Lucian's lips curled into a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "I've heard about you. Mediocrity! The one who struggled with a simple illumination spell in Professor Arlo's class. Quite the impression you've made."
Alexander felt a flush of embarrassment creep up his neck but forced himself to remain calm. "Everyone struggles at first. Magic isn't something you master overnight."
Lucian's smile widened, but it was a cold, predatory expression. "True, but some of us have a natural affinity for it. Others… well, it takes a bit more effort, doesn't it?"
Before Alexander could respond, Lira intervened, her tone gentle but firm. "Lucian, that's enough. We're all here to learn, and everyone's journey is different. There's no need for comparisons."
Lucian's expression softened as he turned his attention back to Lira, his demeanor shifting from confrontational to almost charming. "You're right, of course," he said smoothly. "I didn't mean to be harsh. I'm just concerned, that's all. We wouldn't want our new friend here to get discouraged."
There was something about the way he said the word "friend" that set Alexander's teeth on edge. It was clear that Lucian's concern was anything but genuine, and the underlying tension between them was palpable.
Lira, however, remained composed, her expression unchanged. "Thank you for your concern, Lucian, but Alexander is doing just fine. We were actually having a very interesting conversation."
Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, Alexander saw a flicker of something dark and dangerous in his gaze. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by the same smooth, practiced smile. "Of course," he said, his tone light. "I wouldn't want to intrude. Perhaps I'll see you later, Lira. We still have that project to discuss."
Lira nodded politely. "I'll see you later, Lucian."
With a final glance at Alexander, Lucian turned and walked away, his stride confident and assured. Alexander watched him go, the tension in his shoulders slowly easing as Lucian disappeared around a corner.
Lira sighed softly, a sound that was almost imperceptible, and Alexander glanced at her, noting the slight furrow in her brow. "I take it you and Lucian know each other well," he said carefully.
"We do," Lira replied, her tone neutral. "Our families have been close for generations, and we've known each other since we were children. Lucian can be… intense, but he's not a bad person. He just has a lot of expectations to live up to, like many of us."
Alexander wasn't sure if he agreed with her assessment, but he respected her loyalty. It was clear that Lira was someone who valued her relationships and was willing to give people the benefit of the doubt, even when they didn't always deserve it.
"Still," Alexander said after a moment, "it seems like he's not too happy about you spending time with me."
Lira met his gaze, her green eyes thoughtful. "Lucian is… protective," she said, choosing her words carefully. "He's always been that way, especially when it comes to people he cares about. But I'm capable of making my own decisions, and I'm not going to let him dictate who I spend time with."
There was a quiet strength in her words, a resolve that Alexander found both admirable and reassuring. "I'm glad to hear that," he said sincerely. "I've enjoyed talking with you, Lira. It's nice to have someone to talk to who understands what it's like to be here, to navigate all of this."
Lira smiled, a genuine warmth in her expression. "I've enjoyed our conversation too, Alexander."
They continued talking for a while longer, their conversation flowing easily as they discussed their studies, their hopes for the future, and the challenges they faced at the Academy.
As the bell signaling the end of the break rang out across the courtyard, Lira rose from the bench, smoothing her robes. "I should get to my next class," she said, her tone regretful. "But I'm sure we'll see each other around."
Alexander nodded, standing as well. "I'm sure we will. Thanks for the conversation, Lira. It really helped."
"Anytime," Lira replied, her smile lingering as she turned to walk away.
As Alexander watched her go, he couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to her, a bond that had been forged in their brief encounter.
But as he gathered his things and prepared to head to his next class, the memory of Lucian's cold, calculating gaze lingered in his mind, a reminder that not everyone at the Academy would be as understanding as Lira.
....
The sun stood at its zenith as the students of the Academy filed into the classroom for their afternoon session. He knew that today's elemental magic class was going to be different. Rumors had been circulating among the students that Professor Thalia had planned a particularly challenging session, one designed to test not only their knowledge but also their practical skills.
The classroom was a wide, open space, with desks arranged in a circle around a central platform where demonstrations and tests were conducted. The walls were lined with shelves filled with various magical implements—crystals, vials of strange liquids, and ancient tomes that hummed with latent power. He found his usual seat near the middle of the room and settled in.
As the last of the students took their seats, Professor Thalia stepped forward, her sharp eyes scanning the room. "Good afternoon, students," she began, her voice firm and authoritative. "Today, we will continue our exploration of elemental magic, focusing on the practical application of fire, water, and air. Mastery of these elements requires both skill and discipline, and it is essential that you learn to control them effectively."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. "To assess your progress, I will be conducting a practical challenge. One student will be randomly selected to demonstrate their ability to control fire magic. The outcome of this test will be reflected in your performance score for the semester. As you know, your performance scores are crucial to your continued enrollment at the Academy. Failing to meet the required standard could result in expulsion." "And I will now select the student who will participate in the challenge."
As she spoke, Alexander noticed three students seated near the back of the room—three male classmates who had been whispering and glancing in his direction since he had entered the room. He recognized them as members of House Ignis, known for their arrogance and competitive nature. A sinking feeling settled in his gut as he saw their smirks, their eyes flicking between him and the professor.
Without looking up, Professor Thalia reached into a small box on her desk and pulled out a slip of parchment. The room fell silent as she unfolded the paper and read the name written on it.
"Alexander Graves."
Alexander's heart dropped. He could feel the eyes of his classmates turning toward him, their gazes filled with a mixture of curiosity and pity. He took a deep breath and slowly rose from his seat, forcing his expression to remain neutral despite the storm of emotions raging inside him. This was no coincidence. He had been set up.
The three students in the back exchanged satisfied looks, their smug expressions confirming Alexander's suspicions. This was Lucian's doing. Lucian Draven, the fire mage from House Ignis who had taken an immediate dislike to Alexander after seeing him with Lira, had clearly orchestrated this. The three students were Lucian's lackeys, and they had ensured that Alexander would be the one selected for the challenge—a challenge designed to make him fail.
The realization sent a wave of anger through Alexander, but he forced it down, knowing that he couldn't afford to lose his temper now. This was exactly what Lucian wanted—to rattle him, to make him stumble and fall ,to push him out of the Academy—and away from Lira.
"Come forward, Alexander," Professor Thalia instructed, her tone giving nothing away. "You will be demonstrating your control over fire magic."