The floating city of Aetheris hung above the barren wasteland like a shimmering jewel, its gleaming towers piercing the pale sky. Beneath it, the harsh surface of the planet stretched endlessly a vast expanse of cracked earth and abandoned cities, remnants of a once-thriving civilization. 

Above, however, life flourished in suspended perfection, a stark contrast to the desolate world below. Aetheris was home to the most prestigious flying academy in the galaxy, where cadets trained to become the elite pilots who would one day navigate the stars.

Inside the academy’s grand hall, towering holograms of spacecraft flickered on the walls, showcasing the latest models and innovations. The hum of activity filled the air cadets rushing to and from classes, instructors deep in conversation with students, and engineers fine-tuning the latest fleet of ships. It was a place of ambition, of dreams, and of pressure. 

Aria Lyle stood at the entrance of the main training room, her heart racing as she stepped into the expansive space.

At twenty-one, Aria was one of the new  cadets in the academy’s prestigious flight program. Her sharp, intelligent eyes swept over the room, quickly assessing the surroundings. 

Everything was immaculate, designed with the precision and order that Aria had always valued. It was her world, structured and controlled, a world where she could excel if only she played by the rules.

She adjusted the straps of her uniform, the blue and silver fabric glinting under the fluorescent lights. Aria had always followed the rules. It was the only way to earn the approval of her parents, both former high-ranking officers in the academy. 

They had always expected perfection from her, and she had delivered, each test, each assignment, each flight perfect. She couldn’t afford to fail, not with so much riding on her shoulders.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the door at the far end of the room slid open, and a figure stepped inside. Aria’s pulse quickened. She knew him instantly, despite the years that had passed.

Kael Thorne.

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