The courtyard was alive with chaos. Students screamed, monsters attacked without mercy, and magical blasts illuminated the area like fireworks of destruction.
Lyra's legs moved on instinct, her hands glowing faintly as she summoned small shadow blades to fend off the creatures.
She barely had time to register her success when a horned beast lunged at her. Her blade struck true, severing its arm. Blood sprayed across the ground. Other students stared — some in fear, some in envy.
High above, Kael Draven watched. His dark eyes narrowed as he observed the girl. She moved differently from others — controlled, yet her aura fluctuated like a storm ready to break. Interesting… he murmured.
Lyra's heart raced. Every attack, every dodge felt like she was balancing between life and death. She realized her shadow magic was growing stronger, reacting almost instinctively.
She didn't fully understand it yet — but she could feel it, alive inside her.