The sun crept gently over the rooftops of Arcanum Academy, bathing the towering spires in warm light and setting the clouds aflame with gold and rose. A crisp breeze stirred the courtyard, fluttering the standard of the Elemental Houses and rustling the trees that lined the central square.
Ashen stood with Kaelin beneath the statue of the First Elementalist, waiting for their first real elemental training session to begin. The previous orientation had barely scratched the surface, and anticipation simmered in the air around them.
Kaelin wore the academy's uniform with casual grace—emerald-green and silver threading danced across her cloak, symbolic of her dual affinity for Water and Nature. Her teal eyes sparkled, and she twirled a strand of her silver-blonde hair around her finger while stealing occasional glances at Ashen.
"You think it'll be as intense as the instructors hinted?" she asked.
Ashen offered a small smirk. "They'll probably hold back. Most students are still getting used to their elements."
She tilted her head. "You don't sound nervous at all."
"I've trained before," he replied, truth carefully veiled in understatement.
Before Kaelin could probe further, a hush swept over the square.
The crowd parted like water.
A girl strode forward, commanding attention with every step. Her crimson and black uniform shimmered subtly in the light, embroidered with gold-lined insignias denoting noble rank. Long red hair fell in a cascade behind her, woven with glinting flamecrystal beads that clicked gently as she moved.
Her presence was like a wildfire—bright, bold, and impossible to ignore.
"Who is that?" Kaelin whispered.
"Seraphine Vael'Rynn," came a quiet answer from a nearby student. "Daughter of the Fire Dominion's ruling house. Top of her class before she even arrived. Two elements: Fire and Lightning."
Kaelin stiffened. "Great. Royalty."
Seraphine's molten-gold eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Ashen.
She didn't smile.
She strode directly toward him.
Ashen met her gaze calmly. Seraphine stopped a pace away and folded her arms, her voice smooth and slightly mocking.
"You're the one who made a scene yesterday. The transfer who shut down Talon Draeve without even showing your element."
Ashen didn't flinch. "I didn't shut him down. He just lost control."
"Funny. He seemed very controlled to me before you stepped in." She circled him slowly, eyes sharp as flint. "No offense, but you don't look like someone who belongs in the elite bracket."
Kaelin bristled. "Excuse me?"
Seraphine ignored her. "What's your element?"
Ashen offered a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
That clearly irked her.
Before she could press further, an older woman in flowing violet robes approached the gathering students. Her hair was streaked with silver, and her presence was as still and sharp as a frozen lake.
"Welcome to your first live session," she said, projecting with elemental-enhanced clarity. "I am Instructor Liora. Today, you will demonstrate control, focus, and teamwork. Pair up. Duels will be observed. If you show reckless behavior, you'll be dismissed."
A pause.
Then her gaze swept to Seraphine.
"Vael'Rynn. You're paired with…" Her eyes scanned a parchment. "Ashen Storme."
A few students gasped.
Seraphine's brow twitched. Kaelin looked between them, visibly concerned.
"I hope you can keep up," Seraphine said coolly.
Ashen chuckled. "I was about to say the same."
They moved to the circular dueling grounds, a stone platform etched with elemental sigils. Around them, instructors circled the perimeter. Students watched with bated breath.
"Begin when ready," Liora announced.
Ashen raised one hand, letting the wind stir around him gently—just enough to be noticed.
Seraphine didn't wait.
With a snap of her fingers, a surge of flame erupted from her palm. She streaked forward like a comet, lightning arcing from her boots to boost her charge. Her style was brutal and efficient—no flourish, only speed and precision.
Ashen moved only when necessary. With one step, he sidestepped her strike. Her flame passed inches from his face, singeing the air.
He deflected her second strike with a gust of wind—subtle but focused. She stumbled slightly.
She growled.
"You're holding back!"
Ashen's smile was calm. "So are you."
She flared, launching a barrage of flame spheres at him. He waved a hand, and a pressure shift sent them scattering. No one noticed the faint shimmer of water mist that lingered around his fingers.
The crowd murmured.
Liora raised an eyebrow.
Seraphine landed on her feet, breathing heavily, flushed with heat and frustration.
"You don't fight like a rookie," she hissed.
"I'm not."
Their standoff was broken when Liora stepped forward. "Enough. That's enough for now. Both of you—excellent restraint, even if you're dancing around your full strength."
Seraphine gave Ashen a final look—hard, unreadable—then turned and walked off.
Kaelin rushed to his side. "You okay?"
Ashen nodded. "She's talented."
"She's trouble," Kaelin muttered. "I saw how she looked at you."
Ashen chuckled under his breath. For the first time since he arrived at the academy, the day felt like a real challenge. And in the flicker of crimson eyes and crashing waves of pride and passion, he sensed the beginning of something complicated.
The elements were watching.
And so were the hearts that followed them.