Day two at Aethelred. The sky wasn't as bright as before—perhaps reflecting the mood of some nobles who… weren't happy with a certain presence.
In the Lunaris classroom, desks filled gradually. A subtle magical tension hung in the air. Today's lesson would begin with: elemental control and stability.
Lady Miraven stood tall before them, her voice echoing firmly.
"A true noble isn't just measured by power—but control. Great strength without restraint… is nothing but a threat to the realm."
One by one, students were asked to demonstrate: manifest a stable solid form of their elemental affinity.
Liora conjured a glowing flower of light. Veyla formed a soft but precise spiral of wind. Alaric crafted a carved stone ornament.
When Eiden was called, he shaped a misty orb with ancient glyphs floating at its core—neat and silent.
Then came Alexa's turn. All eyes fell on her—including Seraphina, now an observing guest. As always… the whispers came.
"That's the Southern Duke's daughter, right?" "They say she casts ice without spells…" "Maybe just rumors…"
Alexa stepped forward. Her right hand lifted slowly. The air chilled. Light dimmed.
Then—cling.
A perfect rose of ice bloomed in mid-air. Its petals were transparent, softly glowing like crystal, and utterly stable. She made it spin gently—no incantation. No tremble. No cracks.
Silence.
Lady Miraven nodded. "Ice stability on par with royal mages. But… can you hold that under pressure?"
Suddenly—
Something shot from the side. A sharp wind spell, uncontrolled, aimed at her shoulder.
"Watch out!" a student warned. But it was too late.
Alexa simply turned. A single snap of her fingers.
Ice shielded her in a glass-like dome. The wind spell shattered harmlessly. The ice rose still floated—unscathed.
Tension filled the room. Lady Miraven's eyes narrowed toward the culprit.
"Erwan Reignhart," some students muttered. The Eastern Count's son. Known for arrogance—and clearly displeased to be outshone by 'a girl from the South.'
Alexa met his gaze.
"If you want to test my power, just say so. Don't hide behind false accidents."
Erwan clenched his jaw. But before he could respond—Eiden, silent until now, spoke.
"How ironic. Someone who can't even control magic… lecturing about control."
All heads turned. For the first time, Eiden stared at Alexa—then returned to his book.
Lady Miraven tapped her wand.
"Enough. Today ends here. Tomorrow… we begin formal duels."
Alexa returned to her seat. But as she passed Eiden, she paused briefly.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Don't get the wrong idea," he replied without looking. "I just hate drama. But… you made it interesting."
Alexa smiled faintly.
If this is only day two… then the rest of the year will be far more thrilling than I ever imagined.
🌙 To Be Continued…