Morning came far too soon for Airi. She awoke in her dorm bed, bathed in the gentle warmth of sunlight spilling through the curtains. Her body still buzzed faintly, as if a quiet storm had passed through her veins the night before. The memory of the charm awakening — the way her magic had flared uncontrollably in the training hall — felt like a dream, and yet, she could still sense its presence humming beneath her skin.
Celene was the first to appear, stepping into the room without knocking, her long silver hair glistening like fresh snow. She carried a small tray with tea and bread, setting it down gently beside Airi's bed.
"Eat. You lost more energy than you realize yesterday," Celene said softly, her eyes lingering on Airi in a way that made her heart skip.
Before Airi could reply, the door slammed open.
"I'll be the one protecting Airi from now on!" Lys declared, marching in with her usual fiery confidence. She planted herself at the foot of the bed, her sword at her hip and a grin that was more challenge than smile.
Celene's brow twitched. "Protect? I think you mean 'get in the way.'"
"I mean keeping her safe," Lys shot back. "And unlike you, I won't treat her like she's a porcelain doll."
"Enough…" Airi tried to interrupt, but the tension only grew.
A moment later, Tsukiko slipped in, quiet as moonlight. She knelt beside Airi's bed without a word, her gaze calm but intent. "I already guard her in the shadows. Neither of you could even sense me approaching." She rested a hand gently on Airi's arm, and a subtle pulse of mana passed between them — protective, soothing.
Rena was the last to arrive, nearly tripping over the threshold in her rush. "You're all being ridiculous!" she blurted out. "We can't just fight over her like she's—" She hesitated, cheeks flushing. "…like she's some kind of prize."
"Prize?" Lys smirked. "So you admit she's worth fighting for."
"That's not what I—!" Rena's voice cracked with frustration, her fangs peeking slightly.
Airi sank further into her pillow, her cheeks warm as four pairs of eyes locked onto her, each radiating determination. She wanted to disappear… and yet, a strange warmth stirred inside her chest.
Celene finally straightened, her voice sharp as crystal. "Since we clearly can't agree, we'll make it official. We'll each have turns to guard her, and she will choose who remains at her side when this… situation… escalates."
Tsukiko tilted her head. "Practical. But I'm confident she'll choose me."
"In your dreams, shadow-girl," Lys muttered.
"Dreams can become reality," Tsukiko replied with a faint smile.
Rena crossed her arms. "You're all impossible."
Airi opened her mouth to protest, but at that moment, the Academy bell rang — a low, ominous tone rather than the usual chime. The girls froze. It was the alarm signal.
Celene's expression hardened instantly. "Stay close to Airi," she ordered, though she was clearly talking to herself as much as the others.
Lys drew her sword. "Trouble?"
"Undoubtedly," Tsukiko said, her voice almost too calm.
In the hallway beyond, students were already rushing toward the gathering hall. The air felt heavy with the scent of magic, and Airi's awakened charm thrummed in response, as if sensing something unseen.
As they stepped out together — four guardians circling one flustered, uncertain girl — Airi realized something. The charm wasn't just magic. It was a bond, pulling these powerful, willful girls closer to her… and maybe, pulling her deeper into their world than she ever intended.
And somewhere, deep in the shadows of the Academy, eyes watched them with a hunger that promised this was only the beginning.