Isla’s povI sat quietly in the car. My gaze was fixed on the passing scenery outside. Dario was focused on the road; he seemed to steal glances at me occasionally, yet he failed to pay attention to me or say any words.I hated this. As we approached the grand entrance of the Empire Academy, my anxiety grew. I wondered what I was going to experience. As Dario parked the car, I exited the vehicle. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The academy's imposing structure loomed ahead. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the adventure ahead. Dario walked in front of me and headed towards the academy's entrance. I followed him in silence. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The click-clack of our footsteps echoed in the corridor as we made our way through the imposing halls. The academy's interior was a blend of modernity and tradition. I observed the architectural details, the portraits of esteemed graduates lining the walls, and the buzz of students preparing for the acad

Isla’s POVI’m all alone. I felt like I couldn’t breathe as every part of me was breaking into pieces. In a moment of overwhelming sorrow, I turned away, my sobs escaping into the quiet air. I began to run, each step displaying my desperate attempt to escape the pain that clung to me like a suffocating fog. The world became blurry as my vision was clouded by the tears streaming down my face.I expected Dario to follow me or do something, but for a second, it seemed like I had forgotten that Dario didn’t care about me. I would have to carry the burden by myself.My only hope was that everything wouldn’t come crashing down on me.As I raced through the cemetery, the haunting memories of her fractured family fueled my anguish. The cold wind bit at me, matching the chill in my heart. How had she felt knowing that the ones who should be home to her had turned their backs against her because of one decision?My breaths came in ragged gasps, the rhythm of my hurried steps syncing with the

Isla’s povI hadn’t seen Dario during the rest of the day. I didn’t have any problem with that. I was happy being far from him. The next morning, I got ready for school. It was going to be my first day, and while I wasn’t too excited about it, I was glad that I would be far away from this mansion.I headed downstairs. When I got to the dining table, my eyes collided with Dario.He didn’t seem happy to see me. He pulled his eyes away, and Instantly, he stood up. I sat alone during breakfast, enjoying the scrumptious meal the maids had prepared. Once I was done, I was about to leave the dining table when one of the guards approached me.“Miss. The driver is waiting for you outside.”‘Nice!’ I exclaimed inwardly. Dario wouldn’t be driving me to school, so I wasn’t surprised.I headed to my room and grabbed my bag, dashing down the stairs seconds later. With long strides, I made my way out of the mansion.It was still the early hours of the morning. So the sun hasn’t risen at its peak.

Dario’s POV “I will see you later today, General,” I said in a bold tone. “Then we can discuss the next step.” The general bowed his head, walking away. I was all alone now, and my eyes moved around the study. I have spent most of my time here during the weekday. Going through the investigations. If I was not in the study, I was out in the woods with the general and the rest of the men. I needed a break. So I headed to the living room after days of doing a lot of investigations on the vicious canines with my men. For the first time, I felt the urge to relax, even if it was for a few minutes. As I stepped into the living room, my eyes grew in disbelief as they collided with Isla wrapped in the hands of the boy I saw her with the other day. I didn’t understand the feeling flowing through my heart. All I knew was that I wanted to ride that man apart into several pieces. I walked close to where they were sitting, my anger increasing. “Get up, young man!” I yelled, dragging him by

Isla’s POVI had spent like an hour staring at the card Dario handed me. I had reread the details a gazillion times, ransacking my brain on what I would wear and where I would get a nice ball dress. I didn’t really know many places around here.I stood up from the bench which I was sitting on in the garden, squeezing the envelope in my hands. The sun was setting, and I was getting tired of sitting on the bench.I was about to head to my room when I was stopped by one of the guards.“Miss, someone is here to see you.”“Someone?” I didn’t think Silvan would visit again, or maybe he had forgotten something. That was the only logical explanation. “Does the someone have a name?” I asked in order to stop my brain from drowning in curiosity.“She says she’s your cousin miss.”“Cousin?” I asked, shocked. I didn’t know much about my family, but I remember I had seen some kids that were close to my age range among my mom’s family.I didn’t like my mom’s family. They had shown me that they didn