Valmont Series - Inheritance Code

Chapter 6.5 - Unscripted

She didn't elaborate. She didn't need to.

In Avalon, sudden visibility wasn't thrilling. It was threatening.

A newcomer—unranked, unaligned—drawing notice without legacy anchors?

That wasn't ambition. That was interference.

And interference, in a system built on symmetry, was rarely welcomed.

Then, casually, as if discussing tea flavors—

"It's not an invitation. It's an elegantly staged ambush — to see if you shatter... or shift the balance."

She sipped her tea, finally.

"Most students think it's a compliment. It's not. It's a containment protocol."

Across the table, Aurora moved with quiet elegance—breakfast untouched save for a few careful bites. A chilled crescent of goldenfruit, something violet-glazed and feather-light. The kind of curated meal designed for performance as much as nutrition.

She didn't speak.

But she watched—eyes on Aria, thoughtful and precise.

Not judging. Just... reading the moment, like a student of tension.

Aria leaned back slightly, her voice cool.

"So what is this, then? A courtroom for rising influencers?

A live-action prestige tribunal with mood lighting and curated applause?"

Or perhaps Avalon's version of MrBeast arena? Complete the challenge, impress the council, and maybe—just maybe—you'll survive the next round of judgment with your dignity intact?"

She reached for her gold-rimmed glass, tone cooling further.

"Except here, the prize isn't cash. It's being watched a little less closely. Or exiled a little more quietly."

Aurora stifled a laugh. Allegra didn't.

Aria's voice didn't waver, but it thinned at the edge—like someone holding breath beneath polish.

"Either way, it's still a show."

She took a slow sip of her Cloudmelt No. 7, letting the airy sweetness dissolve against the roof of her mouth.

"Just with better lighting. And higher stakes."

Across the table, Allegra gave a small, approving hum.

"And fewer second chances," she added softly.

Then, with a tilt of her head—

"But if it helps, you're doing better than most. They wouldn't summon you unless they saw potential... or a problem."

Aria set her glass down with a gentle click.

"Funny how often those two look the same in Avalon."

Aurora glanced over, her tone mild but edged with curiosity.

"So... did they give you a topic to prepare? Or are you going in cold?"

A pause.

"I mean... I'm guessing Subcouncil forums are structured like moderated evaluations. They brief you on a general theme—ethics, diplomacy, influence—and then drop a scenario. Live. No prep. No edits. Just your instinct... and the system watching."

Allegra didn't miss a beat. Her voice came smoother, more clinical.

"Unfortunately, there's no syllabus. No prep guide. It's a test you're not meant to study for."