MOONFIRE ASCENDING

"So… why were you out of your dorm at midnight?"

Yvaine sat stiffly in the chair across from Principal Myrrin. Her fingers fidgeted in her lap.

"I was kidnapped," she said.

Principal Myrrin raised a brow. "Kidnapped."

"Yes. I— I was taken during the party. When I went to the bathroom."

"And then what?"

"I found myself in a dark hall. I managed to find my way back to the dorm and I heard the scream in the garden. I followed and I found her there."

"Solera?"

Yvaine nodded slowly. "She was hanging. From the tree. Blood everywhere."

Principal Myrrin leaned back. "Who kidnapped you?"

Yvaine hesitated. She felt her throat tighten.

"Well?"

"I... I don't really know." That was a lie. she did. She knew.

The principal narrowed her eyes. "You do know lying to your witch principal is a bad idea, right?"

"I'm not lying!" Yvaine said, louder than she meant to.

The principal's voice dropped cold. "Mind your tone, Miss Theolux… or you'll go mute for the rest of the day."

Yvaine swallowed hard. "Sorry."

"Try again. Who kidnapped you?"

Her palms felt sweaty. Her mouth dry.

Why was his name so hard to say?

Yvaine looked down. "Lucien Lioréan."

Her eyes narrowed.

"And?" the principal asked.

"He had two others with him. I didn't see their faces. But he was the one. I'm sure."

"That's a very serious accusation," Principal Myrrin said, calmly. "Are you absolutely sure?"

Yvaine wanted to shout, Yes, I'm sure! but she remembered the mute threat and forced herself to stay calm.

"Yes. I'm sure," she said instead, steady this time.

Principal Myrrin didn't respond. She sighed and tapped the crystal speaker on her desk twice.

"Lucien Lioréan," her voice echoed through the academy, cold and clear. "Report to my office. Immediately."

Her throat became dry.

She felt her heart racing too fast.

Okay, just breathe.

He won't suppress you in here, she thought. Not in front of the principal.

She hoped she was right.

The door opened.

Lucien walked in.

Oh great. No aura suppression. Thanks be to the goddess.

He didn't even look at her.

Yvaine's throat tightened.

Why... why did that feel worse?

Why did she want him to at least look at her? Say something? Anything?

"Good morning, Principal Myrrin," he said, voice smooth like nothing ever happened. "You summoned me."

"Sit," the principal said.

He did. Straightened his blazer like he owned the damn world.

Yvaine's eyes caught the silver in his badge.

That same reminder.

She was still… blank.

Still nothing.

Lucien didn't spare her a glance.

But she kept stealing glances at him.

His face—calm. So calm.

Too calm.

Beautifully calm.

No. Not beautiful.

Not now.

Not him.

Your bully isn't beautiful, Yvaine. Get a freaking grip.

Principal Myrrin folded her arms. "Why did you kidnap Miss Theolux?"

Lucien blinked slowly.

"I didn't," he said. "She must've had too much to drink. Probably imagined it."

Yvaine's mouth fell open. "I didn't even drink—"

"Miss Theolux." The principal's glare shut her up.

Yvaine clenched her fists. Her nails dug into her palm.

She wanted to stab him. Right through that smug, lying mouth.

Principal Myrrin spoke again. "Where were you at midnight?"

"In my dorm," Lucien said smoothly. "Sleeping."

"And do you have witnesses?"

"Yes," he said. "Check the orb if you want. You'll see."

Yeah, check the orb, Yvaine thought. Please. Just do it.

But the principal nodded slowly. "That's enough."

Lucien stood.

He adjusted his jacket again.

At the door, he finally looked at her.

A smile. Slight. Cocky.

Then he walked out.

Yvaine's heart pounded. She wanted to throw something. Scream. Cry.

Principal Myrrin's voice snapped her back.

"You may return to your classes. The matter will be investigated."

Yvaine swallowed. "Thank you."

She got up and stepped outside.

Zully was waiting on the bench.

The moment she saw Yvaine, she stood up.

"So?" Zully asked, eyes scanning her face. "How did it go?"

Yvaine's lips trembled.

"Lucien is a lying bastard," she said. "He kidnapped me. And I didn't kill Solera."

Her voice cracked. She was close. So close to crying.

Zully pulled her into a hug.

"I know you didn't," she whispered. "Forget it, for now. We'll figure this out. Come on. Elyan and Veylor are waiting. We've got battle class."

______

The arena was already buzzing when Yvaine and Zully got there.

Elyan and Veylor were leaning on the fence. Nyx stood a little away from them, holding an umbrella over her head.

Yvaine squinted. "Why are you holding an umbrella? The sun's not even—"

She stopped.

"Oh—sorry."

Nyx didn't say anything. Just rolled her eyes and looked away.

Right. Vampyre blood.

Elyan stretched and groaned. "I really hope Master Theowin doesn't pair me today."

Veylor chuckled. "Scaredy cat."

"No, I'm not," Elyan said defensive. " I just don't want to be in the mud today."

Zully opened her mouth to say something, but then—

A loud swoosh. Like wind cutting air.

Master Theowin appeared in the center of the arena.

Long cloak. Grey streak in his hair. Serious face.

"Greetings, students," his voice rang out. "Today's battle lesson will be about energy defense and weapon shift. You'll be sparring against opponents who can push you. Hard. No holding back. I want bruises. I want burns."

The students broke into murmurs right away.

"Oh gods," Elyan muttered.

"Silence," Master Theowin said, sharp and loud.

The murmurs died.

He walked a few steps, hands behind his back.

"Now... today's first battle will begin with... hmm..."

He looked around.

"Lioréan. Step forward."

Girls squealed. Actually squealed.

Lucien stepped out from the crowd. Slow. Lazy. Smug.

His uniform adjusted itself slightly. His silver badge caught the light. He didn't even bother looking at anyone. He already knew.

"Who shall challenge Lioréan today?" Theowin asked.

Hands went up.

Silverwolves. Frosthowls. Bloodfangs.

Some looked hungry for it. Others just wanted to show off.

Then—

"No," Theowin said. His eyes scanned. Paused.

"You."

Yvaine froze.

He was looking at her.

"Me?" Her voice came out small.

"Yes, you. Theolux. Step out."

She didn't move.

Then she felt it—a tug. Her legs moved on their own, like something invisible was pushing her.

"You do not refuse me," Theowin said, not even blinking.

She was out in the center now. Her heart hammered.

She didn't dare look at Lucien.

He didn't say a word either. Just stood there. Watching.

Then Theowin snapped his fingers. Once. Twice.

Their uniforms shimmered—light flashed—and armor wrapped around their chests and arms. Light metal. Thin, but real.

Yvaine looked at her hands.

Her fingers shook.

She looked up at Lucien.

He looked… empty. No smirk. No frown. Just blank.

That was worse.

Great. I'm about to die. And my bully looks like he's at a tea party.

Zully looked like she wanted to scream but kept still.

Veylor mouthed something. Maybe "run"?

Too late now.

She was in the ring.

Lucien was in front of her.

And everyone was watching.