NIGHT WATCH

*Chapter 27: Shadows at Dusk*

The Lumina Tournament changed everything. Students buzzed for days about surprise pairings, wild spells, and the strange glimpses of trust between rivals. Yan, Bao Yu, Li Wei, and Chen Xiulan couldn't help but notice the new glances from classmates—some curious, others wary. For the first time, Yan found herself eating lunch beside Bao Yu in awkward but companionable silence, while Jin Ming and his new prankster friend swapped spell-trick tips nearby.

Classes returned, but peace was short-lived. One stormy evening, the Academy's magical alarms blared. The sky turned green as firefly lanterns shimmered and banshee winds rattled every window: the main barrier was under attack. Teachers raced through halls, herding students to safety as ghostly forms began swirling around the outer gardens.

Without thinking, Li Wei's group leaped into action, drawing wands and muttering spells. Yan hesitated for a heartbeat—then ran after them, Nightshade cawing loud warnings. In the dark, rivalries no longer mattered. Mei Fen's illusions shielded the youngest students, Jin Ming lobbed fire bolts at shadows, Yan and Bao Yu wove defense spells, and Rui, squirrel at his side, darted from group to group passing out protective charms.

Side by side, Li Wei and Yan found themselves working in sync at last. Though suspicion glimmered in their eyes, they put it aside to seal a breach in the magical barrier, their counter-ritual creating a double helix of gold and blue light. Ghostly attackers shattered and fled—though not before leaving a cryptic rune scorched in the earth, a warning of bigger threats to come.

When the danger passed and exhausted students returned indoors, Li Wei caught Yan's gaze—a nod of respect finally passing between them. Secrets remained, but after surviving the storm together, a fragile alliance had been forged.