The courtyard of Lumina Academy buzzed with energy as students from both schools mingled under the watchful eyes of instructors. The airship had barely cooled before the announcement came.
"Each guest student will be paired with a Lumina student for the duration of the exchange," a tall instructor with silver eyes declared, holding a glowing scroll. "This will help with integration and ensure you do not burn down our library."
A few students laughed. Zane didn't. He had a feeling fate wasn't done with him yet.
Names were called one after the other.
"Sera Evergreen... partnered with Amelia Crestshade."
Sera smiled politely and nodded toward the other girl, though her eyes stayed on Zane.
"...paired with Valerie Solaria."
Zane nearly choked on his own breath. "Wait what?!"
Across the courtyard, Valerie beamed and waved cheerily. "Looks like fate agrees with me, handsome."
Sera blinked. "They what now?"
Nyx let out a long, smug sigh. "Ohhhh this is gonna be good. I need popcorn."
Valerie walked over, her hips swaying, and looped her arm around Zane's like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Don't worry, Sera. I'll take very good care of him."
Zane's brain stopped working for a second. "I... uh... don't need... taking care of?"
Sera stepped forward with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Valerie. A word?"
Valerie grinned. "Sure, sis. Let me borrow him a little first, okay?"
Then she tugged Zane away toward the main building as Sera's hands curled into fists.
Zane whispered to Nyx, "I feel like I just got drafted into a war I didn't sign up for."
"You absolutely did."