Aira was forced to enroll in the Imperial Magic Academy under royal watch.
Officially, she was a "late bloomer."
Unofficially, she was being monitored.
Students stared as she entered the grand hall. Some curious. Some hostile.
Prince Kael watched from above the staircase.
"Control your power," he warned her privately.
"If the council discovers what you truly are… they will execute you."
Aira clenched her fists.
For the first time in her life, she wasn't weak.
And she wouldn't bow anymore.
During combat class, a noble student challenged her publicly.
"You? Fight me?" he laughed.
Aira stepped forward.
Red petals swirled around her.
The arena trembled.
One strike.
He was on the ground.
Silence filled the academy.
And for the first time—
People looked at her with fear.