Amelia's carriage ventured through the winding streets of the High District, taking numerous turns before arriving at the grand entrance to Constella Academy. Before her stood a pair of large, black double gates made of iron, flanked by an imposing fence that encircled the vast expanse of the academy. In front of the gates, a solitary guard stood, his rifle resting at his side, his uniform pristine and military.
"Mrs. Green, we didn't expect you to visit," the guard called out, his voice steady yet curious. "The school year begins in two days. If I may ask, why are you here?"
Amelia barely leaned out of the carriage window before responding, her voice composed yet firm. "I came to drop off two of my friends. They have been admitted to the Academy and have been summoned by the Headmaster," she explained.
The guard leaned forward slightly, attempting to catch a glimpse of the two she spoke of. After a brief pause, he straightened up, resuming his disciplined posture.
"Do they have the letters?"
Amelia turned to the two, silently instructing them to present what was requested. With swift movements, the two retrieved their letters—each adorned with the emblem of the academy, a bold seal stamped on the parchment. The emblem was a shield, with a star embedded within it, and a crescent moon cradled inside the star. Amelia took both letters and showed them to the guard.
The guard took the letters and examined them closely. After a thorough inspection to verify their authenticity, he returned them to his side, then entered his small kiosk, pulling a lever that creaked loudly as the gates slowly began to open.
"The letters are in order. You may enter. The Headmaster is expecting you," he said, handing the letters back to Amelia.
"Thank you," Amelia replied, her voice soft but polite.
The carriage passed through the gates, the massive gates slowly closing behind them as they moved deeper into the grounds.
"Couldn't someone just deceive the guard by copying the symbol of the academy?" Tristan asked, glancing at the emblem on his own letter, his expression skeptical.
"They could," Amelia replied, her tone laced with a quiet certainty. "But they would be caught instantly."
Garfield and Tristan exchanged a look of confusion, their faces betraying their curiosity.
"Why?" Garfield inquired, his voice tinged with intrigue.
"There's a secret within the emblem of the academy," Amelia explained, her voice lowering as if to keep the words between them. "Only the five great families, the guards who protect the academy, and the Headmaster know of it."
"What is this secret?" Tristan asked, his eyes narrowing with interest.
Amelia opened her mouth to respond, but as her gaze shifted to the side, she caught the warning look in Synthia's eyes. It was an unspoken command—Do not tell them.
A shiver ran down Amelia's spine. She quickly composed herself and spoke, her voice apologetic yet resolute. "I'm sorry. I cannot disclose that information. I'm forbidden from doing so."
Tristan and Garfield exchanged a brief, puzzled glance, but neither pressed further.
The carriage continued its journey until they arrived at the heart of the academy, where a rectangular pond lay nestled between two stone paths. The water, crystal clear, reflected the sunlight as numerous fish swam lazily within its depths. On either side of the paths, lush green grass stretched far and wide, no doubt encircling the entire academy, while other stone paths diverged from the main one, leading to other corners of the institution.
The carriage veered right, stopping in front of the magnificent academy.
Synthia opened the carriage door and stepped out first, followed closely by Amelia, who took Synthia's hand for support. Garfield exited next, and Tristan, though momentarily lost in awe of the scene before him, followed last.
As he stepped onto the ground, his gaze remained fixed on the stone path beneath his feet to ensure he didn't lose his step, causing him not to immediately look up at the grandeur of the academy.
"Welcome to Constella Academy," Amelia said, her voice filled with a quiet pride.
Tristan slowly lifted his gaze, and before him rose the imposing, castle-like structure that was Constella Academy. Two grand staircases flanked the entrance, leading up to massive double doors. On either side of the building stood two enormous crimson spires, towering over the scene, while the academy's emblem adorned the space above the wooden doors. The entire structure, with its regal air, seemed like something straight out of a fairy tale—an ancient, majestic castle where kings and queens might dwell. And yet, this was the place where the future leaders of the nation of Constella would be shaped.
"This place is amazing!" Garfield exclaimed, his voice filled with unrestrained excitement.
"It truly is," Amelia replied, her eyes shining with determination. "This is where it all begins—our journey to become the people who will change the course of this nation."
Tristan said nothing, merely staring in awe at the intricate beauty of the academy.
"My lady, we shouldn't keep the Headmaster waiting any longer," Synthia said, her tone brisk but respectful.
"Yes, you're right," Amelia agreed, nodding as she began walking toward the stairs.
Garfield grabbed both his suitcase and Tristan's, setting Tristan's down beside him.
"Brother, your suitcase," Garfield said, offering it to Tristan.
Snapped from his reverie, Tristan looked at Garfield, then down to see his suitcase resting at his side.
"Thank you," he said, his voice still distant as he took the handle.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Garfield asked, his tone laced with wonder.
Tristan, not wanting to appear overly enamored with the academy's beauty, gave a nonchalant response. "I suppose."
Garfield then extended his left arm and grabbed Tristan by the shoulder, pulling him closer.
"What are you doing?" Tristan asked, confusion creeping into his voice.
"This is where it all begins for us," Garfield said, his voice filled with quiet excitement. "Our new life."
"That doesn't answer my question!" Tristan exclaimed in frustration.
"Let's go. The Headmaster is waiting," Amelia called from halfway up the grand staircase, her voice steady and commanding.
Garfield quickly released his grip on Tristan and began climbing the stairs, with Tristan following close behind. In mere moments, they stood before the towering brown doors.
They pushed the doors open and were met with the sight of a finely designed floor that stretched before them. Two grand staircases rose on either side, leading to the second floor. The design of the stairs was unusual, however; they protruded to either side, curving in strange angles as they led to separate rooms. Specific staircases for specific rooms.
Tristan and Garfield exchanged a perplexed glance, bewildered by the odd architecture.
"I know it's confusing, but you'll get used to it," Amelia said, her tone patient as she continued walking.
Tristan looked up, still puzzled by the stairs, and faced forward. Far ahead, another door stood closed.
"Where does that door lead?" Tristan asked, his curiosity piqued as he stared at it.
"That's where all the students gather to meet, dine, and converse," Amelia explained. "It's a sort of meeting hall. But for now I suggest we head to the Headmaster's office."
They then took a right turn, a left, and another right, navigating the twisting hallways and stairs. During their trek, Tristan couldn't help but voice a question that had been nagging him since they arrived.
"Amelia, you seem to know your way around this place?"
"I used to visit often when my brother attended," Amelia explained, her eyes distant for a moment. "So, I became quite accustomed to the labyrinthine design of the academy."
"I see," Tristan said, his curiosity piqued. "So Ruben went to this school?"
"Yes," Amelia replied, her voice tinged with admiration. "And he was top of his class. I hope to achieve what he did during his time here."
"Of course you will," Garfield said enthusiastically. "I haven't known you long, but I'm certain you have the ability to do so."
They took several more turns, and after what seemed like an endless journey through the maze of stairs, they finally arrived at the door to the Headmaster's office.
"This place is so confusing," Tristan muttered, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "I don't even know how we made it here."
Amelia knocked on the door, and without missing a beat, a voice echoed from within.
"Come in!"