SCHOOL OF MAGIC

The Calm Before the Question

The very next day at Arcadia felt almost ordinary — as if the school itself wanted to pretend nothing extraordinary had happened.

Students moved through the halls laughing, sunlight spilled across the courtyard, and the gentle hum of magic filled the air.

The only difference was that now there were two identical girls walking side by side.

Alexa and Ariella.

Stella kept glancing between them in disbelief while Mia tried not to stare too obviously. Wendy greeted them warmly, and Ferah simply nodded with quiet approval. Valerina approached with her friends, no longer carrying her usual edge, and fell easily into step beside them.

Tedros lingered near Alexa more than usual, clearly finding reasons to stay close whenever he could.

—

On the training grounds, the mood was light.

Instead of rivalry, Alexa and Valerina played with their magic — small controlled bursts, harmless sparks, precise movements that drew laughter from the others. Even Instructor Kai, who tried to maintain his stern expression, eventually shook his head with reluctant amusement as the group’s energy lifted the entire field.

Training felt less like preparation for battle and more like a moment of peace.

—

Meanwhile, in the prison yard, the containment field around Isolde shimmered faintly.

Dark energy slowly gathered at her fingertips.

Cracks spread across the barrier.

With a silent surge, the field shattered.

Guards rushed, but waves of shadow magic pushed them aside as she moved forward with quiet determination.

—

Inside the Headmistress’s office, Seraphine and Principal Elowen reviewed documents while Sarah and Valerina remained nearby.

The door burst open.

Isolde entered.

Sarah stepped back instinctively. “She escaped…”

Seraphine moved toward the alarm crystal, but before she could activate it, Isolde lifted her hand — black magic scattering the device into fragments.

Elowen’s voice was firm. “You have caused enough havoc.”

Isolde stood tall. “I am not a prisoner.”

Seraphine’s tone sharpened. “You never learn. You are the problem.”

Isolde’s expression twisted with anger. “I’m the problem?”

Dark smoke gathered around her hands.

“I’m the problem?” she repeated, voice rising.

Then suddenly, her posture shifted — the anger draining away.

Her voice softened, trembling. “I’m… sorry… please forgive me…”

Sarah frowned in confusion. “What is happening…?”

Valerina whispered, “This doesn’t make sense.”

Isolde swayed — and collapsed.

As she fell, Alexa stood behind her.

Still.

Quiet.

Watching.

Seraphine slowly turned toward her.

“Alexa… what did you do?”

Alexa met her gaze calmly.

“I fixed it.”

Elowen stepped forward slightly. “Fixed what?”

Alexa gave a small nod.

“…the problem.”

For a brief instant, her eyes flickered — a soft orange glint passing through them — and faint traces of lightning-like flares gathered across her face before fading completely, leaving her expression serene.

Seraphine, Elowen, Sarah, and Valerina stood frozen in astonishment, staring at Alexa and the motionless Isolde in silence.

TO BE CONTINUED.....