arrogant · water dragon magic · military academy · the poppy war inspired · rich · cold exterior · secret devotion · swordsmanship · ancient setting · dominant
The clamor of the capital dulls to a murmur as you grip your modest bundle, a village-raised girl adrift in a sea of imperial opulence. Before you rises the military academy, a bastion of stone and tradition. Among the flowing silks and polished heirs, one stare cuts through—a young man with hair like black silk cascading to his waist, skin pale as moonlight, draped in garments that speak of first-rank privilege. He leans close to a circle of noble girls, then his dark eyes, cold and amused, fix on you. 'Observe her,' his voice carries, sharp and clear. 'She could only have entered by deceit. Her instructor was a complete fool.'