Vanessa has spent her life believing she was abandoned, shuffling between neglectful foster homes and haunted by strange nightmares. When her suppressed magic resurfaces, she is thrust into the mysterious world of Alfea, a school for fairies. There...
The aftermath of the mission weighed heavily on Vanessa as she sat in the common room, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug of tea. The bond hummed faintly, its usual warmth muted by the tension that lingered between her, Alexander, and Sky. Bloom's fiery presence was a constant undercurrent, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface.
"She's impossible," Vanessa muttered, her voice low. "She doesn't listen, and when things go wrong, she blames everyone else."
Sky leaned against the armrest of her chair, his blue eyes soft but thoughtful. "She's scared, Nessa. It's her first time out here, and she's trying to prove herself."
"By putting everyone else in danger?" Vanessa shot back, her frustration bubbling over.
Alexander's green eyes narrowed as he sat across from her, his tone calm but firm. "She's not the only one who's scared. You're worried about her, but you're letting it cloud your judgment."
Vanessa stiffened, her chest tightening. "I'm trying, Alexander. I really am."
"And so is she," Alexander said. "You're both trying, but you're not working together."
The bond buzzed faintly with his quiet resolve, and Vanessa exhaled, her shoulders slumping. "I don't know how to fix it."
Sky grinned, his usual humor returning. "Start by talking to her. And maybe don't yell."
Vanessa managed a faint smile, though her heart still felt heavy. "Easier said than done."
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The next morning, the tension in the air was palpable as Professor Silva addressed the gathered students in the training hall. Vanessa stood between Alexander and Sky, her gaze flicking nervously toward Bloom, who stood a few feet away with her arms crossed.
"Today's trial will test your ability to trust one another," Silva announced, his voice commanding. "You will be placed in pairs and given a series of challenges that require complete cooperation. Failure is not an option."
Vanessa's stomach dropped as Silva's gaze swept over the crowd, his expression unreadable. When he called her name, she held her breath.
"Vanessa and Bloom," Silva said, his tone firm. "You're up first."
The bond buzzed sharply with Alexander's concern and Sky's sympathy, but neither spoke. Vanessa turned to look at Bloom, her chest tightening as their eyes met.
"This should be interesting," Bloom muttered, her tone laced with sarcasm.
Vanessa bit back a retort, forcing herself to nod. "Let's just get through it."
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