Lily sat alone at the edge of the dorm gardens, the glow of firelight flickering in her palms. Each flame hissed, then sputtered out against the night air. Her hands trembled—not from exhaustion, but from shame.
Why can't I control it?
Every spark turned wild. Every attempt ended in chaos. And every failure weighed heavier, especially after seeing the calm strength in Kairo's eyes, and the unyielding resolve in Riven's blade.
The silence broke with a voice sharp as steel.
"You shouldn't go near them again."
She flinched, flames dying instantly. Sukai stood there, arms crossed, his fiery eyes like burning coals. His presence towered—both protective and suffocating.
"…Brother," Lily whispered, voice caught between fear and defiance.
"They're dangerous," Sukai said flatly, stepping closer. "That swordsman who can't use magic, and that boy with no element—do you think they'll lift you up? No. They'll drag you down. You already struggle enough with control."
Lily's fists clenched. The words cut deep because they weren't lies.
But her heart, traitorous as ever, remembered Riven's words: Then someday… I'll ask you to teach her.
She lowered her head, hiding the faintest smile behind her curtain of hair.
"I understand," she murmured.
Sukai lingered, suspicious, but finally turned away. "Good. Remember, Lily—the Ignis name isn't something you can stain with failure. Don't embarrass me."
When his footsteps faded, Lily lifted her palms again, a single spark flickering between her fingers. This time, her lips curled—not in despair, but quiet defiance.
If Riven believes in me… maybe I can believe too.