Night had fallen over the capital, painting the sky in deep blue. The Academy grounds were quiet, interrupted only by the distant song of a nocturnal familiar.
Liana sat in one of the gardens, hugging her knees, surrounded by the soft glow of magical fireflies. Her thoughts were a storm. She remembered the kiss with Tony… but also Ares's gaze, the fire in his eyes, the way his presence made her feel alive—even when he turned cold.
—Tony… or Ares? —she whispered.
—I've already chosen. —Dana's firm voice broke the silence.
Liana turned sharply. Dana, her elegant golden hair loose, walked confidently toward her. She wore her training uniform, yet looked every bit the warrior princess. Her eyes shone with a mix of challenge and sincerity.
—You've chosen? —Liana repeated.
—Yes, —Dana replied bluntly. —I like Ares. Not as a teammate. Not as a friend. I truly like him. Every time I see him push himself, protect us, fight… I can't help but feel it. He makes me want to be better.
Liana looked at her with a mixture of surprise and something else she couldn't quite name. Maybe jealousy… maybe fear.
—I don't know, —Liana admitted, lowering her gaze. —I feel things for both… for Ares and for Tony. But when I'm near Ares, something inside me… trembles. And when I saw him that day, angry, so full of fire… I knew there's a part of me that can't let him go.
Dana crossed her arms.
—Then let's make it simple, —she said decisively. —There will be one-on-one duels in the festival tournament. You and me. A fair battle. Whoever wins…
Liana raised her head, frowning.
—What are you saying?
—The winner gets to be with Ares. That way, we stop hesitating, stop watching from afar. If we truly feel something for him, we won't leave it up in the air. He'll still choose in the end, yes… but first, one of us must earn the right to fight for him with a heart on fire.
Liana stared at her. The proposal was absurd. Ridiculous. But… also so them. Direct. Honest. Painful.
After a few seconds of silence, Liana stood up. Her green magic sparkled softly behind her.
—I accept.
The two girls locked eyes, no words needed. In that moment, they weren't rivals out of ego or pride. They were two hearts stepping into a battle that wouldn't be won by spells alone.
On the horizon, the first star of the night shone brightly.