Chapter 29: A Glimmer of Recognition

The morning sun filtered through the high arched windows of the Academy's dining hall, spilling soft light onto the grand tables lined with students from every house. Seraphina sat beside Cam at the end of the long mahogany table marked with the silver and indigo crest of House Vale.

Her silver hair shimmered faintly under the sun as she swirled the untouched tea in her cup. Cam was halfway through a croissant, gesturing animatedly about a magical creature class they'd just barely escaped without injury.

"I swear if Professor Mirdath brings another basilisk egg into class, I'm transferring to House Hollow and faking insanity," Cam said, brushing her fiery hair back.

Seraphina chuckled. "You wouldn't last a day in Hollow. You'd explode from boredom."

"True," Cam grinned. "I'm chaos incarnate. But still, I'd prefer boredom to being almost eaten. Again."

Before Seraphina could respond, a figure approached their table with deliberate steps, a quiet confidence in every movement. She felt his presence before she even saw him.

Erik.

He was taller up close than he looked on the field — lean but built with coiled strength. His hair was ash-blond, tousled in a way that looked both unbothered and intentionally styled. His eyes were a striking shade of steel-blue, sharp and unreadable, like the calm before a lightning strike.

He wore the obsidian-trimmed cloak of House Ember, the sigil glowing faintly on his chest. His rank pin — a silver fang crossed with a sword — identified him as a Rank 8 Shadow-Fury Hybrid, rare even among Ember elites. Rumors said his demon bloodline gave him shadowstep abilities, but his fire-wielding skills were just as deadly.

"Mind if I join you?" His voice was smooth, self-assured, with just a touch of playfulness.

Cam blinked. "Depends. Are you here to flirt or fight?"

"Both, if necessary," Erik replied, smirking slightly before his gaze settled on Seraphina. "I saw your sparring match two days ago. Impressive footwork. You fight like someone who's already survived a war."

Seraphina tilted her head, expression cautious but curious. "You were watching?"

"I observe things worth observing," he said simply, then slid into the seat across from her, resting his forearms on the table.

Cam leaned in. "Translation: he was definitely checking you out."

Erik didn't deny it. "I was curious. The Vales usually rely on grace and speed. But you… there's something else in your stance. Power you haven't tapped into yet."

Seraphina studied him. "And you're the expert on untapped power?"

He offered a slight shrug. "Let's just say I'm good at recognizing potential. You're not just powerful, Seraphina. You're dangerous — you just don't know it yet."

The table fell quiet for a moment. Cam glanced between them, clearly trying not to burst into commentary.

Erik sat back. "Anyway, I figured it was time we properly met. I'm Erik Draven. House Ember. Rank 8. Shadow-Fury class. And you?"

Seraphina didn't look away. "Seraphina Nightborn. House Vale. Rank still in the works. And I don't like being watched."

Erik smiled slowly. "Then I'll just have to make sure I'm worth looking at."

Cam clapped her hands once. "Well damn, somebody give him a medal for effort."

Erik stood. "I'll see you both around. But Seraphina," he paused, gaze lingering on her, "when you're ready to test that fire in you... I'll be waiting."

He turned, cloak swaying behind him as he walked toward the Ember table, earning a few glances as he passed.

Seraphina stared after him, heart steady, but her mind… intrigued.

Cam nudged her. "You attract the weirdest men."

"I'm starting to notice that."

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