Chapter 37: Back to School
The crisp, biting chill of the morning air nipped at Sapphire's cheeks as she stood at the wrought-iron gates of Fairview High, her light purple hoodie pulled snugly over her head, creating a soft cocoon around her. Her hands were buried deep within the plush sleeves, seeking warmth as she braced herself for what lay beyond those gates. After a break filled with laughter, deep conversations, and her momentous crowning as Queen Consort, returning to this bustling institution was the last thing she wanted. Yet, here she lingered, anticipation tingling in the air as she waited for Yuqi.
Suddenly, like a whisper carried by the wind, she detected something unmistakable—a sharp, intoxicating scent that cut through the coolness of the morning. It was all too familiar, sending a shiver of realization down her spine. Dragons. Not just one, but several, their presence weaving through the atmosphere like an electric current, hinting at the extraordinary reality that lay just beneath the mundane facade of high school life.
She tightened her muscles, her senses igniting with an electric thrill. Slowly, she turned her head toward the source of her unease, an instinctual warning sending her heart racing.
Five dragons strode through the throng of students with an imposing grace, as if the very air around them yielded to their presence. Their posture radiated an effortless regalness, a practiced poise that reeked of superiority. Those nearby instinctively parted, an unseen force prompting them to step aside, though they couldn’t articulate why. It was simply that the dragons exuded an authority that felt palpable, a false crown they wore like heavy armor.
At the forefront, one boy commanded attention like a performer expecting adulation. He moved with a stiff elegance, his chin held high in defiance of the casual chaos surrounding him. Adorned in a pristine uniform reminiscent of the elite private academy from which he likely hailed—polished shoes gleaming, a navy blazer tailored to perfection, and golden cufflinks that caught the morning light like miniature suns—he appeared starkly out of place amidst the sea of hoodies, jeans, and overstuffed backpacks that surrounded him.
The four figures trailing behind him—two boys and two girls—managed to blend in with the throng of typical students, their casual attire suggesting a semblance of normalcy. Yet, the way they carried themselves betrayed their true nature. Their heads were held high, eyes sharply narrowed as if surveying their territory, and their expressions wore a mask of feigned indifference. It was evident they relished the attention, displaying an air of superiority that set them apart from the rest.
As the leader strode forward, his gaze zeroed in on Sapphire with laser precision, anger flickering in his eyes as his face contorted into a disdainful scowl. “Servant,” he spat, his voice slicing through the ambient noise with a cutting clarity, “where is your mistress?”
Heat surged through Sapphire’s chest, igniting her cheeks with a fierce blush. With a determined stride, she advanced, her voice chilling the air around her. “First, I am no one’s servant. Second, you’d best reconsider that attitude before the Queen arrives.”
A chorus of snickers echoed from behind him, sharp and mocking. One girl stepped forward, her presence commanding and elegant, with long, raven-black hair that flowed like silk in her wake. Her emerald eyes sparkled with mischief, lit by an inner fire of amusement.
“Damn, Sebastian,” she teased, a smirk playing on her lips. “You’re already getting called out on your attitude—and by a commoner, no less.”
“Shut it, Melody,” Sebastian shot back, his expression tightening as he struggled to contain the fury bubbling beneath the surface. “I still can’t comprehend why your family would bother sending you to compete against me for the Queen’s hand.”
Sapphire erupted into a cascade of laughter, her voice bright and melodic. “You’re attempting to win Yuqi’s hand? Oh my gods, the palace must be eons behind on their news updates! Yuqi has already encountered her true mate. We’ve forged a bond. It’s settled, and there’s no going back.”
The dragons flanking Sebastian fell completely still, their expressions morphing from disbelief to concern. Sebastian turned to her, fury blazing in his eyes like molten lava. “How dare a mere commoner speak the Queen’s name with such flagrant familiarity—”
But he never had the chance to finish his sentence.
A crushing wave of pressure rolled through the air like the unexpected strike of thunder, washing over the group. The atmosphere shimmered, and even the unsuspecting students nearby—human and blissfully unaware—felt a shiver race through them, as if they had encountered something primal and ancient.
In that moment, all five dragons fell to their knees, struggling for breath as they succumbed to the overwhelming weight of an undeniably greater presence that swept over them like a tempest.
From behind them, a voice resonated—low, melodic, and undeniable. “She’s not a commoner,” Yuqi declared, stepping into the light. Her jeans hugged her legs, tucked neatly into rugged boots that spoke of journeys untold, while her hoodie, casually pulled halfway up her sleeves, framed her striking silhouette. The amulet around her neck shimmered softly, catching the light like a star captured in glass. Her gaze focused intently on the group before her, power emanating from her in waves, fierce as a wildfire raging through a dry forest. “She’s been crowned Queen Consort… and she is my true mate.”
The dragons, still kneeling in her presence, dared not raise their eyes, the weight of her words heavy in the air.
Yuqi strode forward with purpose until she stood beside Sapphire, her hand brushing lightly against hers—a moment of connection brimming with depth. Without a moment’s hesitation, she leaned in, sealing their bond with a kiss that was slow, sweet, and completely unreserved. It was a statement, a promise—a profound declaration of love that echoed through the hearts of those bearing witness.
As she gently withdrew, a soft smile played on her lips, illuminating her face with warmth. "Ready to start the day?" she asked, her voice melodic and inviting.
Sapphire’s expression transformed into a radiant beam, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I am now,” she replied, her voice filled with a lightness that matched her spirit.
Together, they intertwined their fingers, a symbol of unity and strength, and stepped through the grand front doors. The massive wooden doors creaked softly, echoing in the vastness of the hall, as they left behind the five nobles, who remained kneeling in hushed reverence. The air crackled with a mix of awe and tension, thick with the weight of silence.
The Queen had arrived, her presence commanding and regal, and she was not here to be challenged.
The suffocating pressure that filled the air dissipated the moment Yuqi gracefully slipped through the towering front doors of the school. A palpable sense of relief washed over the five dragons still kneeling on the concrete walkway, their gasps barely audible amidst the silence. Freed from the invisible weight that had crushed their spirits, they felt their pride lay in tatters, utterly crushed beneath the formidable presence of the Queen.
Just as they began to gather their composure, a soft, melodic laugh sliced through the stillness.
“Well,” chimed a younger girl, her warm brown complexion glowing with a radiant energy, and her straight black hair cascading into a sleek braid that danced lightly down her back, “it seems your chances of winning the Queen’s hand have all but vanished. So much for your illustrious family’s grand designs to seize control of the palace.” Her voice was filled with a mix of amusement and pity, echoing through the empty hall like a playful breeze teasing the remnants of their shattered ambition.The crushing pressure lifted the moment Yuqi disappeared through the school’s front doors. The five dragons still on their knees gasped quietly, finally able to move again, their pride shattered under the weight of the Queen’s undeniable presence.
Sebastian’s piercing gaze shot toward her, laden with venom. “Mila,” he growled, his voice a low rumble filled with barely contained rage.
Mila met his glare with an unbothered smile, her confidence radiating in stark contrast to the fury that simmered in his tone.
Slowly, Sebastian rose to his full height, the subtle movement elegant yet assertive, as he brushed away imaginary dust from the lapels of his blazer—an attempt to rid himself of the humiliation he felt clinging to him like a persistent shadow. “You’d do well to remember your place in this,” he said, his voice now edged with a menacing chill. “You and your brother shouldn’t even dare to be here. The council would never sanction either of you being anywhere near the Queen.”
His gaze flicked warily towards the grand front doors, narrowing with suspicion. “And as for that commoner,” he added, his tone dripping with disdain, “I’ll ensure she knows exactly where she truly belongs.”
“Good luck with that,” a voice interjected, smooth and confident, slicing through the tension like a knife.
A tall figure rose beside Mila, his sharply defined cheekbones framing a face that radiated an air of quiet calculation. He stood with an easy nonchalance, hands tucked casually into the pockets of his black hoodie, a deliberate contrast to Sebastian's seething rigidity. His stance was relaxed, yet his amber dragon eyes shimmered with a challenging intensity, as if daring Sebastian to pursue his threat.
“She’s already been publicly declared as the Queen Consort,” Max interjected, his tone clipped as he leaned forward slightly, emphasizing his point. “I recall the words that were spoken—Yuqi and Sapphire are bound by true mateship. That’s a connection that can't be shattered, not even by your overconfidence or your father’s influence.”
Sebastian’s hands tightened into fists, his nostrils flaring in frustration, rage simmering just beneath the surface as he fought to maintain his composure.
Mila shifted her posture, her voice maintaining a lightness that barely concealed the steely resolve beneath. “We didn’t come here to vie for her affection. That has never been our intention.”
She tilted her head at Sebastian, her eyes glinting with mischief as a sly smile danced on her lips. “We have other plans, you know. And none of them involve kissing up to stuck-up dynasties like yours.”
Max, standing beside her, nodded in agreement, his expression a mixture of defiance and satisfaction. “You just keep stewing in your own failure,” he added, the words dripping with contempt.
Mila gave a playful wave, her hand flicking through the air like a light breeze. “Bye now,” she chimed, her tone light and carefree.
With that, the siblings turned, their movements elegant and assured as they strolled across the sunlit courtyard, parting ways with a fluid grace that spoke of years of practice in silent communication. The crowd of human students around them—oblivious to the simmering dragon drama that had just unfolded—milled about in a haze of laughter and chatter, completely unaware of the tension brewing just beneath the surface.
Yet among the dragons, the atmosphere was electric, the unspoken divisions palpable. Lines were forming, and it was clear that not everyone was standing on the same side.
Sebastian stood rooted in place, a storm of emotions swirling within him as he watched Mila and Max vanish around the corner of the building. His jaw clenched, and fury contorted his features, casting shadows across his face. “This isn’t over,” he hissed through gritted teeth, each word dripping with defiance.
But for now… the battle was lost. The Queen had made her choice, and her decree resonated with an authority that eclipsed any decision the council could ever hope to impose. It was a power that reverberated through the very core of the kingdom, leaving him feeling small and powerless in its wake.
Melody stood in hushed stillness, her heart a tempest of thoughts, as Mila and Max strolled away, their backs fading into the distance. Her features remained a mask, betraying nothing to the world around her, while she observed Sebastian simmering beside her. His frustration radiated like heat from an open flame, his pride visibly singed, and his jaw clenched tight as if holding back a torrent of words unspoken.
But Melody was no stranger to the complexities of power dynamics. She had learned to temper her emotions with sharp political insight, and she recognized the futility of challenging an opponent who wielded such formidable strength—especially one destined to be the Queen's true mate. Yuqi's show of power had not only been magnificent but irrevocable, a statement that echoed in the air long after her ethereal presence had departed.
In that moment of quiet reflection, a thought sparked in Melody's mind. If the Queen’s affections were unattainable, perhaps a different path lay before her—one that could lead her to earn the Queen’s favor, or at the very least, her ear.
Melody adjusted the collar of her tailored jacket, the crisp fabric brushing against her skin as she pivoted away from Sebastian. Her mind raced ahead, mapping out strategies like a skilled chess player anticipating every possible move. She was ready to offer not just her skills but her unwavering loyalty and keen insight. The corridors of power held more opportunities than mere marital alliances, and if the whispers about the Queen’s inexperience held any truth, Melody could almost taste the ripe opportunity hanging in the air, sweet and tantalizing.
In stark contrast, Carter lingered at the periphery of the gathering, his figure relaxed yet alert. He maintained an unassuming silence, making no attempt to draw attention to himself. His expression was a mask of neutrality, but his keen, observant eyes darted around, analyzing every flicker of emotion on Yuqi’s face, every word that slipped from her lips, and every subtle gesture she made.
Carter was no conqueror seeking fame or glory. His heart was tethered to another, a mate patiently waiting for him back in the eastern province. He was not here to vie for power; instead, he had a singular purpose driven by familial loyalty: to gather information, a task as vital as any mission in the court's treacherous game.
Curiosity buzzed through the air as they sought to uncover the boundaries of the new Queen's power. Whispers filled the corridors about how she wielded her authority, the intricate webs of trust she spun, and the frailties they might exploit should the political winds shift unexpectedly. Carter, with his talent for blending into the background and absorbing every detail, had always excelled at playing the quiet observer.
Each dragon had their own motives for gathering in this charged environment, yet there was an unspoken understanding among them about Sebastian's true intentions. He was a relentless predator, his sights firmly set on something—though what exactly remained shrouded in mystery.
Later that day, as the bell rang, signaling the transition between second and third period, Yuqi made her way to her locker. A familiar sensation prickled at the nape of her neck—a distinct and arrogant presence inching closer behind her. She refrained from looking back; it was unnecessary. The scent of ambition clung to him like an overpowering, cheap cologne, saturating the air around her and heightening her senses. She could feel the tension crackle, an electric charge warning her of the showdown that loomed on the horizon.
Sebastian stepped into her path, his demeanor shifting with the grace of a seasoned diplomat. The warmth of his previous smile faded, replaced by a calculated coolness that suggested a careful performance.
“My Queen,” he intoned, his voice smooth as polished marble as he leaned against the locker beside her, creating a barrier both physical and metaphorical. “I believe we may have started off on the wrong foot earlier.”
Yuqi regarded him with a slight tilt of her head, arching an elegant brow, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
“I am Sebastian,” he continued, his tone dripping with affable confidence. “Son of High Councilman Reeves. The council has bestowed upon me the honor of formally courting you.”
Yuqi’s gaze remained unyielding. She did not blink; laughter did not escape her lips.
She raised her hand with an elegant, deliberate motion, silencing the room with her authoritative presence.
“I’m going to stop you right there, Sebastian,” she stated, her tone as cool and unyielding as steel.
He flinched, just slightly, the flicker of surprise dancing across his features.
“The council,” she continued, her voice steady yet commanding, “has no power over my choice of mate. None whatsoever. I have already discovered my true mate, a bond forged in a way that transcends mere politics. And nothing—not you, nor the council's machinations, nor even your father’s desperate ambitions—will ever tear us apart.”
Sebastian opened his mouth to protest, but before a sound could escape, Yuqi stepped forward, the air around her growing colder, sharper. Her gaze locked onto Sebastian's, brimming with unwavering resolve that left no room for doubt.
“You can take your little entourage and go play your power games with someone else,” she said, her voice a silken whisper that felt like ice against his skin. “You will never be King Consort. Not in this life. Not in any other.”
Leaning in slightly, she let her words slip into his ear, each syllable laced with a calmness that belied the intensity of her warning. “And if I ever learn that you’ve so much as entertained the thought of harming my mate… I will send a message to your father so loud and clear that the entire high council will remember it for generations to come.”
Sebastian’s complexion drained of color, a stark contrast against the opulent decor of the hall as he processed her chilling threat.
Yuqi stepped back, offering him a tight smile that did little to mask the fire in her eyes. She turned on her heel, her hoodie billowing behind her like a cape, leaving an unmistakable heat lingering in the air long after she had moved away.
At the end of the hall, Sapphire waited for her, a knowing smile gracing her lips, as if she was fully aware of the storm that had just passed through.
As the late morning sun streamed through the tall windows, Yuqi and Sapphire made their way to gym class, one of the three classes they now shared together. After the intense encounter with the noble dragons earlier in the day, both girls craved the stability and simplicity of their physical education class. The gym felt like a second home, with the distinct scent of polished hardwood floors wafting through the air, the rhythmic squeak of sneakers against the surface, and the lively echo of basketballs bouncing across the court—each sound wrapped around them like a comforting embrace.
Walking into the girls' locker room, the familiar clatter of lockers being opened was a welcome sound. Yuqi gracefully pulled open her assigned locker, the metallic hinges creaking slightly in response. She slipped off her outer layers, feeling the cool rush of air against her skin. Sapphire, standing nearby, adjusted her gym shorts with a small tug at the waistband, her expression one of determination and readiness.
Just then, another locker swung open beside them, and a cascade of jangling charms announced the arrival of Mila. The vibrant energy of the moment infused the space with an unmistakable buzz, signaling the start of another exciting gym class.
The dragon girl, radiating an air of nobility, gently set down her bag with a soft thud, her emerald eyes glinting as she offered them a quick, neutral smile—a gesture that seemed both welcoming and guarded. Sapphire, however, responded on instinct, a low, throaty growl escaping from her chest, rumbling softly yet emphatically above the din of animated locker room chatter. The tension in the air thickened as Yuqi’s sharp gaze darted between Sapphire and the new arrival, muscles coiling like a spring, ready to react.
Mila, sensing the rising unease, raised her hands halfway to shoulder level in a gesture of peace. “Hold up! I’m not here to stir up trouble,” she quickly interjected, her voice steady and composed, a contrast to the turbulent atmosphere. “My brother and I have no intention of getting in the middle of whatever this is.”
With a wary expression, Yuqi continued to scrutinize Mila, eyes narrowed, reading every flicker of emotion on her face.
“Our mother holds a low-tier noble status,” Mila elaborated, speaking with careful precision as she maintained a respectful tone. “But we didn’t come here for courtship. My father runs a modest tech firm, and we were hoping to gain a foothold with your company.”
Yuqi tilted her head, curiosity piqued and a hint of skepticism lingering in her expression. “So you’re here on business?”
Mila nodded thoughtfully, her expression earnest. “Exactly. It’s about mutual benefit, not just gaining political clout. My brother and I volunteered to be here, not only to observe you but to learn— to grasp your unique leadership style, and ideally, to forge some trust along the way.”
Yuqi relaxed her posture, leaning back against the cool metal of her locker door, her body language softening. “Your father could have simply reached out to my board,” she remarked, her tone casual yet probing.
Mila laughed lightly, a warm sound that filled the air as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. “It’s not that straightforward. His company is relatively small, and honestly, most of the time, we can’t even get a return call. But if we had your recommendation...” Her voice trailed off, leaving the suggestion hanging between them with a palpable tension.
“Your proposal could be fast-tracked,” Yuqi interjected with a teasing grin, the corners of her lips tugging up in a playful smirk that hinted at an inside joke.
Mila, her eyes sparkling with delight, tapped the side of her nose with a conspiratorial grin. “Exactly,” she replied, the enthusiasm in her voice palpable.
Sapphire observed the exchange from a slight distance, her posture poised yet subtly protective as she positioned herself between Mila and Yuqi. Her dragon instincts, always vigilant, kept her on edge, though she couldn’t help but notice how the underlying tension among them had begun to dissipate like morning mist under the sun's warmth.
As the trio stepped out of the bustling locker room, they were greeted by the vibrant sounds of the gym; the sharp, commanding whistle cut through the air like a sudden gust of wind.
Class commenced without much fanfare, the energy in the gym palpable. The girls were directed to the volleyball court, their hearts racing with anticipation, while the boys claimed the basketball side with a boisterous enthusiasm that echoed off the walls. Most students appeared thrilled by the prospect of competition, yet a handful seemed more interested in showcasing their prowess rather than engaging in genuine play. The mix of eagerness and bravado filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that promised an eventful day ahead.
As Yuqi skillfully bumped the ball over the net, her eyes locked onto Sapphire's, and a mischievous smirk crept across her face. With swift agility, Sapphire dove after the ball, her movements fluid and precise, sending it soaring back over the net with a flawless return.
Nearby, Mila stood captivated by the antics on the basketball court, where a group of boys were showcasing their bravado. One particularly boisterous boy attempted an overly dramatic move, springing into the air with exaggerated flair, only to miss the rim entirely. The ball careened wildly off course and crashed against the padded wall with a resounding, hollow thud.
Mila erupted into laughter, the sound bright and contagious. “Boys,” she declared, turning back to Yuqi and Sapphire with a playful glint in her eyes, “always strutting around like they’re able to impress a female.”
Yuqi let out a snort of amusement. “You’d think after all this time they’d finally catch on.”
“Especially since everyone in this school already knows,” Sapphire quipped, her lips curling into a knowing smirk, “we’re firmly in the no-go zone.”
The three of them shared a hearty laugh, the earlier tension dissipating like mist in the morning sun. Meanwhile, the boys remained blissfully oblivious, their laughter echoing around them, completely unaware that they were the subjects of a private joke among friends.
For Yuqi and Sapphire, it was as if a gentle breeze had swept through, refreshing their spirits with a much-needed normal moment. In the midst of their extraordinary lives bound by royalty, dragons, and the deep connection of their soulmates, it was a relief to simply share laughter over clumsy basketball layups and exaggerated displays of bravado.
As the world around them became increasingly complex and tangled, these small, joyful interludes provided a reassuring anchor. They momentarily transported them to a realm of carefree teenage life, where the weight of looming responsibilities faded into the background, allowing fleeting bursts of laughter and camaraderie to shine brightly in the shadows of their extraordinary existence.