The Crown of Celestial Flames

Chaos and Cleanup

We were walking to the dorm buildings after classes, still buzzing from the practical exercises and trying to shake off the tension from earlier. The day had felt oddly normal despite the previous night's scare, and we were starting to relax a bit.
Suddenly, a loud explosion shattered the calm. The ground shook slightly, and a thick, black wave of smoke rolled out from the direction of the main hall. We froze, staring in shock as the smoke billowed higher, thick and foreboding.
"Did that just happen?" Viviana's voice was tight with panic.
Before anyone could respond, the Headmaster, High Archmage Seraphis Luminar, and the Headmistress, Mistress Aeliana Dawnstar, burst out of the main hall, followed closely by Professor Caelus Stormwind, Lady Eveline Moonshadow, and Professor Thorne Ironfist. They looked alarmed, their expressions a mix of urgency and concern.
The teachers quickly began to direct students away from the building, their voices carrying an edge of authority that cut through the chaos. "Everyone, move away from the building! Stay calm and keep clear!"
Izara grabbed my arm, her eyes wide with fear. "What do you think happened?"
"I have no idea," I said, my voice trembling. "But it looks serious."
Rune was already on his phone, trying to get more information, while Finnian stood by, his face pale. "We need to stay out of the way and see if we can find out what's going on."
As we watched, the smoke continued to pour out, and a few students near us started to whisper anxiously, their faces reflecting the same worry we felt. The teachers were moving quickly, organizing emergency protocols and ensuring everyone was safe.
Master Calder, who had just arrived on the scene, was in deep conversation with the Headmaster and Headmistress. His usual calm demeanor was replaced with a serious focus.
"Everyone, stay back!" High Archmage Seraphis Luminar's voice boomed over the crowd. "We're handling the situation. Please remain calm and orderly."
Mistress Dawnstar's gaze swept over the students, her expression grim. "This is not a drill. Follow instructions and ensure your safety."
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as the reality of the situation sank in. Whatever had just happened, it was serious, and the sense of being caught in something much larger than a mere academic challenge was overwhelming.

Just as the smoke began to thin, Xara Grimveil, Elara, and Thalia emerged, their expressions twisted with malicious satisfaction. Xara's eyes locked onto mine, and without a word of warning, she raised her hand and unleashed a blazing wave of fire directly at me.
"Alora!" Viviana shouted, her voice tinged with panic.
The intense heat and fierce flames surged toward me with a terrifying speed. My instincts kicked in, and I threw up a quick barrier of shimmering light, trying to shield myself from the oncoming blaze. The flames collided with my barrier, the impact sending shockwaves through the air.
Xara's voice was cold and mocking. "Thought you could play the hero? Let's see how you handle a real challenge!"
The barrier I'd summoned flickered and wavered under the assault, but it held. I gritted my teeth, focusing on maintaining the shield as the heat from Xara's flames scorched the air around me. The roar of the fire and the crackle of the intense heat filled my ears, mingling with the distant sounds of chaos.
"Alora, move!" Rune shouted, stepping forward with a fierce determination in his eyes.
Finnian, quick to act, channeled his power to create a gust of wind that pushed against the flames, helping to diffuse some of the heat. Izara, not missing a beat, summoned a strong gust of wind to further direct the flames away from us, creating a safer zone.
"Get down!" Viviana urged, casting a shield of ice that provided additional protection against the searing heat. Her expression was a mix of anger and concern.

Despite the combined efforts, Xara's fire was relentless, and I struggled to keep my barrier intact. The air around us was filled with swirling smoke and embers, adding to the chaotic scene. The teachers were moving swiftly toward us, their faces a mix of alarm and authority.
High Archmage Seraphis Luminar's voice cut through the chaos. "Xara Grimveil, cease this attack immediately!"
Xara's eyes flickered with a dangerous light, but she stepped back slightly, her flames sputtering out as she met the Headmaster's commanding gaze. "Just a little demonstration," she said with a smirk. "Consider it a warning."