The academy courtyard was silent, the wind blowing through cherry blossoms like falling pink snow.Elara sat alone on the stone bench, clutching the mysterious locket that appeared after her duel with Prince Lucian.
Inside the locket was a photo… of her from her previous life.
Her heart pounded.How is this possible? Who brought me back? Why me?
Before she could think further, she heard footsteps.
"Do you always disappear when I'm looking for you?" Lucian stood behind her, arms crossed, a frustrated but concerned look on his face.
Elara quickly hid the locket."You shouldn't be here. People already think—"
"What I think," he interrupted softly, "is that you're hiding something painful… and you don't trust anyone with it."
His voice wasn't angry—just hurt.
Elara looked away, fighting tears.If I tell him everything… will history repeat? Will he hurt me again?
Suddenly the sky thundered—dark clouds formed unnaturally, and the temperature dropped.A magic surge… wild and unstable.
Students screamed as shadows began rising from the ground—creatures formed of void and corrupted mana.
Lucian summoned his silver sword instantly."Elara—get back!"
But one of the shadow beasts charged toward him. Without thinking, Elara raised her hand, and golden light exploded from her palm.
The courtyard froze.
Golden vines of light wrapped around the beasts and shattered them.
Everyone stared at her—shocked, terrified, amazed.
A voice whispered behind her, one that only she could hear:
"Power granted is never free."
Elara spun around, but no one was there.
Lucian grabbed her shoulders."Elara… what was that power? Who taught you that?"
She was trembling. She didn't know how she did it.
"I— I didn't… I don't know…"
Lucian pulled her into his chest, holding her tightly as teachers rushed into the courtyard.
"You're not facing this alone," he whispered. "I won't let anything take you from me… not again."
The word again echoed in her mind.
Did he remember something too?
Before she could ask, Headmistress Aurelia approached—her eyes cold and calculating.
"Elara Voss, you will come to my office immediately," she said.
The locket suddenly grew hot against Elara's skin—almost burning—as if warning her that the price of her second life was beginning to unfold.