Inheritance Redefined

Chapter Seventeen

Elara, Elias, Nico and Matteo arrived early at Viremont Academy that morning, the school's marble halls still quiet and bathed in soft dawn light. Elara had asked to get dropped off earlier than usual–she wanted some uninterrupted time to study for the math test looming later that week. The brothers didn't argue, they knew how much the test weighed on her, and besides, early mornings were the best chance to focus before the day's chaos began.

They made their way to the library, a favorite refuge of theirs. The space was warm and inviting, filled with plush beanbags, low velvet couches, and clusters of wooden tables. The scent of fresh coffee and tea wafted softly from a small self-serve station in the corner, where students could make themselves a warm drink before class.

Elara found her usual nook in a cozy semicircle of beanbags beside the tea station. Matteo and Nico settled nearby, spreading their notebooks out on the low table. Elias, ever watchful, dropped into a beanbag beside Elara, who was already focused on her math workbook.

"Are you ready to tackle these inequalities, Elara?" Elias asked.

Elara smiled faintly, "I'm trying. These signs and negatives keep tripping me up."

Matteo laughed quietly from where he was sitting. "You just have to think of it like flipping the world upside down when you multiply by a negative."

Nico nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and remember, you flip the inequality sign like a secret code. It's math's way of messing with us."

Elara giggled, the tension in her chest loosening. This was the kind of easy camaraderie she hadn't expected from her brothers, even though they've been nicer to her.

The four of them dove into the problems together, sharing tips and teasing each other when someone got something wrong. Elias noticed when Elara hesitated on a particularly tricky question and leaned closer.

"Here," he said gently, pointing out the steps on her paper. "It's like a puzzle. You just need to look at it from the right angle."

Elara met his eyes. "Thanks, Elias. I don't always get it on the first try. Sometimes I wish I had Raffaele's brains."

"You're doing better than you think," he said with a quiet smile.

As the minutes ticked by, Elara felt her nerves settle. There was something comforting about having her brothers here, who all somehow balanced teasing and support perfectly. It made her feel less alone.

After nearly an hour, the library door opened and in walked Leo and Andre. They moved with that same easy confidence that marked Viremont Academy’s most powerful students–a group of students who didn't just attend the school but ruled it, their presence a silent command that rippled through the halls.

"Mind if we crash the party?" Leo asked, grinning as he dropped into a beanbag beside Anastasia, who had just arrived with Olivia. Anastasia's bright pink notebook and boundless energy was already livening the corner.

"Only if you're ready to work really hard," Anastasia teased, shooting Leo a pointed look.

"We're very serious about our grades," Andre said with a smirk.

The group quickly grew, a warm mix of study and laughter. Elara caught Elias's eye across the low table. He raised an eyebrow playfully, and she returned the smile, feeling a small spark of something new between them. Something almost like friendship.

The bell chimed, signaling the start of the first period. Students all around the group began to pack up and head to class.

Elara gathered her things, Elias standing with her. "You ready for the rest of the day?" he asked quietly.