The Prize and the Pawn

Three were chosen. One carries a secret. And all of them are playing a game they never agreed to.

In a society divided by class and genetics, the Merit Selection offers a dangerous path to power. Merrica never wanted to join - until her best friend's life was at stake. Camellia was chosen by luck and branded unworthy. Leon passed every test but knows he's still a target.

This story was born from a creative challenge. It draws inspiration from The Selection and the political undercurrents of Royals of Arbon Academy, but stands on its own with new characters, deeper emotional stakes, and a world full of secrets and strategy.

While you may recognize echoes of familiar tropes, this is not a retelling - it's a reimagining. One with enemies-to-lovers tension, political maneuvering, slow-burn romance, and a heroine who enters the game not for glory, but to save someone she loves.

If you love stories that balance comfort and surprise - welcome.
If you're here to spot the easter eggs - enjoy.
If you're ready to see a familiar premise flipped on its head - I hope you'll feel at home.

Thrust into the elite Valmont Academy, they must navigate cruel politics, royal heirs, and hidden agendas. But behind the glittering halls lies a truth that could upend everything.