The silence after the storm was deafening.
Seraphina walked slowly through the dim hallway, the soft glow of candle sconces flickering along the ancient stone walls. Cam followed closely behind, quiet but alert—her wide eyes flitting between Seraphina's hair and eyes every few seconds like she still couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Neither of them spoke. The air around Seraphina had changed—charged, humming with power.
They reached their room, and Cam gently pushed the door open. Seraphina stepped inside first, the familiar space suddenly feeling foreign. Her bed, her books, her clothes—everything looked smaller, duller, less important.
Cam closed the door and leaned against it. "Are you… okay?"
Seraphina didn't answer right away. She walked to the mirror.
The girl staring back at her was no longer the one who arrived at the Academy with trembling hands and too many questions.
Her silver hair shimmered like moonlight on water, and her violet eyes glowed faintly, even in the low light.
"I saw her," Seraphina finally said. "My mother. She came to me in the vision. Told me who I am. What I carry."
Cam moved closer, her voice soft. "You don't have to tell me anything. Not until you're ready."
Seraphina smiled at her—grateful for her presence. "Thanks, Cam. Really."
She turned back to the mirror, her voice firmer now. "I'm done waiting. Done doubting. Whatever I am, whatever this is… I need to train. I need to learn everything this Academy can teach me—and more."
Cam's face lit up. "Then we start tomorrow."
Seraphina nodded.
Tonight, she would rest.
Tomorrow, she would become unstoppable.
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