Day after day, Alexa quietly slipped away from school activities.
"Alexa, are you coming to elemental drills?" Sarah would ask.
"In a bit," Alexa would reply — already halfway out the door.
Her roommates began to notice.
Mia whispered one evening, "She's been skipping a lot lately."
Stella frowned. "Something's going on."
Wendy said softly, "She always looks distracted."
Ferah nodded. "We should ask her."
But Alexa kept leaving — drawn beyond the forcefield… to the forest… to Ariella.
—
One afternoon in the open field beyond the barrier, Alexa and Ariella sat in the grass, laughing.
Alexa teased, "You know… if you kidnapped me and dyed your hair red, nobody would even know."
Ariella burst out laughing. "I would never kidnap my own sister."
Alexa grinned. "Good to know."
Ariella tilted her head. "Tell me about your brother and sister."
Alexa smiled warmly. "Seylah is dramatic but protective… Tyler is funny and curious."
Ariella listened quietly. "That sounds… nice."
Alexa asked softly, "What about Mother?"
Ariella's expression darkened. "She's furious. She's planning another way to break into the school… but I'm not part of it."
Alexa sighed. "I still can't believe my parents never told me."
Ariella stood suddenly. "Come — let's practice."
She lifted her hands — water surged forward, swirling around Alexa's neck before freezing into a delicate ice necklace.
Alexa laughed. "That's so cool! How did you do that?"
"Focus," Ariella said gently. "Feel the energy."
They practiced — laughing, experimenting.
Then suddenly —
Alexa's eyes flashed red.
A burst of fire exploded outward, scorching part of the field.
Ariella quickly raised a shimmering shield.
When the flames settled —
Ariella laughed. "Well… you've officially started training."
Their dragon marks glowed faintly red on the backs of their hands — pulsing as they stood close.
Days passed.
Ariella taught Alexa control — breathing, focus, balance.
"You're stronger than you think," Ariella said one evening.
Alexa practiced summoning small flames… then sparks… then currents of electricity.
They sparred playfully — rolling in the grass, laughing breathlessly.
Alexa said softly, "I don't want to go back. I like being here with you."
Ariella smiled sadly. "Me too… but the longer we stay together, the easier Mother can sense us."
Alexa nodded. "I'll make sure the school accepts you someday."
They hugged.
"See you soon," Ariella said.
"Always," Alexa replied.
—
Back at the dorm…
Sarah noticed immediately. "Alexa… what's wrong?"
Alexa hesitated — then took a deep breath.
"I need to tell you something."
The girls gathered around.
Alexa explained everything — Ariella, her birth, her mother.
Silence followed.
Mia whispered, "You're… the daughter of the enemy?"
Stella looked stunned.
Wendy covered her mouth.
Ferah watched quietly.
Sarah stepped forward and hugged Alexa tightly.
"It doesn't change anything," Sarah said softly.
Alexa hugged her back — reminded of Mary from her old school.
—
The next day — training grounds.
Alexa walked in determined.
Valerina laughed loudly. "Oh look — she came back. Done crying?"
Alexa ignored her and walked straight to Instructor Kai.
"I need to see the principal," she said calmly.
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"It's confidential. I need to speak to my parents."
He smirked slightly. "And why should I allow that?"
Alexa met his gaze. "Because it's important."
Kai folded his arms. "Fight Valerina. Use at least one ability. Then I'll consider it."
Valerina grinned. "Gladly."
Sarah whispered to the others, "This won't go well…"
Kai said firmly, "Begin."
Valerina raised both hands — electricity crackled loudly.
She sneered, "Hope you like electric burgers. Eat this."
She launched a bolt toward Alexa.
Time seemed to slow.
Alexa's eyes turned red.
Her hair glowed like flame.
Gasps erupted.
She raised her hand — red smoke trailing her fingers.
The lightning reversed — striking Valerina instead.
Valerina stumbled backward, shocked.
Students stopped training to watch.
Alexa leapt — spinning midair — her body igniting in blazing red fire.
She drove forward toward Valerina.
Kai instantly summoned a shield.
The flames slammed into it — shattering the barrier with a thunderous force, throwing both Kai and Valerina backward.
Silence fell.
Sarah whispered, "It's happening…"
Kai rose slowly — eyes wide.
Alexa stepped forward calmly.
"May I go now?" she asked politely.
Kai stared — fear flickering in his expression.
"…Yes," he said quietly.
Alexa turned and walked away — the training grounds buzzing with stunned whispers.