Heirs

**Chapter 4: Heirs**

Valeron couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had gripped him since his encounter with the peculiar boy with cryptic musings. As he made his way to the empty seat beside him, he couldn't help but ask, "What did you mean earlier, about the tests and being watched?"

He simply shrugged, his gaze distant. "You wouldn't understand, not yet."

Before they could delve further into the enigmatic conversation, the peaceful ambiance of the courtyard was shattered. A procession of carriages, bearing the distinctive emblems of the great clans, swept into the school's courtyard. It was a grand entrance, and the school's courtyard was quickly transformed into a stage for the heirs of the ruling clans.

Word spread among the students that they had arrived late due to an assassination attempt, but Valeron couldn't shake the feeling that they were here mainly to bask in the spotlight. He scanned the carriages but noticed the conspicuous absence of Clan Firebrand. Apprehension gnawed at him.

The weird boy, ever perceptive, caught Valeron's confusion. "You're looking for the Firebrand heir, right?"

Valeron nodded, his concern growing. Before he could react, the boy stood up and extended his hand with a friendly smile. "Tristan of Clan Firebrand. Pleasure to meet the fabled heir to Clan Abyss."

Valeron was taken aback but decided not to show it. He nodded in response, acknowledging the unexpected connection. He turned his attention to the towering doors of the courtyard, from where the heirs were about to make their entrance.

At the forefront were the royal twins, Prince Arthur and Princess Alyssa of Clan Skyfall, both with wavy blond hair, golden eyes befitting their royal lineage, and captivating smiles that could charm the hearts of any fourteen-year-old. They were the embodiment of youthful regality.

Behind them stood Derek of Clan Dragonstone, a tall and imposing figure for someone of his age, with muscles that seemed carved from stone. His stern expression resembled that of a seasoned drill sergeant, even though they were all just students.

And finally, there was Tessa Snowtide, whose appearance seemed plucked from a fairy tale. Her enchanting smile, known to precede the ruthless determination of her clan members in their tasks, hinted at the complexity beneath her charming exterior.

As the heirs of the ruling clans took their places at the forefront of the courtyard, Valeron couldn't help but wonder how his own destiny would intertwine with theirs in the coming years at Black Rose Academy.