The night at Luminara was quiet, or so it seemed.
Lyra was just about to drift off when a sudden boom made her heart jump.
Then from the courtyard, violet flames burst into the sky, fast and loud like cursed fireworks.
Someone shouted. Others rushed to the windows.
Lyra jumped up, clutching the amulet around her neck.
The dark mages had come.
And this was only the beginning.
Lyra reached for the amulet resting against her collarbone. It was a smooth crystal set in silver, warm to the touch. The heirloom had once belonged to her mother, a legendary white witch whose death still lingered like an unanswered question.
As her fingers closed around it, a surge of energy pulsed through her veins. A blinding white aura erupted from her body, wrapping around her like a shield of light.
Elisabeth gasped behind her."It's the first time I've seen you use that… in a whole year," she said, her eyes wide with awe.
Lyra didn't look back. Her dark braid swayed as she stepped forward, calm and steady."Stay behind me," she said. "I'll protect you."
They were still in their dorm room when, all of a sudden, crash. The window behind them shattered into a thousand shards. Glass rained onto the floor as a shadowy figure stepped through, bold and uninvited.
Lyra spun around instantly. Elisabeth, startled and pale, ducked behind her friend, seeking cover within the radiant shield of light.
Standing before them was a dark mage, clearly from another academy. The deep violet uniform gave it away: he was from Virelos, the rival school known for practicing forbidden arts.
The intruder's face was hidden beneath a hood, but his eyes burned through the shadows, bright, icy blue and pulsing with magic.
"I've come for Ryza's amulet," he said, his voice low and sure. "Hand it over. Now."
Lyra clenched the amulet tightly, feeling a quiet fire pulse through her veins. "You won't have it," she said, steady and unafraid.
The dark mage took a step forward, his presence chilling the air around them. "Don't underestimate me, white witch. That amulet belongs to us. You know it too well."
His words hit her like a blow to the chest. Why should it belong to them? she thought, shaken and confused. A flash of surprise crossed her eyes, but she said nothing. Her face hardened, hiding the shock beneath a calm mask.
Elisabeth glanced at her with worry, but Lyra shook her head, as if to steady herself.
With a swift motion, the light around her flared brighter, white flames burning away the shadows.
"Try and take it," Lyra whispered, a cold smile curling on her lips.
The dark mage didn't move, but a dense shadow flickered in his hand, ready to unleash its power. Lyra felt her heart race, but she stood firm.
"I have no intention of fighting you here," she said calmly, "but if you want the amulet, you'll have to go through me first."
Elisabeth held her breath, clutching even tighter to the light surrounding Lyra.
A flash of black energy shot from the mage's hand, casting an eerie glow across the room. Lyra raised her palm, her white aura countering the darkness, creating a clash of light that made the walls tremble.
Their eyes locked, filled with challenge and secrets.
Then, with a sudden move, the battle between light and shadow began.
Lyra took a deep breath, feeling the amulet's energy surge through her like a rushing river. The room seemed to shrink as the white light grew stronger, wrapping around every corner.
The dark mage stepped forward, the shadow in his hands shifting shape, forming into a menacing creature made of smoke and darkness. A shadow demon lunged toward Lyra with a silent roar.
Without hesitation, Lyra raised her hands, fingers weaving through the air as she channeled her magic. Sparks of pure light burst from the amulet, merging into a protective shield before her.
The demon slammed against the barrier, making the air around them tremble. Elisabeth screamed, but Lyra stood firm, her face steady and determined.
The shadow demon faded away, leaving only the amulet's glow in Lyra's hands. The hooded boy stood still, staring at her.
When their eyes met, something inside Lyra softened, as if she recognized him, though she couldn't explain why.
For a moment, her guard dropped, caught off guard by a strange, magnetic feeling.
He slowly lowered his hood, revealing a young face marked by faint scars and messy, yet strangely elegant black hair.
His deep blue eyes held a mysterious look that held her attention.
Lyra's heart quickened. "Who are you?"
The boy gave a slight smile, then whispered, "We'll meet again."
With a swift leap, he vanished through the broken window into the night.