The Hidden Heir At Valaris Academy

Chapter 8: Founders Week Selection

“These five will represent this class during Founders’ Week,” Elara said. “So—who wants to stand?”

For a second, no one moved, then chairs scraped loudly.

“I will,” a boy said quickly. “My family owns several businesses.”

“I should stand,” another added. “My parents sponsor two academy labs.”

“My family is well known,” a lady said confidently. “We donate every year.”

Voices began to overlap. “My family is richer.”

“I have more influence.”

“I’m more important to the school.”

Students started arguing, talking over one another, comparing money, family names, and riches. Some even stood up without being called, trying to prove themselves.

Elara watched quietly from the front, her face unreadable.

Kael remained seated by the wall, silent, as the room filled with loud voices and pride.

Elara raised her hand again. “Enough,” she said.

The arguing slowly stopped.

“I will not choose based on money or family names you claim to have,” she continued calmly.

“I will choose randomly.”

The room went quiet at once. She lifted her hand and pointed toward a girl seated near the front.

“You,” Elara said. “Ariana Bellmont. Please stand.”

A small wave of whispers moved through the class as the girl stood up.

Kael raised his head to look. He was amazed.

Ariana was dressed neatly and gracefully. Her uniform fit her perfectly, clean and well-pressed making her look so beautiful. Her long hair fell softly over her shoulders, shiny and smooth. She wore simple jewelry, nothing loud, but it suited her well. She stood with confidence, her posture straight, her face calm and beautiful.

She didn’t need to speak to be noticed.

Kael looked at her for a moment longer, then slowly looked back toward Ms Elara.

“Ariana, help me choose those you think are fit.” Elara said

Ariana stood fully and turned to face the class, the room grew quiet again.

She looked around slowly, her eyes moving from one face to another, as if she were studying them. Then she lifted her hand slightly and began to point.

“Mark,” she said calmly.

Mark straightened at once and stood up proudly, a smile spreading across his face.

She moved her finger again. “Victor.”

Victor stood too, chest slightly raised, clearly pleased.

Ariana turned slightly and pointed toward the other side of the room.

“Lena.”

Lena stood up with a bright smile, brushing her hair back confidently.

“And… Naomi,” Ariana said.

Naomi rose from her seat, her expression proud and calm.

The four of them stood there, looking satisfied, already feeling chosen.

Ariana took a small breath and opened her mouth to mention the last name, but before she could speak, Elara raised her hand.

“Kael,” She said clearly. “You join.”

Gulp!”

The room froze and every head turned at once. Kael looked up slowly, unsure he had heard correctly.

“Me?”

Whispers exploded across the classroom.

“Him?” “Why him?” “Are you serious?”

Kael remained seated for a moment, stunned.

Elara looked straight at him. “Kael, pease stand.”

Brian’s eyes widened a little.

He turned and looked at Kael, clearly surprised.

“Kael?” he whispered softly. “You?”

Around the room, voices rose quickly.

“Ms. Elara, that can’t be right.”

One boy stood up halfway from his seat. “He can’t join,” he said boldly. “He’s an Ashlander.”

A girl shook her head. “Yes. He doesn’t belong with us, this is for elites.”

Another voice added loudly, “We haven’t seen anything from him. No background, no contribution, nothing.”

“What can he even talk about?” someone mocked.

“He doesn’t have anything to bring to Founders’ Week.”

“How is he supposed to stand with us?”

The room filled with noise again, students talking over one another, pointing at Kael, judging him openly.

Brian frowned slightly but said nothing.

Kael stood quietly where he was, his hands at his sides. He didn’t look angry, but was surprised why Elara would choose someone like him.

A soft laugh came from the middle of the class.

One of the girls stood slightly and waved her hand as if to calm everyone.

“Relax, guys,” she said lightly. “Calm down.”

The room slowly quieted as some students turned to look at her.

“Ms. Elara is obviously doing this on purpose,” she continued, a small smile on her face. “She’s just letting him join so he can embarrass himself.”

A few students chuckled.

“Think about it,” the girl added. “If someone as intelligent as Ms. Elara asked him to stand, then there must be a reason.”

She glanced briefly at Kael, then looked back at the class.

“And that reason is probably so we can all see that he doesn’t belong here,” she said. “So relax, let him join, he’ll be mocked on his own.”

Some students nodded in agreement. Laughter spread quietly through the room again.

Ms. Elara raised her voice slightly.

“Alright,” she said calmly. “You all have five minutes to prepare. After that, return to the main hall. You are the first batch.”

She turned around and walked out of the classroom.

The moment she left, the room changed.

Brian stood up at once and walked over to Kael’s desk. He leaned closer and spoke in a low voice.

“Hey,” he said quietly, “why did they choose you? Does Ms. Elara want to ridicule you?”

Kael looked at him.

He honestly didn’t know the answer so he shook his head gently. “I can’t even tell.”

Brian frowned. “Hmm… I don’t think that’s her reason either,” he said. “She doesn’t seem like that kind of person.”

He paused, then added softly, “You know what, when they start doing their thing, just keep quiet and watch.”

Before Kael could reply, footsteps came closer.

The four students who had been chosen, two boys and two girls, walked toward Kael’s desk. Their faces carried confidence and pride.

One of the boys folded his arms taking more steps forward. “So,” he said lightly,

"You're really standing with us?”