chapter one

EPISODE ONE — A Beginning Written in Fire

Morning came softly in Riven Hale’s world.

Sunlight slipped through the thin curtains of their small house, painting quiet gold across the worn floor. The air smelled faintly of tea and something simple cooking in the kitchen.

It wasn’t much.

But it was home.

Riven stood in the middle of the room, staring at the letter in his hands like it might disappear if he blinked.

He read it again.

And again.

And again.

Until the words finally settled into something real.

Scholarship Granted.

A slow grin spread across his face.

“I got it…” he muttered, almost like he didn’t trust his own voice. Then louder— “I got it!”

He ran into the kitchen, nearly crashing into the small table.

“I got it, Dad!”

His father looked up from where he stood, tired eyes softening instantly.

“You did?”

Riven handed him the letter, practically vibrating with excitement.

“They accepted me. Full scholarship. Veridian Academy.”

For a moment, his father didn’t speak.

He just read.

Then exhaled slowly.

“That school…” he murmured.

Riven’s smile didn’t fade. “It’s the best one.”

His father placed the paper down carefully.

“It’s also not a kind place.”

That made Riven pause.

“What do you mean?”

His father leaned back slightly, studying him.

“People there aren’t like us. They have money, power… and no one tells them no. I’ve heard things, Riven. Bullying. Control. Students who think they own everything—including other people.”

Silence settled between them.

Then Riven scoffed lightly, crossing his arms.

“Let them try.”

His father frowned. “Riven—”

“No,” he cut in, firm now. “I didn’t work this hard just to be scared of some spoiled rich kids.”

There was a fire in his eyes.

Unyielding.

“I’m not someone they can push around. Nobody talks to me anyhow.”

His father watched him for a long second… then sighed.

“…You’ve always been stubborn.”

Riven smirked. “You raised me that way.”

A small, reluctant smile appeared on his father’s face.

“Just be careful.”

Riven picked up the letter again, eyes bright.

“I will.”

But careful wasn’t what he planned to be.

—

Across the city, morning looked very different.

Cold.

Silent.

Perfect.

Kael Veridian adjusted the cuffs of his uniform with practiced precision, his expression blank as he stared at his reflection.

Everything about him was flawless.

Everything controlled.

A soft knock came from the door.

“Sir, breakfast is ready.”

Kael didn’t respond immediately.

Then—

“I’m coming.”

His voice was flat.

Uninterested.

—

The dining room was vast, polished to perfection.

Too big for just two people.

Kael walked in, his father already seated at the head of the table, reading something on his tablet.

No greeting.

None was expected.

Kael sat down, glancing at the food placed neatly before him.

He picked up his fork.

Took one bite.

And immediately stopped.

The silence shifted.

Dangerously.

“…What is this?” he asked.

The woman standing nearby stiffened. “S-Sir, it’s the usual breakfast—”

“It tastes awful.”

His tone didn’t rise.

It didn’t need to.

“I followed the recipe exactly—”

Kael dropped the fork with a sharp clink.

“Are you trying to argue with me?”

“No, sir, I just—”

Before she could finish—

He grabbed the plate.

And flung it.

The contents spilled across her clothes, staining fabric, sliding down in a humiliating mess.

She gasped, stumbling back.

The room went completely silent.

Kael leaned back slightly, gaze cold.

“If you’re going to serve me something, at least make it edible.”

Tears filled her eyes.

“I—I’m sorry—”

“Then leave.”

His voice cut through her apology.

Clean. Final.

She hesitated only a second before turning and rushing out.

The sound of the door closing echoed.

Kael didn’t react.

His father didn’t look up.

“Control yourself,” his father said calmly.

Kael reached for a napkin, wiping his hands like nothing had happened.

“Hire someone better.”

That was all.

—

Veridian Academy stood tall and imposing, its gates wide, its presence overwhelming.

Inside, power moved freely.

And at the center of it—

Kael Veridian.

He leaned casually against a bench, Jace beside him, Eli nearby, and Nyx standing slightly apart as always.

Jace was talking.

“…I’m telling you, she was literally following you yesterday.”

Kael barely glanced at him. “And?”

“And? You didn’t even look at her.”

“I wasn’t interested.”

Eli adjusted his glasses slightly, watching quietly.

“Shocking,” he murmured.

Jace smirked. “You’re wasting opportunities.”

Kael scoffed. “I don’t chase.”

Before Jace could reply, Nyx spoke.

“Exams.”

One word.

Flat.

Everyone looked at him.

“What about them?” Jace asked.

“They’re next week.”

Kael didn’t even blink.

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

Nyx studied him for a second… then said nothing more.

—

At the front office, Riven stood holding his acceptance letter, looking around with quiet curiosity.

Everything felt… expensive.

Polished.

Different.

“Excuse me,” he asked someone passing by. “Where do I get my uniform?”

No answer.

The person walked off like he didn’t exist.

Riven frowned slightly.

“…Alright.”

“Hey.”

He turned.

A boy with headphones around his neck nodded toward him.

“You’re new, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m Theo,” he said. “This is Lina.”

The girl beside him gave a small wave.

“Hi.”

“I’m Riven.”

Theo gestured. “You’re looking for the office. We’re heading that way.”

“Thanks.”

They started walking together.

“So,” Lina said, glancing at him, “scholarship?”

Riven nodded.

“Figures,” Theo added. “You’ve got that ‘I don’t belong here but I’ll survive anyway’ look.”

Riven huffed a small laugh. “That obvious?”

“Very.”

Lina’s expression shifted slightly.

“Then you should be careful.”

Riven raised a brow. “Of what?”

Theo and Lina exchanged a look.

“The four devils,” Theo said.

Riven frowned. “The what?”

Before they could explain—

A sharp sound cut through the air.

SLAP.

Everything stopped.

Riven turned instinctively.

A boy lay on the ground, clutching his cheek, eyes wide with fear.

And standing over him—

Someone else.

Tall. Composed.

Cold.

His gaze was fixed on the boy like he was nothing.

Like he didn’t matter.

Around them, students watched.

But no one moved.

No one spoke.

Riven’s expression darkened.

“…You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered.

Theo’s voice dropped. “Don’t.”

But Riven was already stepping forward.

Kael spoke, voice low.

“Next time, think before you speak.”

The boy nodded quickly, scrambling slightly.

“Y-Yes—”

Kael grabbed his collar, stopping him.

“Did I say you could leave?”

Silence tightened.

Riven’s jaw clenched.

That was enough.

He stepped in—

And caught Kael’s wrist mid-motion.

Firm.

Unyielding.

The entire courtyard froze.

Because someone had just done the one thing no one ever did.

Touched Kael Veridian.

Riven met his eyes.

Unflinching.

“…That’s enough.”

And just like that—

Everything changed.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***