A Spark in the Dark

Chapter 2: The Graduation Party Build up

Zara wandered through the garden, her gaze drifting from group to group. Students gathered in tight-knit circles, some showing off their newly acquired powers, others discussing their next steps after graduation. Everyone was talking about their futures, the paths they would carve out in the wider world now that they were full-fledged wizards.

For most of them, that future seemed wide open. But Zara couldn't shake the feeling that something was closing in on her.

She passed by a group of students conjuring fireworks in the air-bright, crackling bursts of color that painted the sky. For a moment, she let herself get lost in the beauty of it, the way the magic twisted and turned, creating patterns that dissolved into sparks.

"Zara!"

She turned at the sound of her name and saw Helena, one of their classmates, waving her over. Helena was standing with a few others, including Phelan Gray, a brooding but talented wizard who had always seemed to have a rivalry with Jaxon.

"Where's Jaxon?" Phelan asked, his tone almost accusatory.

Zara shrugged. "Probably planning something ridiculous, as usual".

Phelan snorted. "Figures. He can never just enjoy the moment.

"You sound jealous," Helena teased, nudging him. "But if I had his skill, I'd be tempted to show off too."

Phelan's jaw tightened. "Skill without control is dangerous."

Zara tensed. Phelan's rivalry with Jaxon had been simmering for years, ever since Jaxon had bested him in a particularly difficult magical duel during their third year. Jaxon had never gloated, but Phelan's pride had been wounded, and since then, there was always tension between the two.

"Let's just hope tonight stays... normal," Zara muttered, more to herself than anyone else.

As the conversation continued around her, Zara's thoughts kept drifting back to Jaxon. His behavior earlier had been odd, even for him. She knew he was ambitious, always looking for ways to push his magic further, but something was unsettling about the way he'd spoken tonight like he was on the verge of something dangerous.

Unable to ignore her growing unease, Zara excused herself from the group and made her way towards the darker edge of the garden, where Jaxon had disappeared.