campus. Outside, a group of Kloud's fangirls called out to him, their adoration palpable, but they were unable to follow past the private dorm's threshold. Inside, the hallways were lined with portraits of past students and esteemed faculty, each frame a testament to the academy's rich history and tradition. The air was filled with a sense of gravitas, underscoring the importance of this place. They arrived at a door with a brass nameplate that simply read "Prince Subzero."

"Here we are," Kloud announced, opening the door with a flourish. "Welcome to your new home."

Lyra stepped inside, her breath catching at the sight. The dorm was more like a luxurious apartment, with spacious rooms, elegant furnishings, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. There were two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a comfortable living area, and even a small kitchenette.

"This is... incredible," Lyra said, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Only the best for the Dragon Prince," Kloud said with a wink. "And now, you too."

Alaska nodded in agreement. "Make yourself at home. And remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, we're just down the hall."

Lyra thanked them both, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. As they left her to settle in, she wandered through the rooms, except the Dragon Prince's, trying to take it all in. The elegant decor, the soft furnishings, the sense of history and prestige—it was all so overwhelming.

She paused by the window, looking out at the bustling campus below. This was her new life, her new beginning. She was here to learn and to discover the secrets of her Moonstone. And maybe, just maybe, she would find a place for herself in this new world.