The high spires of the Moonshade Enclave gleamed under the morning sun as Prince Elion stared at his reflection in the mirror. His delicate features, long lashes, and slender frame were considered beautiful—even for an elf—but he had always hated the comparison to the noble daughters of his mother’s court. Today, he would be traveling to the famed **Academia Arcanum**, the realm’s most prestigious magical institution.

The trouble was, the Academy—while accepting male applicants—was still deeply entrenched in the traditions of the matriarchal society. Women led. Women commanded. Men were expected to follow or be ornamental. Elion, the shy, soft-spoken youngest son of Queen Seralyth, had always felt like an outsider in his own body—unsure of himself, and perpetually overshadowed by his bold older sisters.

Still, he wore the formal robes prepared for him—flowing silks of moonlight and sapphire. They were elegant… too elegant, perhaps. When he stepped out into the palace courtyard, one of the guardwomen gave him a half-smirk and whispered to another, “Didn’t know the Queen had another daughter.”

Elion flushed. His long, silver hair had been braided in the traditional maiden's style.

As the carriage rolled out, Elion’s heart beat fast. Was this a mistake? Was he ready for what lay ahead?