Two weeks had passed in a blur of drills, punishments, and relentless preparation for the upcoming test. The pressure of staying in the academy weighed heavily on every recruit. For most of them, this was a time to focus and follow the rules. For Seraphina , however, it was business as usual.
Known across the academy as the "Little Devil," Seraphina had built a reputation for her rebellious streak, sharp tongue, and unorthodox approach to training. It wasn't uncommon to hear her name paired with the words "punishment" or "trouble," but she remained unbothered, treating every consequence with a smirk.
Late one evening, after dinner, Seraphina found herself plotting yet another adventure. She leaned against the windowsill of her dorm, her green eyes glinting mischievously as she motioned for Mia to hurry up.
Mia, peeking nervously out the door, whispered, "Are you sure about this? If we get caught, we're dead!"
Seraphina rolled her eyes, climbing onto the windowsill. "Relax, Mia. It's not like we're jumping out a window into the arms of an instructor."
Mia glared at her. and said jokingly "Knowing your luck, that's exactly what'll happen!"
With a laugh, Seraphina leaped into the night air, the cool breeze rushing past her. But just as she descended, a figure suddenly appeared in her path. Before she could react, the two collided mid-air. Her breath hitched as she felt herself lose balance, gravity pulling them both downward.
"damn, what a crow mouth you have Mia"
"you jinxed me"
But instead of the hard landing she expected, the stranger's movements were impossibly fast and precise. With practiced ease, he adjusted their positions mid-fall, catching her and landing smoothly on the ground.
For a moment, Seraphina was stunned, still in his arms as she tried to process what had just happened. As her gaze traveled upward, her emerald eyes met his sharp, blue-amber ones.
The stranger's expression was calm, almost indifferent, and his voice was cold but polite as he spoke. "Be more careful next time."
Seraphina blinked, her usual wit momentarily failing her. His tone wasn't scolding, yet it carried an air of authority that made it clear he wasn't someone to mess with. He set her down gently before taking a step back, his posture composed and distant.
"Uh…" Seraphina started, before regaining some of her usual confidence. "Thanks for the save. But you know, a warning would've been nice."
The stranger raised an eyebrow slightly, his face remaining impassive. "And miss the opportunity to stop you from injuring yourself? Unlikely."
His response caught her off guard. It wasn't rude, yet it carried a cold detachment that left her unsure how to respond. Before she could think of a clever retort, he gave her a faint nod and began walking away.
"Hey, wait!" Seraphina called after him. "Who even are you?"
He didn't turn back. "Someone who doesn't appreciate reckless stunts." And with that, he disappeared into the shadows.
Mia rushed down from the window, panting as she reached Seraphina's side. "Sera! Are you okay? What just happened? And—who *was* that guy?"
Seraphina didn't respond immediately, her gaze lingering on the direction the stranger had gone. Her brows furrowed slightly, and for the first time, she looked genuinely puzzled.
"I've… seen him somewhere before," she murmured, more to herself than to Mia.
Mia waved a hand in front of her face. "Sera? Hello? Earth to Seraphina!"
Snapping out of her thoughts, Seraphina flashed a quick grin. "Who knows?" she said breezily, brushing past Mia. "Come on, let's get to the cafeteria before something else happens."
As they hurried off, Seraphina couldn't shake the image of the stranger from her mind. There was something familiar about him, something she couldn't quite place—and it left her both intrigued and unsettled.