Graduation ceremony

The ceremonial hall was a breathtaking display of opulence and grandeur, though it hardly impressed me.

Crystal chandeliers cast shimmering light across gilded walls, their intricate carvings weaving stories of ancient triumphs.

Rows of chairs lined with silk cushions stretched toward the grand stage at the front, where dignitaries sat, whispering amongst themselves in a futile attempt to appear important.

Beyond the towering windows, the golden hues of late morning poured in, bathing the room in an ethereal glow. 

People milled about, dressed in their finest, their faces alight with excitement and pride. The graduates, clad in robes of deep blue and silver trim, gathered near the stage.

Their smiles were broad, their eyes shining with the thrill of accomplishment. For them, this was a day of significance, a milestone to cherish. For me, it was simply another stage for my inevitable brilliance. 

I sat in the front row, poised as always. My gown shimmered under the light, and the weight of my achievements seemed to radiate from me, keeping everyone at a respectful distance.

Beside me sat Levan, my fiancé.

His tailored black suit accentuated his sharp features high cheekbones, piercing green eyes, and hair the color of dark chocolate, perfectly combed back.

His demeanor was stoic, his every movement precise. He was handsome, undeniably so, though I often found his perfection dull. Still, he was a fitting match for someone of my stature. 

"You look radiant, Xyra," he said, his voice low and smooth, leaning slightly toward me. 

"Of course I do," I replied, my tone cool but self-assured. I caught the faintest twitch of amusement at the corner of his lips. 

The room fell silent as the principal stepped onto the stage, his ceremonial robes flowing as he adjusted his glasses.

He was an elderly man with thinning hair and a kindly face, his expression warm and brimming with pride. 

"Graduates, honored guests, and esteemed families," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the hall.

"Today, we gather to celebrate the achievements of these bright minds who have worked tirelessly to reach this moment. Each of you represents the future, the promise of greatness that will carry our kingdom forward." 

The crowd erupted into applause, and I joined in, though only for the sake of appearances.

Around me, the other graduates beamed, their families clapping enthusiastically. I could feel the room's energy swell with joy and pride, but it was lost on me. 

The principal continued his speech, recounting the year's accomplishments, the challenges overcome, and the bright paths that awaited us.

His words were carefully chosen, meant to inspire and uplift, but they barely registered in my mind. I had no interest in this sentimental drivel. What mattered was my moment to shine, to remind everyone of my superiority. 

Finally, the principal gestured toward the graduates, calling names one by one. As each graduate walked across the stage to receive their diploma, the audience erupted in applause.

The beaming faces of my peers spoke volumes this moment meant everything to them. How quaint. 

I glanced at Levan. His attention was fixed on the stage, his expression unreadable. Perhaps he was mentally preparing for his role in the upcoming banquet. 

My name was called, and the applause grew louder. Of course, they would cheer more for me than for anyone else. Rising gracefully, I glided toward the stage, each step deliberate and regal. 

The principal handed me my diploma, his smile warm. "Princess Xyra, your achievements are unparalleled. You've set a standard for excellence that will inspire generations to come." 

I gave him a polite nod before stepping forward to address the audience. The room fell silent, all eyes on me. 

"Today is not just a celebration of what we have achieved," I began, my voice clear and commanding, "but a reminder of what separates the extraordinary from the ordinary. Some of us are born to lead, to excel, and to shape the world. Others… well, they find contentment in mediocrity." 

A hush fell over the crowd, the weight of my words sinking in. I saw the flicker of discomfort in some faces, the sharp intake of breath from others. 

"For me, this is not a day of celebration, but a day of expectation a stepping stone toward greatness. And while I congratulate my peers on their… accomplishments, I urge them to remember: the world is not kind to the weak. Only the strong will thrive." 

The applause that followed was hesitant at first, then grew louder. My parents, seated among the dignitaries, looked pleased, though I caught the faintest smirk on my mother's lips. She had always admired my sharp tongue. 

I returned to my seat, where Levan leaned in slightly. "Bold words," he murmured, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. 

"Truth often is," I replied, unbothered. 

The ceremony continued, though the energy in the room felt somewhat subdued. I didn't care. I had said what needed to be said. 

The principal cleared his throat, preparing to address the audience once more. But before he could speak, a sudden surge of energy rippled through the hall.

The air grew thick, charged with a palpable magic that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. 

A brilliant flash of crimson light erupted at the center of the stage, forcing the principal to stumble back.

Gasps echoed through the room as the light faded, revealing a figure standing where moments ago there had been nothing. 

The woman who had appeared was striking no, more than that, she was magnetic. Her short black hair framed a face of sharp angles, her jawline strong yet undeniably feminine.

Her crimson eyes burned like embers, cutting through the room with an intensity that left no doubt about her power. 

She stood tall, her muscular frame exuding both strength and elegance. The black shirt she wore clung to her body, hinting at the sculpted perfection beneath, while her black pants moved effortlessly with her as she shifted her weight.

Tattoos coiled around her neck and hands, intricate designs that seemed to pulse faintly with magic. 

The sheer aura she radiated was overwhelming, a tidal wave of energy that pressed down on everyone in the room. People stared, some in awe, others in fear. 

I felt my breath hitch for a fraction of a second before I composed myself. Who was this woman? 

The principal, flustered but trying to maintain decorum, stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his voice quivering slightly, "we have the honor to welcome Ren Khasar to our ceremony today."