The academy's cobblestone plaza hummed in the late evening, bathed in the soft glow of mana-infused lanterns swaying overhead.
Arcane runes etched into the stones pulsed gold, a quiet echo of the day's chaotic magic.
The scent of sizzling mana-spiced skewers drifted from food stalls, mingling with the cool breeze.
Spectral ravens perched in nearby trees, their feathers glinting, watching as students drifted from the arena's gates.
Viora slipped her arm through Myra's, their steps light despite the day's weight.
Her green ponytail swayed, her smirk sharp.
Myra's brown eyes glinted, her grin playful as ever.
They waved back at the arena, faces lit with quiet triumph, disqualification be damned and then, they wandered toward their rented cottage in the city.
Nellie emerged from the crowd, her freckled cheeks flushed with pride.
Her gray eyes shone as she approached Lor, steps soft but steady, her earlier nerves gone.
She stopped close, her breath catching.
