Vial of Deception

Ava stood firm, fists clenched as Helena smirked across from her. The duel was seconds away from beginning, the tension so thick it felt like the air itself was pressing down on them. The gathered students whispered in anticipation, eyes darting between the two of them.

But before the first strike could be thrown, a sharp voice cut through the crowd.

"What is going on here?"

The students immediately parted as Michael strode into the courtyard, his cold gaze scanning the scene. His presence alone was enough to make whispers die down.

Ava's heart pounded. She hated Michael—hated the way he carried himself, the way he always found a way to make her feel small. But she knew that he held influence, and if he was here, things were about to take a turn.

Michael's eyes flicked between Ava and Helena, then landed on Pearl, who was still kneeling on the ground, trembling. His lips curled slightly, but it wasn't a smile.