1 Prologue

The gigantic cast iron gate is surrounded by the bricked fence walls. There’s a crown arch above it where the gold-plated emblem of the school can be seen. The big letters just a few inches below the emblem caught my attention. Last year, they were also made out of gold. But the school’s management thought that they could be more extra this year by putting up that real diamond signage on the gate.

“Alfheim Academy,” I read slowly.

Someone scanned the car’s plate number as we passed through the gate. I looked at the left window as we drove by. The pathway is surrounded with well-maintained floras. Upon reaching its end, my gaze went to the white-beige two-story building. I couldn’t help but smirk when I noticed the lights coming from one of the rooms on the second floor. Someone’s already there...

The students who’ve just arrived flocked in the landscaping located on both sides of the driveway. We stopped at the intersection to give way to other vehicles. I sighed, slowly losing patience. I looked at the extravagant fountain at the center of the intersection lazily. With the fairy lights wrapped around the trees, the fountain will light up at night; and a classical music that sounds like a lullaby will bid us goodbye.

Having our own building sets us apart from the other students. Just one turn on the left road and you’ll find what seems to be a “different” world. The other school facilities are located on the opposite direction.

Driving continuously, I was greeted with the sight of the three buildings. Their architectural designs, as well as the other facilities, brought me back to the Renaissance era. The biggest one in the middle is the main building. There are few classrooms in there as it is mainly built for the school board members, administrators, and teachers’ offices. The high school building is on the right side. And, I can see some children running toward the primary school’s building on the left.

Today marks the first day of my last year in here. I want to reminisce and look back to where it all started, but I’m in a hurry.

“We’re here, Miss,” said the driver when the car stopped in front of the main building.

That was my cue. I immediately opened the door and almost jumped off of the car. Shock was painted on the driver’s face as he thought I fell on the ground.

“Ops! I’m sorry for startling you!" I made a peace sign before I ran off.

My goodness! I have to make it on time! My ID needs to be validated before I present myself to the class. It’s the first day of school and I’d be marked as absent? I won’t let that happen!

I ignored my schoolmates’ greetings. Half-running towards the main building, I obviously looked like an idiot.

"Tania Louvelle Jaranilla!"

I paused. Feeling the steams coming off my ears, I slowly turned around. She waved at me before she crossed her arms. She didn’t even notice how pissed I am.

"W-What did you just call me?"

She smirked. "Ah, your name?"

What? My name? Since when?!

"Tania Louvelle's my name, but J-Jaranilla’s not my surname,” I said through gritted teeth.

I was about to open my mouth to give her some verbal smackdown, but she pulled my arm. We’re now heading to the bulletin board where the commotion is coming from. Our schoolmates created the most perfect vertical lines in the span of two seconds, leaving Cailah and I in the middle. Walking closer, my gaze wandered over the rankings of 4-A. The name that I want to see and will always look for, where is it? Oh, there it is…

RANK TWO: Dwight Duval Jaranilla

I smiled secretly. For three consecutive years, he managed to secure his rank. Nice try, but he must try harder next time.