The academy transformed as night fell.
Lanterns floated through the air like glowing spirits, casting warm light over the festival grounds. Music drifted between food stalls, laughter echoing as students moved about in colorful yukata and ornate masks.
Jinx adjusted her black kimono, red cherry blossoms trailing across the fabric like fire.
Beside her, Pixie bounced excitedly, her pink bunny mask slightly crooked.
"Remind me again," Pixie said dramatically, "why I agreed to wear this?"
Jinx smirked.
"Because you look adorable."
Pixie scoffed.
"I look like a dessert."
"You are a dessert," Jinx shot back.
A voice spoke from behind them.
"You're late."
Jinx turned.
Dante stood there, dressed in black robes, a half-fox mask resting over his face. Even with it, his presence was unmistakable.
"You… waited?" Jinx asked, surprised.
Dante's voice softened slightly.
"You're the only one I'd wait for."
Pixie snorted loudly.
"Wow. Romantic demon alert."
Before Jinx could respond, Kazuki approached, wearing a wolf mask.
"Good evening, Lady Kurokagami," he said with a respectful nod. "Pixie."
Pixie waved.
"Oh hey, Kazuki! Perfect timing—we're going for a walk."
Jinx hesitated.
"Uh… yeah, you can join us."
Kazuki bowed slightly.
"It's an honor."
Dante exhaled quietly.
"Sure," he muttered. "I guess."
The four of them walked along Fire Lantern Lake.
Glowing lights drifted across the water, reflecting like stars.
Jinx paused, watching them.
"It's beautiful…"
Dante's gaze scanned the area.
"It's the calm before the storm."
Almost instantly—
A scream tore through the night.
Students froze. Murmurs spread.
Pixie turned sharply.
"That came from the east shrine."
Kazuki grabbed her wrist.
"Come on," he said quickly. "I'm getting you somewhere safe."
Pixie hesitated.
"But—Jinx—"
"I'll be fine," Jinx said.
Kazuki didn't wait. He pulled Pixie away.
Dante stepped closer to Jinx.
"Stay close," he said, voice low.
"Don't let go of my hand."
Jinx grabbed it without hesitation.
"Already done."
The shrine was in ruins.
Cracks split the ground. Charred marks scarred the earth.
An unconscious student lay nearby.
And in the center—
Rika.
She stood calmly, holding a delicate fan, her expression unreadable.
"What a tragic accident," she said lightly. "Perhaps the festival was too overwhelming."
Jinx stepped forward.
"Drop the act," she said coldly. "You did this."
Rika smiled.
"Do you have proof?"
Her eyes gleamed.
"Or just pretty accusations?"
Dante's voice cut in.
"She's baiting you."
Jinx ignored him.
Her hands began to glow faintly orange.
"I don't need proof," she said. "I can feel your aura tearing through your lies."
The air around her shimmered.
Rika's smile widened.
"So…" she whispered.
"The flame stirs."
Moments later, Dante pulled Jinx into the shadows near the forest's edge.
His grip was tight.
"You were glowing," he said. "Not just spiritually. Physically."
Jinx frowned.
"That's bad?"
"That's the Star Flame trying to awaken."
Silence fell between them.
Jinx looked up at him.
"What happens when it fully awakens?"
Dante didn't look away.
"You burn everything that threatens you."
A pause.
"Even me."
Jinx's eyes widened.
Then—she stepped closer.
"Then don't be a threat."
She placed her hand against his chest.
For a moment, everything stilled.
Heat flared between them.
Neither moved.
Not far away, hidden among the cliffs—
Pixie crouched behind a tree, barely breathing.
Below her, Rika stood with a cloaked figure.
"The seal is cracking," Rika said quietly. "If we wait any longer, she'll become unstoppable."
The cloaked figure stepped forward.
"Then we don't wait."
Their voice echoed strangely.
"The Star Flame must die before the next eclipse."
Pixie's heart pounded.
"They're going to kill her…"
She covered her mouth, trying not to gasp.
But the fear had already settled deep inside her chest.