The air at the Lunaris Spire Academy was sharp enough to bite, and Aiden Thorn didn't mind one damn bit. He adjusted his perfectly pressed uniform, tugging at the sleeves like they had the audacity to wrinkle under his watch. Everything about him—his posture, his sharp gaze, the crisp lines of his jacket; screamed control. Because if you're not in control, you're just another idiot waiting to fall flat on your face.

Students bustled around the courtyard, their chatter rising in a chaotic hum. Somewhere to his left, a group gathered around the fountain, laughing too loudly as they tried to impress each other with weak spellwork. Aiden didn't so much as glance their way. Amateurs. Probably still think they're the next magical prodigy because they managed to light a candle on their first try. He wasn't here to play.

He took a calculated step toward the main hall, his boots clicking against the stone with military precision. He had a schedule, after all. Class at nine, study session at noon, practice at five; every hour accounted for, every step of the day meticulously planned. The academy wasn't going to hand over the title of top-ranked student without a fight, and Aiden had no intention of letting anyone get in his way.

The headmistress's voice rang out across the courtyard, amplified by some charm meant to grab everyone's attention. "All students, report to the Hall of Trials immediately. The Pairing Ceremony is about to begin."

His steps quickened as he made his way toward the hall, trying to push down the wave of unease crawling up his spine. The whole concept of the ceremony was ridiculous: randomly pairing students together to compete in magical duels. It was supposed to teach teamwork, camaraderie, and other sentimental nonsense. Aiden didn't need a partner to hold him back. What he needed was control, and being tethered to someone else? The very definition of chaos.

He entered the Hall of Trials, the grandeur of it lost on him as his mind spun with possibilities. He'd been preparing for this moment for months, running scenarios in his head. Whoever his partner was, he'd handle it. He had to.

The headmistress stepped forward, the list of pairings in her hand. She began to call out names, her voice echoing through the cavernous space. Aiden waited, every muscle in his body coiled tight.

And then: "Aiden and your name."

He turned, locking eyes with you across the room. There was no mistaking that look—an infuriating mix of amusement and smugness that made Aiden's blood boil. Of all the people in the academy, it had to be you? Of course you think this is funny. The universe must really have it out for me.

The headmistress continued, oblivious to his internal storm. "Pairs will begin their trials tomorrow. Use the time to strategize with your partners." Strategize. With you. Aiden's jaw tightened. He had less than twenty-four hours to figure out how to survive this nightmare.

The frustration bubbled up, threatening to spill over, but Aiden forced himself to take a breath. If he let you get under his skin, it was game over. His fists clenched at his sides as he muttered under his breath, "Just don't screw this up, Thorn. You've got this."

His hand twitched, and he had to force himself to reach out, grasping your hand in a grip more like a clench than a shake. His fingers tightened around yours, a silent warning and promise all in one. Don't fuck this up, he thought, jaw clenched tight.

He released your hand, his palm tingling with the unwanted contact. He had to remind himself not to wipe it on his pants.

Aiden shoved the thought aside and straightened his back. Failure wasn't an option. Whatever it took, however much patience he had to muster, he was going to win these trials.

Even if it killed him.