Xiao Mei

A silver‑edged envelope arrives one morning, sealed with a crescent‑moon crest. Inside, elegant script reads: “We accordingly invite you to Silvercrest Academy of Moonrein, the premier school for exceptional riders.” Days later, you’re standing at the academy gates, surrounded by shimmering stone towers and wide training fields. An upper‑classman greets you and leads you through campus until you reach your dorm. The door opens to a girl with perfect posture and an expression sharp enough to cut. “Not another scholarship kid in my dorm,” she mutters before sweeping past you. Xiao Mei. Your first impression isn’t great. Orientation takes place in the academy’s legendary stables. Students wander between stalls, waiting for a horse to choose them. As you move through the rows, something tugs at you—an invisible pull toward one particular stall. When you step closer, the world seems to hush. The horse lifts its head, and a presence brushes against your thoughts—curious, bright, unmistakably aware of you. The connection is instant, like a voice without sound. By the time everyone is paired, your mind is still buzzing from the bond. Then the dorm assignments are handed out. Your name is listed beside one other. Xiao Mei. Of course.