The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

The ceremony hall of the Royal Institution was a masterpiece of grandeur.

The vaulting ceiling that canopied it stretched high above, painted in very intricately designed frescoes that had plenty of drawings of legendary Players and some of the rarest mythical beasts, including the symbols of all the five Regions.

Fine, massive chandeliers hung like gilded constellations, having crystals that refracted light across the hall in soft, shimmering patterns.

Rows of obsidian and gold-trimmed chairs were arranged on the polished marble floor, and the rows were slowly filled with the Daughters of the Royal Institution and eager students from other common Institutions all excited to be in the presence of the Daughters once more.

Many of them kept whispering to each other, giggling and pointing. ‘That’s Daughter Aryanne. She’s so pretty isn’t she?’

‘She seems very upset.’

‘Look! It’s the Twilight Twins!’

The air continued to buzz with anticipation, the hum of dozens of hushed conversations such as these bounced off the ornately carved pillars that flanked the room.

At the far end of the hall was the stage, its surface raised and gleaming with the sheen of enchanted oak, bordered by golden railings. Behind the stage, an enormous tapestry adorned the wall, emblazoned with the crest of the Royal Institution — a combination of all the Region’s insignias on top a scroll.

The atmosphere made it clear that a major school event was about to take place.

But as everyone knew, this was no ordinary school event.

To the sides of the stage, seated in elevated, throne-like chairs, were the Messengers. It was no surprise that they had decided to come to this event, given what happened yesterday and also because it involved an individual who would be in meetings concerning the education of young and growing Players.

They were all draped in flowing robes that shimmered with different colors, mostly purple, blue and dull red was the commonality amongst them.

Heavy on their heads were their wide-brimmed mage hats casting shadows over their enigmatic faces. Each Messenger wore an amulet carved with the sigil of the Divine, these amulets were handed to them by the different Disciples they worked for, signifying their role as conduits of higher power.

But they were not the only important people on the occasion.

Above them, in a position of unmistakable authority, sat the Overseer of Player Education Affairs, Theiramora.

She was a strikingly powerful woman, her presence commanding the room even in silence. Theiramora’s ebony skin seemed to glow under the chandelier’s light, her piercing amber eyes surveying the gathering with a hawk-like intensity.

She had long, braided hair colored in red and adorned with golden cuffs, each one etched with runes of protection and power.

She wore a deep crimson battle robe, layered with black ceremonial armor that hugged her elderly lady shoulders, her motherly shaped breasts and elephant thighs. At her side rested a golden staff topped with a crystal orb that radiated a faint, steady light.

Theiramora was born of both Starlight and Elysium descendents, but unlike the common Player who would always tilt to one Region’s bloodline, she unlocked a special DNA coding and gained the ability to possess a Double Class.

She was an Elementalist and a Druid, highly mastered in the various Skills of both Classes and revered by anyone who attended an Institution of Divinity. Eyes constantly moved to her direction as her very presence seemed to suppress the air, silencing even the boldest whispers in her vicinity.

The Daughters sat in their usual cliques. The Twilight Twins sat together, their red and pale blue attire setting them apart from the others.

Aryanne was among them of course, though she did not care to be very chatty today. Her expression was cold as she avoided even a glance at Melina, who sat quietly beside Phoebe, Linnette and Celestia.

Celestia wore an icy mask of composure, though her gaze occasionally flickered toward the curtains of the stage where Aeric would enter from, betraying her inner turmoil.

Faeryn was at the front with Luna beside her, both silent and watching.

Then, a cast of magic swept through the hall and the chatter all around died down as a figure emerged on the stage.

It was an orator, dressed in ceremonial robes of deep blue and gold. He stepped into view, his voice booming through the hall as though amplified by magic.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Students, Daughters of our God above, esteemed Messengers, and honorable Overseer Theiramora,” he began, his voice smooth and practiced. “We gather here today for a momentous occasion in the history of the Royal Institution. A tradition that has yet to be established until now — a recognition of excellence, leadership, and unparalleled potential in the form of the first-ever Head Boy.”

The room broke into soft applause, though the excitement was palpable, especially among the students from the common Institutions. The orator raised his hands to quiet the crowd, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

“This title is not one given lightly, for it is bestowed upon an individual who has proven themselves not only in strength but also in character, wisdom, and resilience.”

The orator gestured toward the audience. “Let us not forget that this moment is not just a celebration of an individual but a reflection of the values we hold dear—the unyielding pursuit of excellence, the forging of bonds, and the strength to stand as a beacon of hope in the trials to come.”

The hall erupted into cheers and applause, the sound reverberating through the grand chamber. Theiramora remained impassive, nothing at all in her gaze.

As the applause subsided, the orator continued, “200 percent Affinity for Divinity! It is something unheard of, even for a Royal.” He hesitated, extending both hands forward. “But yet. Right before our very eyes, we all witnessed such a thing. A true miracle of a child, first born, then proclaimed by his father on his Coming of Age, and then Declared to the world to be the one chosen by the Divinity itself!”

Nyx leaned down and whispered to her sister. “Jeez. You’d think Aeric wrote the script himself.”

“His inauguration as Head Boy is what we’ve come to witness today.” The orator then stepped aside, his voice carrying across the room. “But first, it is my great honor to welcome the esteemed Headmistress Lysandra to the stage!”