As the assembly continued, the students murmured in anticipation, waiting for the next speaker.
Professor Sharon gave a small nod, signaling the next council head to take the stage. The crowd stilled as a figure stepped forward, drawing immediate attention.
It was Amy Bluerose, the head of the first-year students and the first female Blessed Sage in the history of Ravenwood Academy.
Her light blue hair shimmered in the sunlight, cascading down her back in soft waves. She wore a crisp Ravenwood uniform, and her blue eyes, sharp and intelligent, scanned the crowd.
There was an undeniable elegance to her presence, one that immediately demanded respect. Her beauty was delicate, yet there was something firm about the way she held herself.
Amy moved to the podium with graceful steps, and the crowd fell silent, awaiting her words.
Though she was known for her noble upbringing and high standing, it was her status as Blessed Sage that carried the most weight.
"Good morning, everyone," Amy began, her voice soft but clear.
She didn't need to raise her voice to command attention; the students were already listening intently.
"Most of what needs to be said has already been addressed by my fellow council heads, so I won't take up too much of your time."
She paused, her gaze drifting over the students. There was something calculating in her eyes, as if she were assessing them all individually.
"However, there is one thing I want to talk about. A principle that I believe is often overlooked."
The students leaned in, curious.
"Discipline is a necessary part of growth," Amy said, her voice gaining a certain firmness.
"We often think of rules and regulations as something that limits us. But the truth is, discipline doesn't hold us back—it frees us. It is only through the strictest adherence to order that we can truly grow and evolve."
Her words hung in the air for a moment, and some students exchanged nervous glances. Amy's tone was calm, almost gentle, but there was an edge to her words that made her seem... different.
There was something unsettling about the way she spoke, as if she believed in her principle so deeply that it didn't leave room for any other viewpoint.
William, a lanky boy with sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes, moved forward with a relaxed grin. Despite his slightly laid-back appearance, there was a glint of mischief in his eyes that made it clear he was quick on his feet—both in mind and body.
Leopold then moved to the first-year students.
"Our next member is Elise Thornwood, a first-year student."
Elise, a petite girl with raven-black hair and piercing violet eyes, stepped forward. Despite her young age, her expression was one of determination, and the way she carried herself spoke of someone wise beyond her years. She took her place next to the others, her gaze forward, never wavering.
The crowd buzzed slightly with excitement as the next member stepped forward.
"From the second year, we have Liliana Everheart," Leopold said, introducing a girl with bright pink hair and sparkling green eyes.
Liliana smiled brightly, waving cheerfully to the students as she took her spot. She radiated warmth and friendliness, a stark contrast to the more stoic members of the Vanguard.
Her flower-like demeanor made her seem approachable, and it was easy to see why she had been chosen. Her charm was undeniable, and many students instantly took a liking to her.
But it was the final member that drew the most attention.
"And last, but certainly not least," Leopold announced with a slight smile, "we have someone who has stood out quite a lot recently."
The crowd watched as a boy with dark hair and striking golden eyes stepped forward. His eyes were delicate, almost feminine, and his appearance immediately captured the attention of many.
He wore the Vanguard uniform like the others, but there was something different about him. Something that made him both alluring and mysterious.
"This is Noah Ashbourne, first year," Leopold said, his smile lingering.
Noah slowly took his place next to Liliana, his golden eyes scanning the crowd with an unreadable expression.
The students whispered amongst themselves, many of them intrigued by his presence.
Noah had been a name whispered frequently in recent weeks, and his rise to prominence had not gone unnoticed.
As the six Vanguard members stood in line, the crowd couldn't help but feel the weight of their responsibility.
These were the students chosen to uphold the order of the academy. And with them in charge, things were bound to change.