THE ONLY SON AMONGST THE DAUGHTERS OF EROS

Celestia sat stiffly in her seat, her hands clasped tightly on her lap as the ceremony unfolded.

A wave of applause erupted after the orator’s words, but Celestia’s heart wasn’t in it.

However, her eyes couldn’t help but be drawn to the towering figure of Lysandra as she entered. She certainly dressed to impress.

The Headmistress of the Royal Institution, as everyone commonly knew, was built like a striking Amazonian woman, her presence commanding and elegant.

Today, her tall, voluptuous frame was draped in robes of deep violet, trimmed with silver embroidery that glistened like diamonds under the light.

Her silver hair was designed to neat locks and shaped into a crown atop her head, accentuating her sharp facial features. As she reached the orator, her strides were purposeful, her head held high, exuding authority that demanded attention.

The applause died down once she got to the center of the stage, raising a hand to quiet the room.

From her seat high above, Overseer Theiramora watched Lysandra coldly. Clearly, the two women had a past. When Lysandra spoke, her voice, powerful and melodic, there were hints of this.

“Welcome, one and all, to this momentous occasion. To the students, the Royals, the Messengers, the Disciples, and… Overseer Theiramora,” They both locked eyes for a moment, then she looked away. “Thank you for gracing us with your presence on this historic day.”

Lysandra’s eyes swept over the crowd before continuing, “Today, we celebrate not only the traditions of excellence and leadership that define our institution but also the forging of new paths. It is my privilege to present the two individuals who will carry the weight of this responsibility, not as mere students, but as examples to inspire us all.”

Her words were met with enthusiastic applause, but Celestia’s heart sank deeper. Even though she’d already seen him that morning, she was feeling very anxious at the prospect of seeing him standing on that stage.

It was like everything had changed so much and so fast between them. It was difficult to handle or accept, but it seemed Aeric had forgotten about her.

“First,” Lysandra continued, “let us welcome our Head Girl, High Daughter Daphne of Dawn.”

The applause was thunderous as Daphne walked out from the curtains and joined Lysandra on stage. Celestia watched as her elder sister carried herself with a regal poise.

Daphne’s blond ponytail moved gently at both sides as she walked, her golden wargear gleamed brilliantly as her piercing blue eyes seemed to scan the crowd with cold precision.

Celestia watched Daphne stand tall next to Lysandra, the applause gradually dying down. Then, her heart clenched as she knew what came next.

“And now,” Lysandra’s voice rang out, “it is my great honor to introduce the first-ever Head Boy of the Royal Institution: Son Aeric of Starlight!”

People got on their feet and the hall erupted into applause and cheers, but Celestia barely heard it. Her vision tunneled as she watched Aeric rise from his seat, dressed in the ceremonial uniform of a Head Boy.

The suit seemed a bit similar to Daphne’s, except it had the red and black colors of his Region, sleek and polished, perfectly tailored to his form. A banner hung over his shoulder, bearing the crest of the Royal Institution.

He looked so… handsome. Celestia felt her cheeks flush as she stared at him. His dark hair, slightly tousled as if he didn’t care, contrasted sharply with his pale, determined face.

His sharp jawline, the set of his shoulders, his red gaze and the quiet intensity inside of it. It all made her chest feel heavy.

She suddenly began to miss when he needed her help a lot. When he wasn’t so confident and eye-catching to anyone but her. Even though that was selfish to say.

Aeric walked toward the stage with that confident stride she’d come to recognize, the one that made her heart race and ache all at once. Celestia bit her lip, willing herself to look away, but her eyes betrayed her.

As he reached the stage and stood beside Daphne, Lysandra handed him a badge — a symbol of his new position. It gleamed in the light as she pinned it onto his chest.

“Do you accept this position, Aeric of Starlight?” Lysandra asked, her voice firm.

“I do,” Aeric replied, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of tension regarding what had happened in the room Daphne had left him to.

“Then repeat after me,” Lysandra said, and Aeric began to recite the oath.

As he spoke, Celestia couldn’t help but notice the flicker of something behind his eyes.

It looked like determination, but also weariness. She could tell this wasn’t just a proud moment for him — it was the beginning of something much heavier.

Aeric knew he was stepping into uncharted territory. And although he looked every bit the leader to these people, he knew that the higher he got, the more people he would meet who could try to stop him.

His eyes moved up, ignoring the Disciples watching him and locking with the cold red eyes of the Overseer, who clearly had dark curiosity painted all over her expression.

~ ~ ~

The inauguration ceremony and the rest of the day flowed smoothly, though the air in the Royal Institution carried a newfound weight.

The ceremony had left ripples across the Daughters. Whispers filled the halls, and the glances thrown in Aeric’s direction ranged from admiration to envy. Despite this, lessons continued as normal, the structured order of the Institution bringing a sense of routine amidst the hidden tension.

Aeric attended each session, his mind only half-present. Discussions about Divinity Control, historical victories in other Wave Wars, and Cultivation Techniques filled the day.

He answered questions when called upon, which happened quite a lot. Teachers congratulated him, workers smiled around him more.

He spent all of his time with Melina. She went where he led and did what he did. Phoebe also followed, and soon everyone began to envy this new clique being formed.

At a particular class, Celestia sat a few seats away from him, her gaze frequently darting toward Aeric when she thought no one was looking. They exchanged eye contact once and she quickly looked away, although Aeric watched her for a while longer.

By the time the last bell rang, a collective sigh of relief echoed through the halls. The day was over, and the Institution settled into the quieter hum of late afternoon.

Now it was time for the most important part of the day. At least to Aeric.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the Institution grounds, the Daughters that had been chosen began to gather in their designated meeting chamber.

Deciding not to use the training room, they gathered in a grand room in one of the Institution’s oldest towers, with arched windows that framed the sprawling forest beyond.

Faeryn was the first to arrive, then others came one by one. Surprisingly, Melina entered on her own. Unsurprisingly, Nyx and Nyssa came together, and Phoebe and Celestia joined in last.

For a short moment, everyone was silent. Then, Nyx decided to be the one to speak. “Great, now we’re all here—”

“Not all of us,” Faeryn said, shutting her up.

“Aeric is on his way,” Melina spoke gently. “He said we could begin.”

“Not Aeric,” Faeryn replied, glancing at Melina.

Nyx furrowed her brows. “Then who—” Her gaze shifted to the door. “Oh.”

After the sound of approaching footsteps in a cold, warrior stride, Luna of Moonlight stepped into the room.

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