Almora and Stacy woke up to the soft golden light of morning spilling through their dormitory window. The gentle hum of activity was beginning to stir outside. Birds chirped in the distance, and the early sounds of students getting ready for the day filtered in faintly through the walls. The peacefulness of morning at the academy felt almost surreal.

The two girls stretched groggily before heading into their separate bathrooms to get ready. The sound of water running and quiet rustles of movement filled the room. Almora stared at her reflection for a moment as she brushed her hair, her red strands glinting in the light. There was a quiet determination in her eyes, but a flicker of unease still lingered beneath it.

Once dressed and ready, Stacy moved to the door, her outfit crisp and her energy bright as always. She turned back and opened the door with a soft creak, stepping into the hallway. She stood there waiting, holding it open for Almora, who remained still in place, frozen with uncertainty. Her feet felt glued to the floor.

Stacy turned back, her brows furrowing gently when she noticed Almora hadn't followed. "It's going to be fine," she said softly, offering an encouraging smile. "And I'm here too, right?"

Almora stared at her, then at the hallway beyond the door, lined with the noise of murmurs and muffled footsteps. After a pause, she drew in a deep breath, nodded, and finally stepped forward, her fingers tightening briefly around the door handle before she pulled it shut behind her.

As they walked down the hall together, it became instantly clear-everyone was watching. Every step Almora took was accompanied by lingering gazes and hushed whispers. Heads turned. Conversations dropped. Curious and cautious eyes tracked her every move as though she were some rare, unpredictable force.

All the way out of the hostel, the stares never stopped. Almora could feel each one like a weight on her shoulders.

"It seems you're already very popular, Almora," Stacy said with a light, teasing tone once they were outside, her voice trying to soften the tension as they walked toward the campus grounds.

Almora let out a slow sigh, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Well... if I were popular for a good reason, it would've been much better. But this..." she muttered, then facepalmed herself with a soft groan. "Ugh."

Trying to change the subject, she looked sideways at Stacy and asked, "What class are we going for?"

"The only class we'll be having until we're fully able to control our powers is Control Class, Defense class and some extracurricular activities," Stacy replied, adjusting the strap of her bag. "That's it for now. We need to learn how not to accidentally blow something up before anything else."

Almora chuckled softly, the tension briefly easing. "So... which of the extracurriculars are you signing up for?"

"Volleyball and dance," Stacy said with a grin, twirling slightly like she was already at practice.

"Aaasshh..." Almora playfully groaned. "I'm signing up for fashion designing and volleyball. But hey, at least we'll be together in volleyball."

"Exactly!" Stacy said with a wink. "That's what I'm excited about."

Meanwhile, across the field, a little distance away from where Almora and Stacy walked, a boy stood unusually still, his gaze fixed intently on Almora. His dark eyes narrowed slightly, as though he were studying something beyond the surface as if he were reading a complex novel with no end in sight.

"Hey, Lucian. Where are you lost?" Brian said, waving a hand in front of his face. There was no response.

Brian furrowed his brows and leaned in slightly. "Lucian?" Still no reply.

"Strange..." he muttered under his breath. Finally, he reached out and gave Lucian a firm shake.

Lucian blinked rapidly, like waking from a deep trance, and turned to Brian.

"What were you thinking about, huh?" Brian asked, watching his friend with a raised brow.

"Nothing..." Lucian muttered, his voice lower than usual. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to appear casual. "Emm... can we start going to class now? You know it's a combined class with the juniors."

"Oh yeah! I totally forgot," Brian said, stretching his arms. "Okay, let's go be good seniors."

He turned back and shouted, "Oliver, get over here! Let's go."

The three of them-Lucian, Brian, and Oliver-headed off toward Control Class, their footsteps falling into rhythm.

Back inside the classroom, Almora and Stacy were already seated beside each other. Each seat was designed as a double, and most students sat in pairs. The room was larger than most classrooms-clearly expanded through magic, with enchantments enhancing the space to accommodate more students. Today, the second-year students would be joining them just for this special session.

"The second-year students will be joining us today to show us how controlling is done," Stacy said, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement. A wide smile spread across her face.

Almora raised an eyebrow. "Why do they have to be here? Don't we have teachers to show us?" She rolled her eyes. "Pffff... show-offs."

Stacy stifled a laugh and gave Almora a playful nudge on the shoulder. "Stop-here they are," she whispered.

Just then, the door swung open, and the instructor walked in. He was tall, lean, and carried himself with the calm authority of someone who'd seen more magic mishaps than he cared to count.

"Good morning, class," he began. "Welcome to Control Class. I'm Mr. Powell, your control teacher."

Without any delay, he continued, his tone direct. "So let's cut off all the introduction and get to work."

He glanced at the list on his clipboard before speaking again.

"Our first student to start her control lessons today is... Ms. Almora Rencia."

Almora's eyes shot open in shock. Her entire body tensed in her seat. Me? Why would he call me first? Oh God... why me? she thought, panic rising in her chest.

"Please come forward," Mr. Powell said.

Almora rose slowly, her movements careful and controlled. Her legs felt heavy with every step she took toward the front of the class. She could feel the weight of every eye in the room locked on her some curious, some skeptical, others waiting to see what she would do.

And among those eyes was a pair that seemed to burn with something different, Lucian's.

When Almora reached the front, she stopped and took a steadying breath, standing tall in front of Mr. Powell. Her fingers were trembling ever so slightly, but she clenched them to her sides.

"We are starting with you, Ms. Almora, because your powers are strong and quite difficult to control. This will be a valuable lesson for others," Mr. Powell said seriously, his eyes meeting hers. "I've heard your powers are currently locked. May I ask with what?"

Almora raised her left hand and extended her fingers. Upon her middle finger sat a ring, small, elegant, but laced with ancient enchantments.

When Lucian saw the ring, something flickered behind his eyes brief but powerful. A look that couldn't be defined curiosity? Recognition? Shock? Whatever it was, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

"Take off your ring," Mr. Powell said, his hand outstretched to receive it.

Almora hesitated. Her fingers lingered over the band, reluctant to remove it. The air around her felt heavier.

But finally, with slow and careful movements, she began to slide the ring off. The instant the cool metal left her skin, something deep within her stirred.

Just as she reached forward to place it in Mr. Powell's hand, a jolt of pain ripped through her.

Her entire body tensed as a red glow erupted around her bright, fierce, and pulsing with intensity. The light poured from her skin like fire held back by a thin veil, threatening to break free at any second.

Gasps echoed through the classroom.

Almora stood there, glowing crimson, frozen in the moment.