Midnight Games

The following afternoon, the courtyard behind Mystic Academy buzzed with activity. Enchanted bean bags zipped through the air as students dodged, rolled, and shrieked with laughter. Magical targets floated midair, glowing brighter when struck, and occasionally zapping the thrower for fun.

Aranea wiped sweat from her brow and leaned on her knees, panting. "Okay… this is way more intense than I thought."

"Come on, Bean Queen," Zann teased, flipping a bean into the air and catching it behind his back. "You've got the arm, you just need the flair."

She shot him a look. "Do not call me Bean Queen."

"I could go with 'Her Royal Tossiness' instead?"

"Stop talking."

Leonel approached from the edge of the courtyard, his movements fluid and composed even under the summer sun. "Your footwork's off. You're favoring your left side when you dodge."

Aranea blinked. "I am?"

Zann raised a brow. "Here comes Captain Technical."