Raegar and Drusilla played with each other until the duo fell asleep thanks to being all worked up. By the time Dominique, Zahara, Selene and Alice appeared at his door. The Vampress banged on it.

''Raegar Blackwood! Get up you lazy shit, there's celebrations going on and you can't miss it!'' she exclaimed.

He jumped out if bed, confused and drowsy as Drusilla leaned up. ''What's going on Rae?''

''There's a party going on,'' he revealed.

Raegar approached the door and hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the tarnished doorknob. The sound of his feet hitting the stone floor echoed through the room, and a cool draft brushed against his exposed torso.

''I need to get dressed,'' he muttered, letting out a yawn.

With a steadying breath, he turned the knob and swung the door open, the hinges groaning softly in protest. Standing before him in the flickering glow of the hallway's Aether lamps were four young women, their silhouettes framed against the shadows.

Their eyes widened in unison, a mix of surprise and curiosity flashing across their faces as they took in the sight of him, bare-chested, his lean frame glistening faintly with sweat from the humid air.

His white hair fell in dishevelled strands across his forehead, and the faint scars crisscrossing his arms told tales of battles long past. Raegar's cheeks flushed a vivid crimson, the heat rising to his face.

Dominique's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile, and the other three girls exchanged glances. ''Rae,'' she purred, her voice smooth as velvet yet laced with a hint of danger.

She glided into the room without waiting for an invitation, her long, flowing cloak brushing against the floor. The other girls followed, their footsteps light, as if they were stepping into a lion's den rather than a modest inn chamber.

Raegar's heart pounded as he took in their stunning appearances. Zahara wore an elegant light grey dress that flowed to mid-calf, paired with open-toe shoes that highlighted her delicate toes.

His eyes shifted to Selene, who captivated in a sleek black dress, its thigh-high hem accentuating her curves perfectly and matched her gorgeous red skin that white hair causing something inside to wake up.

Then there was Dominique, her emerald-green gown mirroring the sparkle of her eyes, a sight that left him breathless. Finally, Alice radiated in a beautiful red dress that complemented her tanned skin and golden blonde hair, completing the picture.

Raegar shook his head and complimented the group. ''You four look beautiful, I love the dresses.''

Their faces glowed with excitement as Selene surged forward, enveloping Raegar in a warm hug. Her nose wrinkled mid-embrace, and she sprang back, laughing. "Go wash up, you smell! The party's starting without us!"

Following that, he went to have a wash just as Drusilla woke up and popped out of the covers, greeting the group. ''Hello girls! I don't need to wash I can use my Aether.''

Raegar washed up and got ready into a simple pair of black pants and shirt before stepping out of the bathroom. Once outside, Selene whistled as the others eyes landed on him as Dominique grabbed his hand.

''Let's let our hair down and celebrate,'' she said, beaming. ''They have summer wines and delicious food.

Once Drusilla was ready the group headed toward the gardens when Rune, Caspian, Luna and Vienna joined them on the walk. Half an hour later, the courtyard roared with cheers as Raegar stood tall, surrounded by a throng of students chanting his name.

Scars crisscrossing his arms and face only added to his growing legend, a fearless first year who'd fought tooth and nail to protect the students several times since everyone started school.

Boys clapped his shoulders, shouting praises for his latest daring rescue of most of them when the cultists and Creatures of the Night attacked, while girls giggled and whispered, their eyes sparkling with admiration and some.

Second-years, grinning mischievously, rolled out barrels of ale, passing brimming mugs to the younger students amidst whoops of delight. The air buzzed with the electric thrill of Summer Break's arrival, music and laughter weaving through the warm evening.

Torches flickered, casting a golden glow over the revelry as dancers spun and friends toasted to freedom. Suddenly, the crowd parted, and Zahara stormed forward, her boots striking the cobblestones with purpose.

Her piercing gaze locked onto Raegar, and the chatter hushed as she halted inches from him, her presence commanding. A sly smirk appeared on her pretty face, hinting at a challenge or something more.

His heart skipped, the party's pulse quickening in anticipation. Zahara's grey eyes blazed with fierce resolve as she stepped closer, her voice cutting through the festive noise causing everyone to listen in anticipation.

''Raegar, I'm in love with you. Will you be mine?'' she declared, her words bold and unwavering.

The courtyard froze, every student holding their breath. Then, like a dam bursting, the crowd exploded into wild cheers, whistles, and hoots, excitement igniting the night. His gaze softened as he looked at the brown-skinned beauty he'd grown close to over the past year.

A roguish grin spread across his scarred face, his charm undeniable. ''Zahara, I'd be a fool to say no. Yes, I'm yours.''

Without warning, Raegar swept the blonde beauty into a tight embrace, her golden hair catching the torchlight like a halo. The crowd roared louder, their cheers shaking the cobblestones.

Nearby, a gaggle of girls squealed, their faces lit with wide happy smiles, some playfully nudging each other as they soaked in the electric moment. As the celebration erupted with uncontainable energy, the torchlight danced across faces.

The crowd's cheers still echoed, mugs of ale raised high, toasting the new couple with enthusiasm. Second-years strummed lutes wildly, their music fuelling the Summer Break frenzy, while younger students spun in impromptu dances.

Laughter mingled with the crackle of nearby bonfires. Just as the uproar began to settle, a ripple stirred through the throng. Heads turned, whispers spreading like wildfire, as Dominique pushed her way forward.

Her emerald eyes glinted with a mix of nerves and unyielding determination, her leather armour creaking as she strode purposefully toward him. The crowd parted like a tide, sensing another spark about to ignite the night.

Zahara stepped back, her smirk playful yet curious, as Dominique planted herself before Raegar, hands on her hips. Her black curls bounced as she tilted her head, a daring grin flashing across her freckled face.

''Blackwood,'' she called, her voice carrying over the hushed anticipation. ''You think you're done stealing hearts tonight? Because I've got something to say!''

The crowd erupted into gasps and excited murmurs, students elbowing each other, eyes wide with delight. A second-year student shouted. ''The Death Princess is confessing!''

Raegar blinked, his charming smile faltering into a mix of surprise and amusement, his cheeks still flushed from Zahara's confession. Dominique took a deep breath, her bravado unwavering despite the slight tremble in her fingers.

''I've watched you fight for this school, for all of us, never backing down no matter the odds. Those scars of yours? They're proof you're fearless. And I,'' she paused, her tone softening but no less fierce. ''I'm in love with you, Raegar. I want to stand by your side, as your partner, your equal. What do you say?''

The courtyard detonated into cheers, louder and wilder than before, as if the very stars above were joining the celebration. Students stomped their feet, clinked mugs, and hollered, some chanting "Raegar! Raegar!" while others whistled piercingly.

A group of first-years started an impromptu drumbeat on nearby tables, the rhythm pulsing through the crowd. Glittery petals rained down again, sticking to hair, as a third-year conjured a burst of harmless, sparkling lights that fizzed overhead like miniature fireworks.

Raegar's eyes widened, his jaw dropping slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck, caught between two bold confessions in one night. Zahara, standing nearby, folded her arms with a mischievous grin, clearly enjoying the chaos.

The other girls who'd been watching Selene among them, bouncing on her toes, squealed with glee, their smiles so wide they seemed to glow in the firelight. ''Two confessions in one night!'' a second-year bellowed, raising his mug so high that ale sloshed over the rim. "Blackwood's breaking records!"

Raegar laughed, a deep, genuine sound that cut through the noise. He stepped forward, his gaze flicking between Zahara's teasing smirk and Dominique's expectant stare, making his heart race.

''Domi,'' he said warmly. ''You're making this night one I'll never forget. You're fierce, brilliant, and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't noticed you charging into every fight with that wild spark of yours."

He paused, glancing at Zahara, who gave a small, encouraging nod, her grey eyes twinkling with amusement. ''I can't choose between you two," he continued, his grin growing. ''So how about this? Za, Domi, I'd be honoured to have you both by my side, figuring this out together. Partners, equals, all of us without any favourites.''