The halls of the Academy buzzed not just with magic, but tension.
Evelyn walked through them with her head held high, ignoring the stares. They weren't curious anymore—they were sharp, judgmental. Some from awe, others from envy. Her family's growing disdain was expected. But the city's interest?
That was dangerous.
"Do you think the rumors are true?" one student whispered as she passed.
"That Valerius is courting her?" another replied. "Please. She's not even from a guild family."
Evelyn didn't flinch. Not this time. There was steel in her spine now. Let them talk.
During enchantment class, Professor Elmira called her forward. "Miss Hawthorne. Demonstrate the twin-loop sigil sequence."
Evelyn stepped up, fingers glowing with quiet confidence. With precise movements, she layered the symbols midair. The room held its breath as the runes flickered—then locked into place. Perfectly balanced.
A moment of stunned silence, then scattered applause.
Even Theo blinked at her. "You've been practicing."
"No," Evelyn said. "I've been remembering who I am."
Later that day, she found herself walking the guild assessment field. Empty for now, but soon to host the annual showcase. Her boots crunched against frost-rimmed grass. Magic shimmered faintly in the air—like it was watching.
"I wouldn't linger here alone," a voice said behind her.
She turned. Alexander stood beneath a twisted iron archway, the shadows from the fading sun clinging to his coat. His gaze didn't soften, not even for her.
"Why?" she asked.
"Because this city is good at making people disappear when they become inconvenient."
Her lips twitched. "So I'm inconvenient now?"
"You've always been."
A pause stretched between them. A tension neither dared touch.
"You don't belong in this place," Alexander finally said. "Not because you're weak—but because you're not afraid to challenge it."
"And that scares you?" she asked.
"No," he replied, stepping closer. "That tempts me."
Before she could answer, a distant explosion of magical light erupted from across the field—training runes backfiring. The city was shifting, and Evelyn could feel it in her bones.
Whatever came next, she wouldn't be anyone's pawn.