Night settled gently over Arcadia, lantern lights glowing softly outside the dorm windows.
Inside the room, laughter filled the air.
Alexa sat on the floor with her roommates — Sarah, Mia, Wendy, Stella, Ferah — and surprisingly, Valerina and her friends were there too.
Valerina shrugged casually. "My room is boring. I needed company."
Alexa laughed and pulled her into a hug. "You're always welcome."
Sarah and Valerina exchanged a quick look — quiet, heavy — before smiling back.
Valerina's eyes shimmered slightly, but she blinked it away.
Mia clapped her hands. "Okay, this is officially the weirdest but best night ever."
Stella grinned. "Agreed. Former enemies hanging out."
Ferah smirked. "Growth."
Wendy leaned back against the bed. "So… what are we talking about?"
Alexa stretched lazily. "Anything except training."
Sarah laughed softly. "Deal."
Valerina smirked. "Remember when you ran out of training that day?"
Alexa groaned. "Don't remind me."
Mia laughed. "You literally vanished."
Alexa pointed playfully. "I was overwhelmed!"
Stella teased, "Sure you were."
Wendy smiled. "At least now you're not."
Valerina nodded quietly. "You've changed."
Alexa raised an eyebrow. "Hopefully for the better."
Sarah forced a smile. "Yeah… for the better."
They played small games with harmless magic — floating objects, harmless sparks, tiny illusions.
"Okay, watch this," Mia said, creating a tiny glowing butterfly that fluttered around.
Alexa laughed. "That's adorable."
Valerina flicked a spark. "Beat that."
Laughter echoed warmly through the room.
For a moment… everything felt normal.
—
Sarah watched Alexa carefully.
Her hand slipped quietly into her pocket.
She pulled out the small vial the Headmistress had given her.
Her heart pounded.
She whispered softly to herself, "I'm sorry…"
With a subtle flick of magic, she snapped the vial — releasing its effect into Alexa.
All of them noticed instantly.
Alexa flinched. "Ow…"
She looked down, confused, holding the small shard.
Sarah stepped forward, voice trembling. "I'm sorry… it's for your good."
Alexa blinked slowly, swaying slightly.
"You look… two… and…"
Her words slurred.
Her knees gave way.
She fainted onto the floor.
"ALEXA!" Ariella cried, rushing forward.
Mia stared in shock. "Sarah — what in the world did you do to her?!"
Valerina spoke quietly. "It's something the Principal gave her."
The room fell tense.
Wendy frowned. "I thought the ITE wouldn't overpower Alexa."
Valerina looked down. "I guess… that was wrong."
Sarah knelt beside Alexa, tears forming. "We have to take her to the Principal."
Ariella carefully lifted Alexa, holding her close, worry etched across her face.
"She'll be okay," Sarah said softly — though her voice carried doubt.
The group moved quickly through the quiet halls toward the Principal's office.
Footsteps echoing.
Hearts heavy.
Because tonight…
They weren't just helping a friend.
They were confronting something they didn't understand.
And Ariella held her twin tighter, whispering softly,
"I'm here… I'm here."