The courtyard still simmered with residual heat from the day's trials. Aria Thorne stepped carefully over the uneven black stones, sweat cooling on her skin, muscles sore but buzzing with adrenaline. Her friends flanked her—Selene, ever precise and measured, and Riven, casual as ever but with a sharp edge of awareness in his amber eyes.
"You're not going to hide in the library again, are you?" Riven teased, flames flickering idly along his fingertips.
Aria shook her head, smiling faintly. "Not today. I need rest, but I also want to go over what we did, refine movements while it's fresh. And you two can keep me honest."
Selene arched an eyebrow, her dark braid catching the molten light. "Honest, yes. But not reckless. Every spell must be precise, even now. Don't let fatigue undo your control."
Riven rolled his eyes, stepping closer. "Yeah, yeah. Precision. Blah blah. You're already impressive, Death-Touched. Let's see if you survive me adding a few surprises tomorrow."
They spent the next hours in the training chambers just past the courtyard. Molten light reflected off blackened stone, shadows twisting like living things. Aria ran through Bone Shard Volley and Shadowed Bone Lash again, twisting and weaving elemental bursts with her necrotic energy. Selene observed with hawk-like attention, correcting angles, breathing, and timing, while Riven kept up a constant barrage of playful fireballs and challenges, forcing Aria to adapt in real time.
"You're getting smoother," Selene said softly as a shard hit its mark. "But don't underestimate Radek or the others. They won't wait for mistakes."
Riven flicked a flame at Aria, sending sparks across the floor. "Exactly. Keep your head in the game. You're strong, but don't get cocky."
Aria exhaled, letting the burn of exertion flow through her. I'm strong. I can control this. And I'll protect them. I'll protect all of us.
Later, they moved to the balcony overlooking the molten rivers, the sky now a deep shade of molten purple, clouds curling like smoke. The three of them shared a rare moment of quiet. The echoes of the day's courtyard trials, the challenges ahead, and the growing power in Aria's chest mingled in the warm, flickering glow.
"You did well today," Selene said quietly. "Better than I expected. Your control is improving. Keep this pace, and you'll surpass expectations soon."
Riven grinned, flicking a tiny spark across the floor. "And remember, Death-Touched, this is just practice. Out there, it's a whole different game."
Aria allowed herself a moment to breathe, letting the warmth of camaraderie fill her chest. They were strong, and so was she—but together, they were unstoppable. She gazed at her friends, at the molten rivers, at the academy's looming towers, and felt a spark of hope.
Together… we'll survive. I can protect them. And I'll be ready for what comes next.
As shadows stretched across Ashwright Academy, Aria felt the weight of destiny settle on her shoulders. But for the first time, it was a weight she felt capable of carrying.
We'll face everything together.
A bell echoed through the academy's halls, cutting through the molten warmth of the evening. Aria glanced at Selene and Riven, raising an eyebrow.
"Elemental Theory next?" she asked, sliding her bag over her shoulder.
Selene nodded. "Don't get distracted this time. Professor Maelira will notice."
Riven stretched and grinned. "Finally, some proper chaos," he muttered, leading the way down the hall.
The three friends descended the winding corridors together, the soft glow of molten light and enchanted torches guiding their path to their next lesson. The day wasn't over yet—and Aria knew there were still lessons to learn, tests to face, and spells to master.