Screams tore through the training arena before Aria even registered the explosion.
One moment, Silvercrest Academy hummed with controlled power—spell circles glowing, weapons clashing, instructors pacing like hawks. The air crackled with magic and tension, students pushing themselves too hard, instructors demanding more.
The next moment?
The world turned into fire.
A blast of unstable energy ruptured the center ring, exploding into a storm of flame and smoke. The shockwave tore through the arena like a living creature, knocking students off their feet. Shields shattered. Spells fizzled. Heat rolled across the ground in burning waves.
Aria staggered backward, ears ringing, heartbeat pounding against her ribs—
Then she saw her.
A girl lay sprawled at the heart of the blaze. Her arm wa
