Liora stood under the ancient willow tree in the Moonlit Courtyard, her thoughts racing as fast as her heartbeat. The memory of Kael's burning touch on her arm wouldn't fade. It wasn't just warmth—it was something older, deeper… like the magic of Aetherfall itself had recognized them both.
Kael appeared from behind the columns, his uniform slightly wrinkled, as if he'd been tossing in bed all night. His eyes locked on hers immediately.
"You felt it too, didn't you?" he asked, voice low.
Liora hesitated. "The glow? The pulse between us? It was like something… awakened."
He stepped closer, expression serious. "I did some digging last night. In the restricted section. There's a legend—an old one—about two students bound by Aether itself. If they meet, their powers become limitless… but their bond could also destroy them."
Liora's heart thudded louder. "You think that's us?"
"I don't know. But if it is, we're in danger. Real danger."
A breeze stirred the leaves around them. The Aether pulsed faintly between their fingertips as they unconsciously reached toward each other. When their skin touched, the entire courtyard shimmered in blue light for a second—and then dimmed again.
Kael let out a breath. "That wasn't normal."
Liora's voice shook. "We need answers. Real ones. Not just myths in dusty books."
He nodded, then glanced around. "There's someone we can ask. Professor Elain. She was once part of the Spellwoven Circle. If anyone knows what this is… she does."
As they turned to leave, a voice called from the shadows. "Going somewhere without your headmistress's blessing?"
Liora froze. It was Sareth—the student enforcer. Dark-haired, robe pristine, and power rolling off him like thunderclouds.
Kael tensed beside her. "This doesn't concern you."
"It does when two students are glowing in ancient magic and sneaking around in moonlit courtyards." Sareth smirked. "Whatever bond you two have… it's not natural. And I'll be watching."
He turned and vanished into the shadows like mist.
Liora whispered, "He knows something…"
Kael's jaw clenched. "And he'll try to stop us."
They continued through the winding halls of Aetherfall Academy, hand in hand, unaware that with each step, a centuries-old prophecy was tightening around them.
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