Episode 39 – Hearts That Spark and Smolder
[Scene: Shadowbound High – Enchanted Hallway, Morning]
Kael walked through the hallway, hair slightly messy, jacket slung over one shoulder. A group of underclass witches passed by, giggling shamelessly.
"Good morning, Kael," one of them said with an obvious flutter in her voice.
"Morning," Kael replied with a polite smile, not thinking much of it.
One of the girls—Seris, a fiery-haired transfer student with a little too much confidence—stepped closer. "If you ever need help with dark elemental conjuring, I'm pretty gifted with… handling pressure."
Kael chuckled awkwardly. "I think I'm good, thanks."
Unbeknownst to him, Lana stood down the hall, arms crossed, eyes burning.
Rhea appeared beside her.
"She's just helping," Rhea offered gently.
"With what? Offering herself as personal tutoring material?" Lana hissed.
Rhea snorted. "Girl, chill."
"I am chilled. Freezing, actually," Lana said, storming off in the opposite direction.
---
[Scene: Training Yard – Afternoon]
Kael and Seris were assigned sparring practice. Bad luck—or fate.
"Just a light duel," Seris purred, spinning a dagger of wind magic in her hand.
Kael nodded. "Let's keep it clean."
From the stands, Lana watched. Jealousy rising like a curse in her veins. Every time Seris smiled at him, winked, tossed her hair—Lana gritted her teeth.
When Seris nearly tripped into Kael's chest during a "missed step," Lana had enough.
She stood up. "Tag me in."
Tunde blinked. "That's not how sparring rotations work—"
Lana had already leapt into the ring.
"Change of partners," she said coolly, standing between Kael and Seris.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Lana?"
Seris smirked. "Feeling territorial?"
Lana conjured two glowing blades in her hands, swirling with storm and shadow. "Feeling like a training session."
Seris backed up, clearly sensing the incoming storm. "Okaaay… I'll just… go study."
---
[Scene: Later – Courtyard Garden]
Kael caught up with Lana as she paced near the fountains.
"You wanna tell me what that was about?" he asked.
Lana stopped. "You were smiling at her."
"She was being friendly."
"She was being flirty."
Kael stepped closer. "Are you jealous?"
"No," Lana said too fast. "Yes. Maybe. I—"
He cupped her face gently. "You really think anyone else stands a chance against you?"
Lana looked up, biting her lip. "Maybe I just needed to hear it."
He leaned in. "You are the storm in my veins, the voice in the dark, and the girl who literally stabbed a demon for me. No one compares."
She melted. "You're such a romantic when you want something."
Kael smirked. "I want you. Always."
They kissed again—deep and slow—until lightning shimmered in the sky, reacting to their shared heartbeat.
---
[Scene: Cafeteria – Meanwhile]
Tunde stood with a tray full of food, eyes on Rhea across the room.
"I'm gonna try again," he whispered to Felix.
Felix, munching on a magically grilled sandwich, shrugged. "You like pain, huh?"
Tunde strolled up to Rhea confidently.
"You hungry?" he asked.
Rhea looked up. "No."
"Good," Tunde said, setting down a second tray. "Because I got food for you anyway. I'm trying to be thoughtful now. Growth, baby."
Rhea blinked, stunned. "Wow. You actually brought food and not just bad pickup lines."
"I can do both," Tunde said, winking. "Multitasking."
---
[Scene: Dorm Room – That Night]
Kael lay on the bed, Lana curled beside him, head on his chest.
"You know," she murmured, "you're lucky I didn't throw a fireball at her."
"Very lucky," Kael whispered.
She traced circles on his chest with her finger. "You ever get jealous?"
Kael tilted his head. "Over who? Tunde? Felix?"
Lana laughed. "You know what I mean."
Kael grinned. "No. Because I know your heart is mine."
She looked up. "You sure?"
He pulled her into a slow, deep kiss. "Positive."
They lay there in silence, warmth filling the space between them.