The awakening of sorcery and questionable love.

Despite all the conflicts between her friends and Arkins, she didn't get distracted, not this time. She continued her mission of uncovering the truth and looking for justice.

But there's a saying that goes "truth hurts".

This saying manifested in her story this time.

Melly's world had shattered with the truth. Her investigation confirmed it—Mr. Nim and Nabi's parents were responsible for her parents' death. But the discovery that broke her the most was her connection to them.

Her grandmother had once been married to Nabi's grandfather, but upon noticing magic within her, they divorced before having Melly's mother. That meant Melly's mother was the daughter of Nabi's grandfather, making Melly part of their family.

Yet, despite this blood tie, they had killed her parents. Over a mere family property. Over their fear of the truth being exposed.

Melly sat frozen, struggling to breathe as the weight of it sank in. They weren't just murderers. They were cowards—powerful, wealthy, and willing to destroy anything that threatened their secrets.

For a moment, she felt hopeless. How could she fight them? They had influence, money, and resources. She had nothing.

No.

She had something far greater.

Sorcery.

If she couldn't win against them physically, she would fight them with magic.

Determined, she decided to dig deeper—she would no longer run from what she was. She had to master her abilities, learn the power of spells, and uncover the darkest arts if necessary. She would summon demons and creatures if it meant getting her revenge.

Melly searched for knowledge, eventually finding her way to a hidden library filled with ancient magical books and enchanted objects. The moment she stepped inside, she felt it—the hum of power, the energy calling to her.

She struggled at first. Magic wasn't as easy as she had imagined. Some spells required absolute focus, while others drained her so much that she collapsed afterward. But she didn't stop. She couldn't afford to.

And then, she started to master it. Faster than she expected.

Her mentor? The voice in her nightmares. It had always been there, whispering, guiding, waiting for her to listen. Now, she embraced it.

Her style of magic was rooted in druidic power—she drew energy from nature itself. But her spells required verbal incantations, and each time she cast one, her eyes burned like fire before the magic took effect.

Her magic had no limits. She could teleport at will, switch objects with a mere thought, and bend reality in ways that should have been impossible.

But every power had a price. Overuse drained her, leaving her exhausted and weak. She learned to control it, to balance power and rest.

Yet, while learning magic, she still made time for Arkins. Their bond didn't fade—it only grew stronger.

Arkins noticed her exhaustion, the way she seemed drained after certain days. He questioned her, again and again. But Melly was careful—whenever he got too close to the truth, she changed the subject.

And when he pressed harder, she deflected in a way that led to something else—something deeper between them. Their conversations shifted from suspicion to moments filled with tension, emotions, and unspoken desires.

But then, Kim stepped in.

---

It was a normal school day—or at least, it was supposed to be. Melly was heading toward the library when she noticed Kim standing in her path, his hands in his pockets, an unreadable expression on his face.

Something about the way he looked at her made her heart skip a beat.

"Melly," he called, his voice quieter than usual.

She hesitated before walking up to him. "Kim? What's wrong?"

He took a deep breath. "I… I can't keep pretending anymore."

Melly's brows furrowed. "Pretending?"

"I like you." His voice was firm, but his eyes held uncertainty. "Not just as a friend. Not as a sister. I love you, Melly."

Silence.

Melly's breath hitched, her chest tightening.

"I know this is unexpected, but I've felt this way for a long time," Kim continued, stepping closer. "I tried to ignore it because I didn't want to ruin what we had, but… I can't keep running from it."

Unbeknownst to them, Arkins stood at a distance, watching everything.

His hands curled into fists as he listened to Kim's confession. His jaw tightened, his eyes darkening with jealousy and irritation. He had suspected Kim had feelings for Melly, but hearing him say it so openly made his blood boil.

Would Melly accept him? Was he about to lose her?

Kim's eyes searched hers. "Do you feel anything for me?"

Her lips parted, but no words formed. She felt trapped between two worlds—one where she could say yes and keep the peace, and another where she would follow her heart and shatter everything.

Kim must have taken her silence as rejection, because his expression changed, a mixture of pain and frustration flickering across his face. "It's Arkins, isn't it?"

Melly looked away.

Arkins' heart pounded.

Kim let out a bitter chuckle. "Of course. He gets everything, doesn't he? Even you."

"That's not it," she finally managed to say.

"Then what is it? Do I mean nothing to you?"

She shook her head furiously. "Kim, you mean a lot to me. You're one of my best friends. But—"

"But it's not love," he finished for her.

A tense silence followed.

Kim exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "I should've known. I should've seen it."

Melly looked at him, guilt eating at her. "I never wanted to hurt you."

"Then tell me, Melly—should I just give up?"

She clenched her fists. "I… I don't know."

Kim scoffed and turned away for a moment, running his fingers through his hair. "I can't believe I let myself think I had a chance."

Melly's chest ached. She didn't want this. She didn't want to lose him.

Kim let out a shaky breath. "You know what? Just forget I said anything."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.

Melly watched him go, her heart pounding painfully against her ribs.

Arkins remained where he stood, fists clenched, his jealousy intensifying.

---

That night, no matter how much she tried to push it away, the weight of the situation bore down on her.

If she chose Kim, she would be betraying her own heart, as well as both Kim and Arkins. If she chose Arkins, she would be breaking a friendship that had taken years to build.

And doing nothing? That wasn't an option either.

She already desired Arkins—every moment spent with him was a battle to keep her emotions and urges in check. If she ever lost control, they might both cross a line they weren't prepared for.

Her thoughts spiraled. What if I just used magic? she wondered. What if I could erase Kim's feelings for me?

But as soon as the idea formed, she rejected it. She couldn't bring herself to put her friend under a spell, to take away his will. That wasn't the kind of power she wanted to wield.

Sighing, she turned onto her side, staring at the dim light filtering through her window. There had to be another way—but what?