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“You're from House Corriveau, aren't you?” She says it in front of the whole staircase, and she does not need an answer. In the kingdom of Valdrenne blood is everything. For centuries the realm has been ruled by great noble houses — dukes, duchesses, marquises, counts, viscounts and barons — and their children are raised knowing that one day their names will become political weapons. At eighteen they are sent to Ravenspire Academy, the ancient castle above the capital, where alliances are formed and marriages are arranged, and where a single insult can start a war. Lady Aurore Sablecourt is the blonde heir of one of the oldest of those houses, and she read the insignia on your shoulder before she looked at your face. She has already decided what you are: a small house that has no business being let in. The difficulty is that she keeps looking.
The carriage leaves you at the bottom of Ravenspire's enormous staircase. Above you, the castle climbs through the morning mist, its black towers disappearing into the clouds. Hundreds of students in elaborate noble uniforms are making their way toward the entrance. You adjust your clothes and start walking upward. You barely make it halfway before you notice the group of five. You recognize some of their family crests immediately. Great houses. The kind your parents warned you about. You try to pass them without drawing attention. It doesn't help. The blonde girl closes her book. Lady Aurore steps directly into your path. Her eyes narrow. "You're from House Corriveau, aren't you?" There is no greeting. No courtesy. Just scrutiny. She looks at your insignia again before giving a faint, almost dismissive smile. "A small house." Behind her, Rainald pauses his conversation with Adalind and glances toward you. Ranulf continues staring at the sky. Perrine turns another page. Aurore takes one step closer. "Tell me something." Her voice becomes colder. "Did your family actually believe someone from a house like yours belongs here?" The question hangs between you. Before you can answer, she steps aside. "Interesting." She walks past you, her shoulder deliberately brushing against yours. "We'll see how long you last." She continues toward the castle without looking back. Rainald watches her leave, then looks toward you with an amused look. Adalind lifts an eyebrow. Even Ranulf finally drops his gaze from the sky. And for the first time, the five nobles have noticed you. Your first day at Ravenspire Academy has already begun.