The practice hall buzzed with excitement as students prepared for combat training.
Liana stood in the middle, breathing hard while Morris adjusted her stance from behind.
"Your balance is off again," he said gently.
"I'm trying," Liana sighed.
Before he could reply, high heels clicked on the floor—
Zara and Mira walked in.
Zara quickly fixed her hair and smiled brightly at Morris.
"Hi, Morris."
He didn't answer.
"Hii," Liana waved at them with a small smile.
"We were looking for you," Mira said.
"Oh, we were practicing. Morris is helping me," Liana replied.
Before the girls could respond, the instructor entered.
"ATTENTION! Seniors will be joining us today. Pair up in groups of five!"
Liana's team formed:
• Liana
• Zara
• Mira
• Morris
• And a silent boy who always kept to himself.
Students cheered as training began. Many struggled with their powers—some couldn't activate them at all.
"You're up," the instructor said to Liana's group.
Mira stepped forward first.
She hurled a wave of bright magic straight at Liana—
Liana dodged with a jump, the spell exploding against the wall behind her.
Gasps filled the room.
Liana tried to summon her magic.
Nothing.
Not even a spark.
She was forced to fight Mira using only her natural strength.
And she won.
Everyone clapped—even the teacher looked impressed.
"Why is your magic not responding?" the teacher asked.
"I… don't know," Liana said quietly.
Next was Morris.
His movements were sharp and controlled.
Liana pushed herself, giving a strong fight, but Morris eventually overpowered her.
Then Zara stepped forward.
Her attacks were surprisingly aggressive—too aggressive.
Liana stared at her in confusion.
Why is she fighting me like an enemy?
Still, Liana defended herself and survived the round.
Finally, the quiet boy stepped forward.
Students groaned loudly.
"Ahh not him."
"He's useless."
"He never even talks."
But the moment he took a step toward Liana—
Everything changed.
He moved too fast—
Faster than any student should.
He slammed into Liana, knocking her to the ground.
Long, black shadows wrapped around his arm, twisting into a deadly blade aimed directly at her heart.
The principal, who had been observing from the balcony, stood abruptly—
His eyes widened in alarm.
"Dark shadow magic…"
The seniors rushed in—
Their spells failed the moment they hit the shadows.
Liana couldn't breathe.
Her hands shook violently.
"No one is coming to save you," the boy whispered, smiling darkly.
"Not even your mate."
Her heart almost stopped.
How does he know Kael?
The shadow-blade pierced down—
"AAAH!" Liana screamed as the tip grazed her skin.
And then—
The entire atmosphere snapped.
A swirl of violent wind ripped through the hall.
A tall figure appeared out of thin air, cloaked in darkness, face completely hidden behind shimmering magic.
Kael.
Students gasped, stumbling backward.
Kael lifted one hand.
"How dare you touch my mate."
"You're mistaken, King—" the stranger tried to speak.
Kael sent him flying across the hall before he could finish.
"Restrain him!" Kael roared.
But before the seniors reached him, the shadow wielder vanished into black smoke.
Morris reached Liana first, helping her sit up. Mira crouched beside them, panicked.
Zara stayed frozen, eyes wide, staring.
Kael looked down at Morris touching Liana—
His jaw clenched.
Energy burst from him in a wave, knocking everyone a step back.
He lifted Liana into his arms and disappeared without a single word.
Students whispered in pure shock:
"Who IS he?"
"Why does he hide his face?"
"He's… ridiculously handsome."
"He called Liana his mate?"
"No wonder her magic is acting strange."
Morris brushed his clothes, trying to calm himself.
As he turned to leave, Zara rushed to him.
"Morris! W-when are you free? Maybe we could—"
He looked at her coldly.
Then walked away without saying a word.
Mira stepped beside Zara, arms crossed.
"Zara, please stop. He doesn't like you, babe."
She walked off.
Leaving Zara trembling with embarrassment.