The sweet shop at the academy's town center was always busy.
Nut today it seemed to hum with an unusual warmth.
Aromas of sugar and freshly baked pastries wafted through the air as Ariana sat at their usual table near the window with her closest friends, Clara and Eliza.
The sunlight filtered through the panes, casting soft shadows on the table piled with desserts—bright macarons, frosted cupcakes, and a plate of Ariana's favorite chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Eliza was the first to speak, breaking the quiet as she poked at a slice of berry tart with her fork.
"So... Noah Ashbourne is back..."
She said, a sly grin curling at her lips.
Clara immediately perked up, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Oh, you mean the academy's resident dark cloud of doom?"
She teased, popping a lemon macaron into her mouth.
Ariana rolled her eyes, trying to stifle a small smile.
"Why are you all like this...
