The sky bled copper as the last rays of sun slipped behind the dense treetops of the forest bordering Alpha Academy. Ari stood at the edge of the Eastern ridge, the wind whipping her braid behind her. The last battle had left a scar on the land—and on her soul.
Below, the ravaged grounds where Seraphine's creatures had attacked earlier in the week were still smoldering. Smoke curled upward in lazy spirals, a grim reminder of what they were up against.
She tightened her grip on the charm at her neck, the silver glowing faintly in the fading light. The magic in her blood pulsed harder each day, whispering of a power she hadn’t yet dared to unlock.
Behind her, heavy boots crunched over fallen leaves.
"You’ve been quiet since the council meeting," Ronan said, his voice low, careful. He sto
