Chapter 20: The Phoenix
The torrent of ice roared down the hallway like a freezing avalanche, jagged shards of magic crystalizing in the air as they tore towards Noah and Arlo. Noah’s eyes widened, frozen for a heartbeat.
Then Arlo moved.
He stepped forward without hesitation, as if he intended to take the full force of the spell. His shoulders squared, chin raised. Calm.
Noah’s hand shot out, but it was too late.
Fwoosh!
A sudden flap of cloth echoed in the hallway.
Then a flash of fire lit the space.
The torrent of ice didn’t explode. It evaporated.
The magic burned away in a single, bright sweep, turning to steam that hissed into the air and vanished in seconds.
Standing between them and the attacker was a tall figure in black and gold robes, firelight flickering along the edges of her coat.
Professor Cecilia.
Her gaze was burning gold, locked on the older student. Her posture was still, but the heat radiating from her presence made the air feel heavy.