Page 294

Written by: The Oracle

Posted 6:00 AM | 932 comments | 202 shares

Darlings, the air smells of perfume, politics, and parental panic because it’s officially the first day of Parents Week at Lunaris Academy!

The Oracle is practically bouncing in her heels because I can hardly contain my glee.

This is the week where boyfriends turn into future husbands, girlfriends charm future mother-in-laws, and the elite strut their stuff for legacy approval.

The school has been transformed into a parade ground for power-dressing parents who whisper blessings (and hidden threats) between canapés.

Ah yes, a week of family bonding, proper etiquette, and unfiltered chaos. What more could a girl ask for?

But of course, it wouldn’t be Lunaris without a little scandal on the side, and who else but Violet Purple to steal the spotlight again?

Because guess what? Our lovely rogue girl was seen leaving Asher Nightshade’s bedroom yesterday. Yes, you heard me right. Bedroom. Morning. Same sentence. Somebody fetch Elsie a cold drink!

At this point, we were convinced Violet’s royal roster only included the Lightning Prince Alaric and the sexy gentle giant Griffin, but it looks like she’s on a roll. One might say she’s collecting Kings like Pokémon cards. Gotta catch ’em all, right?

Now if that doesn’t reek of revenge, I don’t know what does. Or—wait, could this be love?

Because if so, Violet Purple may very well be the luckiest girl in all of Lunaris history. I mean, who needs flowers when you’ve got four Alpha heirs tripping over themselves?

But then, where does that leave Queen Bee Elsie? No Kings. No Knights. Just one party throne and a burning grudge. Could this be the season where the Queen becomes queen without a kingdom?

And speaking of burning, what in the flaming hell does Asher mean by "punishment?" I don’t know about you, but that sounds very fishy. Hopefully, the only thing Asher’s catching this time is feelings—and not, say... Super Chlamydia.

(Yes, yes, I’m still side-eyeing those of you who believed that rumor. Get help.)

Now switching gears to our prince Alaric Storm.

Once, he controlled thunder and lightning with a flick of his wrist. But now he’s attracting bird poop, wasps, banana peels and shit puddles.

He’s been demoted from Cold Prince to Cursed Prince in under twenty-four hours.

Obviously, the universe seems to be running a sitcom at his expense.

Some say it’s karma for what he did to Violet. And if that’s the case? Touché, Universe. Touché.

Now onto some sobering news, our favorite sweet student guide, Mary, will not be leading the parent tours this year due to "health complications." In her place, Yenniffer has taken over. Let’s hope she doesn’t get lost halfway through the tour.

Don’t count Elsie out yet because she’s already dominating the scene. Our Ice Queen intends to host a killer Luncheon that would steal the heart of the parents. The gloves are off, and she’s ready to steal back her crown and maybe her men.

And Violet? I don’t know, sweetheart. Things aren’t looking so bright. Your fire’s flickering, and if you’re not careful, Elsie might teach you how to move in packs, not alone.

As usual, you don’t have to worry, Oracle Nation, with parents in the building and tensions high, I expect nothing less than tears, threats, romance, and a healthy dose of drama.

So stay tuned, my lovelies. As always, I’ll be watching (and sipping tea) to bring you the juiciest updates. Until next time, keep your claws sharp and your secrets sharper.

8:00 AM.

Unlike the tension the Oracle had so gleefully predicted, Lunaris Academy was suspiciously perfect. There was not a scream, squeal, or scandal in sight.

The hallways which was usually chaotic gleamed as if someone had gone mad with a polishing charm.

The tiles sparkled, the air smelled like fresh lilies and lemon wax, and the old glass showcases where Lunaris’ long list of awards were kept now shone like new crowns.

They had even gone as far as aligning the trophies by year. And it was a long one!

The school flowers had been replaced as well with Hydrangeas, Orchids and blooming roses saturating the air.

Classes were somehow in session with teachers teaching and students actually listening.

Not one student could be spotted loitering in the hallway.

The students raised their hands, asked intelligent questions, and took notes timely.

It was like someone had cast an enchantment of "Good Behavior" over the entire academy. If one didn’t know any better, one might have actually been fooled. Impressed, even.

But of course, this was Lunaris Academy and anyone who truly knew the school knew one thing for sure: Perfection was the biggest red flag of all.

Not all the students were in class, though...

"So do remember to smile sweetly, bow slightly, speak softly, and vanish when not needed," Penelope said, her voice so prim it nearly gave Violet hives.

The girl might’ve looked like a model from a powdered rose commercial, but her tone dripped with superiority.

Violet would have thought the nightmare ended yesterday but apparently not. They had been summoned this morning to make final arrangements before the main event.

"As for your uniforms..." Penelope clapped her hands like some fairy godmother and, right on cue, a group of elite girls in matching pastel blouses walked forward, arms full of neatly wrapped packages.

They began handing them out one by one with stiff smiles and judgmental eyes. When they reached Violet and her friends, the handoff was a bit more aggressive. The package practically slammed against her chest, but she said nothing. She just took it with the kind of calm that promised vengeance.

All around them, eager squeals broke out as the girls began tearing their boxes open excitedly like Christmas came early.

But Violet stared into the box like it was a coffin.

Inside of it was a blush pink fitted A-line dress with a modest neckline and cap sleeves that screamed choke on polished perfection.

The waist was cinched with a delicate ribbon belt to maintain that classic rich girl silhouette. But it didn’t stop there.

Tucked neatly beside the dress were white gloves, flat shoes, a tiny pearl earring set, and a miniature pin with Elsie’s face, because of course, branding was everything. Even your suffering had to carry her initials.

Violet’s stomach churned.

"This is a sick joke," she muttered under her breath.

But Penelope wasn’t done. Not even close.

"Hair must be tied back in sleek ponytails or buns, no frizz. If your hair’s curly, straighten it before the occasion," she announced, pacing like a drill sergeant. "Pearl stud earrings only. Anything more is an insult to our hostess, Elsie."

Violet could feel Lila vibrating beside her like a ticking bomb. She probably wanted to murder someone right now. The mighty Fae guardian being commanded by a mere mortal. It was nearly hilarious.

"No perfume unless it’s the one we’ve selected. Some of our guests are sensitive to cheap fragrances," Penelope added with a prim smile. "Which is why we’ll be providing it. You must feel so grateful."

Violet raised her hand. Not like she was in a classroom, but because it was better than throwing the damn pastel dress across the room.

"I can’t wear this," she said, voice calm but edged with fire. "It’s uncomfortable."

Heads turned and Penelope’s lips parted in pure disbelief as if Violet had just announced she was going to start peeing in golden goblets.

"What do you mean uncomfortable?" Penelope asked slowly, her gaze narrowing.

"I mean I won’t be able to breathe in this corset-stitched nightmare," Violet deadpanned. "And I’m not showing up to any luncheon dressed like a frosting-covered servant."

Ivy stepped up immediately. "Honestly, the gloves are itchy. I think I’m allergic to forced elegance."

"I second that," Lila chimed in dryly. "Also, these shoes are criminal."

"I look like a depressed cupcake," Daisy added, squinting down at the shoe in the package.

Penelope’s smile strained. "Well, that’s unfortunate. But if you plan on being part of today’s occasion, then you’ll need to wear the uniform as instructed."

Violet folded her arms. "Then maybe I won’t be part of it."

A hush dropped over the room so fast it felt like the air had been vacuumed out.

"You what?!" Penelope blinked. "You can’t just quit."

"Watch me," Violet said, already turning slightly as if daring her to try and stop her.

That was when the clack of heels echoed through the room, and all heads snapped to the source, and like clockwork, Elsie Lyka Lancaster made her entrance, dressed in a soft gold blouse and an air of authority.

"What’s going on here?" she asked, though the amused tilt of her lips showed she already knew.

Penelope rushed to fill her in, her tone all too eager. "Violet says she can’t wear the uniform. And she’s threatening to pull out of the event."

Elsie’s eyes glittered as she approached. And when she stopped, she was right in front of Violet, only a breath away.

They stared each other down, the tension between them crackling like live wires.

"Well then," Elsie said sweetly. "If you don’t like it, do your little alterations if you must. Stitch on spikes or wear it inside out, I don’t care. After all, you’re rogues. What were we expecting? Silk and satin? Do you even know what that is?"

The words were insulting but Violet didn’t flinch. Elsie could laugh all she wanted, because it would be the last of it.