Viremoor Academy — Magical Tactics & Strategy Class]
The classroom is buzzing. Students are seated in pairs, magical sigils glowing faintly on their desks. Professor Nyx floats around — literally — her fae wings shimmering.
Nyx
Pair up, everyone. Today’s lesson: counterspell theory and reaction speed drills.
Seraphine D'Arveil
(In head)
Seraphine D'Arveil
Of course. And who do I get stuck with?
[Across the room, Ivy Winthorn sits — already perfect posture, books aligned like a control freak.]
Nyx
(calling out)
Nyx
Seraphine D'Arveil — with Ivy Winthorn.
Seraphine D'Arveil
(muttering)
Seraphine D'Arveil
Figures.
[Seraphine walks over, dropping her books a little too hard on the desk.]
Seraphine D'Arveil
(smirking)
Seraphine D'Arveil
Try not to trip over your own spells today, Winthorn.
Ivy Winthorn
(calm, icy smile)
Ivy Winthorn
I’d be more concerned about you actually keeping up for once.
Seraphine D'Arveil
(raising an eyebrow)
Seraphine D'Arveil
Oh, sweetie. I don’t chase people.
Seraphine D'Arveil
They usually fall behind on their own.
Ivy Winthorn
(unbothered)
Ivy Winthorn
Let’s see if your spells are as sharp as your mouth
[Professor Nyx claps her hands.]
Nyx
First challenge: mirror counterspell.
Nyx
Attack, defend, and reverse. Ready? Begin.
[Their hands move in perfect sync, sigils lighting up. Sparks crackle as their spells collide mid-air.]
Seraphine D'Arveil
[in head] Damn she’s fast
Ivy Winthorn
(coolly)
Ivy Winthorn
Struggling already?
Seraphine D'Arveil
(grinning through gritted teeth)
Seraphine D'Arveil
Not even close.
[The air between them snaps with energy as the counterspells escalate.]
Nyx
(impressed)
Nyx
Excellent control, both of you. But remember: control isn't everything.
[The match ends in a draw. The class applauds lightly.]
Ivy Winthorn
(soft voice, but sharp)
Ivy Winthorn
You’re better than I thought, D'Arveil.
Seraphine D'Arveil
(smirking, a flicker of respect hidden)
Seraphine D'Arveil
Same to you… unfortunately.
[They exchange one last sharp look before sitting down, both secretly feeling the heat of competition — and something else neither will admit yet.]
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