Alliances

Adeline gathered her things, her thoughts preoccupied with what Lucas had told her about the hunt. She hadn't expected him to approach her or to bring up something as intriguing and potentially beneficial as the upcoming competition.

Despite her initial doubts, she felt a surge of determination. Winning the hunt could finally give her the leverage she needed to access the library's restricted section and uncover more about her lightning powers.

As the students began to disperse from the field, Adeline was unaware of the sharp gaze observing her from afar. Benedict stood at the edge of the training grounds, his arms crossed, watching her every move. He had noticed Lucas speaking with her earlier and couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

Lucas was many things—ambitious, calculating, and undeniably dangerous. Benedict had seen enough of him over the years to know that Lucas never did anything without an ulterior motive.