The sky above Lumina Academy was as clear as ever, but the tension brewing on the dueling grounds was anything but calm.
Sera stood on one end of the circular arena, arms folded, wind lightly swirling around her feet. Valerie stood across from her, smiling like someone who knew she was about to win before the match even started.
"I just think," Valerie said sweetly, "a little friendly duel would help us... understand each other better."
"Friendly?" Sera raised an eyebrow. "You mean like how you hugged Zane in front of me?"
Valerie gave a mock gasp. "Oh, I didn't realize he was taken."
Zane blinked from the sidelines, caught in the middle. Again.
"This is gonna be good," Nyx said, practically humming in his mind. "A catfight over their Void prince. I should've brought popcorn."
"Stop enjoying this," Zane muttered.
A few other students gathered near the edge of the platform, sensing a show about to unfold.
Professor Kaela stepped forward with a sigh. "This is just a demonstration. No lethal moves. Keep your pride and your bones intact."
She stepped back. "Begin."
Sera shot forward first, propelled by a sudden burst of air. Valerie vanished—literally—warping space to slip behind her in a blink. Sera didn't turn. Instead, she twisted, elbow out, catching Valerie mid-step. The blow missed her face by inches as Valerie warped again, reappearing several feet away with a laugh.
"I'm impressed," Valerie said. "You're not just hot-tempered after all."
"I'll show you hot-tempered," Sera replied, raising both hands.
A compressed cyclone formed and launched forward. Valerie narrowed her eyes and twisted her palm. Space bent. The cyclone folded in half and veered away like it hit an invisible wall.
Zane stood with his jaw tight. "They're really going at it..."
Sera didn't wait. She dashed in, fists wrapped in wind, striking fast. Valerie warped space to dodge each blow but was starting to lose ground.
"I thought this was a demonstration!" a student called out.
Valerie scowled. "I was being friendly—until she made it personal."
"Oh, please," Sera snapped. "You've been personal since the moment you clung to him like a barnacle."
Valerie smirked. "You mean the hug he didn't resist?"
Sera's wind surged violently, blowing back several spectators. She charged again, faster than before. Valerie tried to fold space—but the wind wrapped around her hands, disrupting her control.
Sera tackled her to the ground.
They rolled, exchanging blows—not magic now, just pure fury.
"Alright, that's enough!" Professor Kaela snapped.
With a clap of her hands, a shockwave spread out. Both girls froze in place, caught mid-swing.
"Save the drama for after classes. If you want to fight for love, do it on your own time."
Sera and Valerie both looked away, breathing hard.
Zane ran a hand through his hair, eyes wide.
"Well," Nyx purred, "if this is what happens over one hug, imagine what happens when you kiss someone."
Zane turned pale. "Don't even joke about that.