Today marks the beginning of a rare and powerful alliance. An integration not just of schools, but of ideals. With us stand Celestine Ardent Academy's finest—operatives not in name, but in truth."
He glanced at us—cool, unreadable.
"You will see uniforms. You will hear titles. But do not mistake these for student ranks. What stands before you is not an organization.
They are the Ardent Court—a strategic force forged by Celestine since childhood. Not chosen merely for brilliance, but for bearing."
"They do not operate within your student council. They are not bound by your academic protocol.
Because the Court was not created to serve the academy... but to protect it."
A ripple moved through the hall. Quiet. Heavy.
"They do not follow school rules.
They are the reason rules exist."
Then his tone sharpened—iron behind every syllable:
"Supreme Allievo has granted the Court executive autonomy during their stay. In matters of urgency or strategic concern, their actions will not require faculty oversight or council approval. This is not favoritism. This is recognition."
"They will not seek your permission.
They will not need your approval.
Because when the Crown moves—everything else follows."
"Now... allow me to present each of them."
My eyes widened.
He's really doing this.
Introducing the Court.
Publicly.
One by one, Headmaster Antonio spoke our names.
"Lyle Raizen Soriano, son of Celestine's Headmaster. The Court's Crown. Calm is not weakness. It's restraint before eruption.
Xythe Nathaniel Alcantara, the Court's Prince Tactician. He doesn't just calculate moves—he deconstructs possibilities.
Arielle Rylance Del Rio—the Court's Heart. Their pulse. Their second tactician. Smile sharp enough to draw blood.
Saichel Andreau Levesque—the Court's Wildcard. My son. Yes, I claim him—with all the pride and exhaustion that comes with it.
Tristan Angelo Ramirez III—the Court's Shield. A wall in war, a fortress in peace.
Cristofer Anthony Cruz—the Court's Ghost. If you think you're alone, you're already found.
Sebastian Michaelis Santos—the Court's Investigator. He sees patterns in people the way others see color.
Kenzell Ynnah Montez—the Court's Architect. She doesn't just enter spaces—she understands how they breathe.
Alexandria Marie Fernandez—the Court's Media Storm. Fashionable. Calculated. Unmissable."
"Each of them earned their titles not through privilege—but through precision, loyalty, and relentless brilliance."
Then came the shift.
"Two of these names—Xythe Alcantara and Arielle Del Rio—are now officially enrolled in Supreme Allievo Academy. However, Celestine has not granted us full jurisdiction over them."
He glanced at me and Xythe.
"Therefore, starting today, the Royal Pair of Celestine—The Prince and Princess of the Court—will remain under Celestine's direct command."
"They are not bound to SAA sanctions. Any prior disciplinary directives aimed at them are null and void."
I caught Bianchi's glare from the front row.
I almost stuck out my tongue. Almost.
YOU ARE READING
OPERATION WINTERSPINE (Strings Between Us Book 2)
Teen Fiction✧ STRINGS BETWEEN US ✧ Book Two: Operation Winterspine by miszywitch She thought she buried the war with her title. But some crowns aren't laid down--they're reactivated Arielle Rylance Del Rio walked away from the Ardent Court, from the strategist...
CHAPTER ONE: OF DAGGERS, DRESS CODES, AND THE PRINCESS WHO
Start from the beginning
