The doors of the Headmistress's office shut behind Elara with a heavy thud.Candles lit themselves, and the room filled with the scent of ancient burning magic.
Headmistress Aurelia stood with her back turned, staring at a massive circular mirror — its surface dark and rippling like water.
"Elara Voss," she began calmly, "you possess magic that should not exist."
Elara swallowed hard. "I don't know how I did it."
Aurelia finally turned toward her."You're lying. Those who wield Celestial Light are either chosen… or reborn."
Elara froze. She had never told anyone about her past life.
"How—"
Aurelia raised her hand and the mirror glowed, showing an image of Elara in her previous life — wearing the royal gown she was killed in.
Elara staggered back. "You— you know."
"I know more than you think," Aurelia said. "I am the one who brought you back."
Elara gasped, her heartbeat racing.She was the reason I reincarnated… why?
"Why would you do that? Why bring me back to this world?"
Aurelia stepped closer, her eyes full of cold purpose.
"Because the world needs you — or it will fall."
The mirror shifted again, showing a vision of the academy in flames, students fighting monsters of shadow, Lucian injured and bleeding on the ground.
Elara choked on a sob. "No…!"
"You have two choices," Aurelia continued:
"Become what this world needs — its guardian…or lose everything you love again."
The locket on Elara's neck pulsed, glowing faintly.
Elara clenched her fists. "If I have this power… I'll fight for the people I care about. I won't let history repeat."
Aurelia nodded — but her eyes softened for the first time.
"There is something you must know. Every wish has a price. Your reincarnation came with one."
Elara's voice shook. "What price?"
Aurelia hesitated.
"Someone you love… will forget you."
Elara's heart dropped.
"What do you mean— who?"
Aurelia didn't answer.Instead, she waved her hand and the doors opened.
"This conversation is over. For now. Attend your classes — act normal. The academy must not panic."
Elara left the office in a daze, tears trembling on her lashes.
💞 Outside the Office
Lucian was waiting — he had fought the guards and had bruises on his jaw and hands.
"Elara!" He ran to her and hugged her without hesitation. "Are you alright? What did she do to you?"
Elara's body shook — not from fear, but from the weight of the secret.
If the price of her wish was that someone she loved would forget her…
Would it be Lucian?
She looked up at him — golden eyes meeting his storm-blue ones.
"Elara? Talk to me."
She forced a small smile."I'm fine… I promise."
Lucian frowned — he didn't believe her. But he didn't push.
He took her hand gently."Whatever happens, don't shut me out. I'm on your side… always."
Her heart ached.
How long until the price steals him away from me?
She leaned into him, closing her eyes — savoring the warmth, the safety, the connection… afraid it might disappear.