Fire spells collided with shadow strikes, the room a blaze of chaos. A fae screamed as he was thrown into a buffet table, scattering silver platters and wine-filled goblets in every direction. Somewhere to the left, a hellhound barked and growled, its eyes glowing red as it lunged at a cloaked student.
Valeria stepped back, her heart pounding against her ribs. A fireball singed past her shoulder, the heat making her flinch. Then, out of nowhere, Tristan appeared at her side, his breath short.
"We have to get out of here. Now," he said, grabbing her hand.
She yanked her arm back. "I'm not hiding."
"You're not hiding. You're being smart."
A silver chalice whirled through the air and shattered against the pillar beside her.
She scowled, but Tristan pulled her behind a thick marble column just in time to avoid a flying chair. Spells and objects soared through the air like lethal fireworks.
Suddenly, a voice boomed across the hall, slicing through the noise like a blade.
"SILENCE!"
Steven stood at the head of the room, his arms raised high. Magic pulsed from his fingertips in a silver wave that rolled through the air, pressing down on everyone like an invisible force.
Spells fizzled out. Students froze mid-shout, mid-leap, mid-duel. Even the hellhound whimpered and sat.
Natasha’s hand dropped to her side, the dark magic she was channeling evaporating into harmless sparks.
Steven lowered his arms slowly. "You are all guests here," he began, his voice laced with restrained fury. "And the Peace Council will not tolerate such blatant disrespect to the Alliance. Every one of you involved in this nonsense will report to the disciplinary board tomorrow at dawn. Dismissed."
Murmurs spread like wildfire as chairs screeched back. Students began filing out, some with bruises, others with bloodied robes or scorched sleeves. Many threw dagger-like glances at Valeria, Tristan, or Natasha.
Valeria stood still, her body buzzing with leftover adrenaline.
"You okay?" Ember asked, reappearing beside her.
Valeria gave a faint nod, though her mind was miles away.
Tristan walked past her slowly, brushing her arm with his fingers as he whispered, "You're going to have to tell them what you are eventually."
Before she could respond, a shimmer of power signaled the sudden appearance of Natasha. She materialized just inches away, causing Valeria to jerk backward.
Natasha smirked. "You think you can run off after telling your minion vampires to take your side?"
Ember took an instinctive step back, her hands glowing faintly with defensive magic.
Tristan stepped in between Valeria and Natasha. "What do you have against Valeria, Natasha?"
Natasha laughed, her voice edged with malice. She vanished, only to reappear behind Valeria, shoving her hard enough to make her stumble.
"You think you can use my powers against me by hiding your own?" she snapped. "Well, guess what? I have others I didn’t spill out!"
She laughed maniacally, but then her eyes widened.
She froze, mouth slightly open, staring at Tristan’s outstretched hands.
Valeria followed her gaze and saw Tristan’s eyes glowing with icy light as he blocked Natasha’s powers mid-cast.
"Don’t," he said coldly. "You touch her again, and I will end this charade."
Rage twisted Natasha’s face. But when Tristan released her, she took a shaky step back. "This isn’t over," she hissed, throwing Valeria a glare full of venom before vanishing.
Ember muttered a quick goodbye and practically sprinted away, leaving Valeria and Tristan alone.
Tristan exhaled and turned to her. "Why are you letting her bully you like that?"
Valeria crossed her arms. "It’s none of your business."
"Really? I just stood between you and a psycho witch and froze her powers. And you’re telling me it’s none of my business?"
She tried to walk away.
"Valeria."
She stopped.
"Are you not even going to thank me?"
"I didn’t ask for your help," she snapped without turning around.
Tristan’s jaw dropped, and then he laughed bitterly. "Is this about me calling you my mate? That’s what this is about, isn’t it?"
She said nothing, continuing to walk toward the dorms.
He followed her. "So, what now? You’re going to ignore me for saving your life? For standing up to Natasha for you?"
Still no response.
"Fine," he said. "Let’s talk about the assignment. It’s due in three days. We can’t avoid each other forever."
"Not now, Tristan," she muttered, her voice tight.
They reached the hallway leading to her dorm.
"You need to free yourself," Tristan said suddenly, his voice softer. "Especially among your kind. They like you. Even the scary ones. Well, except Lucien. Because he doesn’t like anyone."
Valeria stopped, turned around slowly.
"You think I can’t protect myself?"
Tristan raised his hands. "No, that’s not—"
"Shut the fuck up and leave!" she shouted, voice echoing off the stone walls.
Tristan opened his mouth, but she cut him off.
"Just leave!"
He took a deep breath. Instead of stepping away, he strode toward her, three long steps, his eyes locked on hers.
"What are you—"
Before she could finish, he kissed her.