"I almost forgot, Nerina. You won't believe what is happening—or should I say, the news I heard at the store just now," Mervin said.
"What happened? You sound a bit tense. Is it a serious issue?" Nerina asked after serving Aria and sitting at the table.
Everyone's eyes turned toward Mervin. The tone she had used deserved such unusual attention.
"Well, the ancient Phoenix that has been watching over and protecting us is going to arise from its place and come out..." Mervin said.
"What? Why?" Nerina asked, shocked.
Not just her, but everyone at the table was shocked.
"It has arisen to choose a bride for the prince, our soon-to-be king," Mervin announced.
"Wait, I don't understand. The Phoenix, Ignara, is going to be the one to choose the prince's bride?" Nerina asked.
"But all the royal brides come from the Vayne Clan. So if the Phoenix were to choose, it could be anywhere and anyone."
Her words immediately caught the attention of every unmarried girl at the table.
Grace, in particular, began thinking that perhaps this opportunity was meant for her.
Perhaps she could become the prince's bride.
"And it has been passed down that Ignara, the Phoenix, can never be wrong," Nia added, dropping her spoon into her empty plate.
Aria could hear everything they were saying about the Phoenix, but one thought remained in her mind.
No matter what, although she was beautiful, there were still many other beautiful girls throughout Elarion.
There was no way the Phoenix could choose her.
The topic continued for hours at the table, with everyone sharing their thoughts and speculations.
Eventually, Aria became too tired to continue sitting there and retired to her room to sleep.
---
A loud horn from the sky suddenly caught everyone's attention.
It wasn't a rumor.
It was real.
The leader of the Ashern Circle appeared right in the middle of the sky, his enormous reflection spreading across the heavens like a giant cinema screen.
His voice reached every clan, both inferior and superior.
The Phoenix Ignara had emerged after so many decades.
And it had come to choose the bride of the soon-to-be king.
The announcement echoed throughout Elarion.
Ignara could choose anyone.
From anywhere within the kingdom.
The Ashern Circle would follow the Phoenix throughout its journey, and immediately after the bride was chosen, she would leave for the palace.
It was both good and bad news.
To many people, the Phoenix's decision was a huge slap in the face to the Vayne Clan.
For generations, the Vayne had been the clan traditionally connected to the royal brides.
But Ignara was different.
The Phoenix could never be wrong.
Almost immediately, girls throughout the kingdom began preparing themselves.
They applied special makeup, perfumes, and shining balms, making sure they were always outside in case the Phoenix passed by.
Even Alex and Grace participated in what Aria considered a ridiculous act.
Aria, however, chose to live her life on her own terms.
She had somewhere else to go.
University.
Her departure was only supposed to last a week. It was an orientation and screening period, during which every student would be given a room and all necessary processes would be completed.
She refused to let the Phoenix's mission tie her down.
Just as Ignara was moving through Elarion...
So was she.
Her luggage had already been packed by her mother, who made sure everything Aria needed for the week was carefully prepared.
The entire household escorted her to the large, beautiful bus organized by the university to transport all students from the Ardentis Clan.
Aria's steps felt heavy as she entered the bus.
She sat beside the window and looked outside.
Her family stood there waving goodbye, especially Alex, whose glowing skin reflected the morning light.
"It's just one week," Aria whispered to herself.
She didn't want to become too emotional.
It was her only way of consoling her heart and stopping herself from crying.
The bus set off on its smooth journey.
Aria and the other students from the Ardentis Clan pressed their faces close to the windows, taking in everything they saw.
Most of them had never travelled beyond their own territory since they were born.
The sights of other clans, their people, buildings, and styles of dressing amazed them.
The journey became unforgettable.
A cool, frosty breeze carrying tiny golden pieces of lily dust swept around the bus as they travelled.
Before they could think much further, they had already arrived at Elarion University.
The university stood in the middle region of Elarion.
Its magnificent gates were decorated with the symbol of the Phoenix.
Statues of great warriors from different clans, legendary figures, and respected role models stood proudly throughout the entrance.
"Come down now," Mrs. Rosetta instructed, standing at the door of the bus.
Quickly, the students began stepping down and pulling their luggage with them.
"I'm Mrs. Rosetta, the warden of the Ardentis Clan hostel. Kindly follow me so I can show you your assigned rooms," Rosetta explained.
She wore a deep purple suit with a golden tie and black heels. Her brown hair was neatly pinned at the back of her head.
"Ardentis Clan hostel?" a young woman beside Aria asked.
"I thought it was a general hostel for everyone. I never knew marginalization still existed here."
Aria scoffed quietly.
The girl's words made sense.
"Yes, I'm Billy. And you?" the young woman asked, introducing herself.
"Aria," she replied, continuing to walk.
"Nice name. An Ardentis?" Billy asked.
"Yes. Everyone on this bus is an Ardentis."
"Yeah. I suspected it," Billy said with a knowing nod.
Soon, they entered the hallway of the hostel.
Finally, they reached their designated building.
It was a separate structure reserved for Ardentis students.
Aria was assigned a room, just like the other students.
It was small but comfortable, with a soft bed, a bathroom, a wardrobe, and a little balcony extending from the window.
Aria unpacked her belongings and arranged them neatly inside the wardrobe.
She didn't want to waste any more time than necessary.
This was only the beginning of her journey at Elarion University.
And she had no idea just how much her life was about to change.