PROLOGUE: OPERATION WINTERSPINE
A Strings Between Us Novel - Book Two
Riyee's POV
You'd think being summoned by a headmaster would feel like detention.
But this wasn't discipline.
This was war prep.
We moved through Supreme Allievo's halls like shadows stitched back together-me at the center, the Court orbiting, gravity reforming.
Xythe led. Cold, calculating. Already five moves ahead. Lyle walked beside him, his silence more commanding than a speech. Keryn and Alexie flanked us like twin queens-poise and power sharpened to a blade's edge. Saichel hovered at my left shoulder, a storm wrapped in silk and sarcasm, fingers twitching like he already heard the next disaster screaming. Thres, Tofer, and Seb formed our rear guard. Solid. Silent. Watching everything.
And me? I walked like I hadn't once begged the world to let me leave all of this behind. Like I hadn't shattered-then stitched myself into something unforgiving.
The Headmaster stood waiting inside the council chamber. Spine straight. Expression carved from stone.
"You summoned your elite spies and your favorite disappointment?" Saichel deadpanned. "Feeling nostalgic, Dad?"
The Headmaster remained still. "Favoritism implies I had better options."
He slid a folder across the table.
The Ardent Court's seal.
Not a mission.
A reckoning.
OPERATION: WINTERSPINE - ARDENT COURT EYES ONLY
Uncover systemic corruption within the High Chamber
Infiltrate and dismantle black-market syndicates operating through student and faculty channels
Trace signs of Halcyon Pact resurgence beneath Academy surveillance
Protect Khaizer Dylan Dela Vega-without his awareness
Reinstate and shield Arielle Rylance Del Rio-legacy, title, and life
Neutralize internal threats with discretion
Operate under the Sovereign-Ardent Alliance
Prepare for war, both spoken and unspoken
My hands trembled as I read.
This wasn't just SAA's rot.
These were ghosts in new uniforms.
Lyle leaned in. "If this school is a palace built on ghosts... then we'll light the match before the dead take the throne."
I froze. When Lyle means it-things burn.
The Headmaster didn't look at me.
"Arielle. Wear your Ardent Court uniform. Tomorrow."
"The school's going to hate me more."
"Let them," Keryn said softly. "I'll feed them."
And when I stood-
I didn't rise as Arielle.
Not Rielle.
Not even Riyee—the girl they whisper about beside KD.
I stood as Ari.
Princess of the Ardent Court.
Again.
We didn't walk out as students.
We walked out as war.
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...
