{IRIS}
That wasn't a loss of control. That was intent sharpened into flame.
Morgana had aimed to kill—or at the very least, to permanently scar.
If Caroline hadn't reacted instinctively, hadn't summoned her arcane at the exact moment she did, she would have been incinerated where she stood.
Professor Thornwick's face darkened with fury. "You will explain yourself," he snapped, "after class. Move. Now."
Morgana merely shrugged, fire fully extinguished now, and stepped back with a smirk as if the entire incident had been nothing more than an amusing interruption.
My feet moved before my mind caught up.
I rushed to Caroline.
She was on her knees, one hand braced against the stone, the other clutching her arm. Her breathing was uneven, sharp with pain she was trying—and failing—to hide.
"Caroline," I whispered urgently, crouching beside her. "Are you alright?"
She looked up at me, lips pale, eyes glassy but still focused. "I… I think so."
