Secrets of Elemental Kingdoms

Tremors of Mischief

A Tempest Enters – Aria Collins' First Day at Vortex Academy

Third Person's POV:

The path to Vortex Academy loomed ahead, its grand towers casting long shadows over the cobblestone walkways. Arvanya stood outside, gazing at the building with a smirk as a mischievous thought danced across her mind.

Today, she wasn't just entering another academy—she was here as Aria Collins, a new student with no royal ties or elemental mastery... at least, that's what everyone was supposed to believe.

Arvanya glanced around to make sure no one was watching and whispered to herself, "Let's see how Vortex handles a little... introduction." With a sly grin, she closed her eyes, grounding her focus.

The earth responded to her call, rumbling as it gathered strength. Her pulse synced with the rhythm, growing stronger, more powerful—until finally, she released it.

A shuddering quake rippled through the academy grounds.

Inside, chaos erupted. Students gripped desks and stumbled in the halls, eyes wide with panic. Teachers steadied themselves, their voices calling out in confusion as the entire academy seemed to sway on its foundations.

"What...? Is this another training drill?" a student gasped.

Lucian's friends, two of the most powerful fire dragons in the academy, looked around in awe, their eyes instinctively darting to Lucian.

Only he could generate such a powerful quake, they thought. But Lucian's brow furrowed as he shook his head, his voice low. "It wasn't me."

The air around him thickened as his mind raced. If it wasn't me, then who has this kind of power?

A chill of realization prickled his skin. Whatever—or whoever—was behind this, it felt monumental. It was as if the earth itself was whispering of changes to come.

Arvanya, feeling quite pleased with herself, stifled a giggle. "Maybe that was a bit too much for an entrance," she muttered, brushing her hands off as if she'd done nothing more than adjust her cloak.

"Oh well. They wanted a new student, didn't they?" Her steps were light as she approached the academy gates, her playful mood barely hiding her sense of anticipation.

As she entered the grand hallway, the murmurs and glances followed her, whispers quickly spreading about the "new girl" and the mysterious quake.

A professor spotted her and, taking note of her unfamiliar face, waved her over with a curious look.

"You must be our new student, Aria Collins," he said, offering her a quick nod of approval.

"I'm Professor Eldrin, and I'll take you to meet our principal. She's very eager to meet all new students—especially ones with a... memorable entrance."

"Thank you, Professor," Arvanya replied, biting her lip to keep from laughing. Looks like my little trick didn't go unnoticed.

He led her down a corridor lined with statues of past elemental champions, each one looking ready to leap from their marble pedestals.

Finally, they arrived at a large oak door engraved with intricate patterns representing the four elements. Professor Eldrin knocked twice and ushered her in.

Behind a grand desk sat Principal Valeria Gale, a stern woman with piercing silver eyes and hair as white as snow.

Dressed in deep blue robes embroidered with silver thread, she looked up with an assessing gaze that seemed to see right through Arvanya.