𝓑𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 ━━━━ Ajax Petropolus

❝ SHE LOOKS AT LIFE LIKE ITS A PARTY AND SHES ON THE LIST SHE LOOKS AT ME LIKE IM A TREND AND SHES SO OVER IT!❞

If glamour had a heartbeat, it would sound like Serena Monette's heels clicking against the cobblestone paths of Nevermore Academy.

Sixteen, with a smile that could make even the rain hesitate, she carried herself like every hallway was her personal runway.

Platinum-blonde waves framed a face of soft elegance and sharp wit, her hazel eyes lined just enough to make you wonder if she was about to compliment you... or destroy you.

Serena wasn't just beautiful-she was an illusionist.

Every shimmer in the air, every trick of light, every glimmer of something impossible... it could be her.

A Monette by birth, she came from one of the most famous magical families in the country. Her mother,

Vivienne, dazzled stages around the world. Her father, Lucas, a normie, kept her grounded-at least as much as anyone like Serena could be.

Her illusions weren't simple sleight of hand. Serena could weave visions so convincing they touched all five senses-an entire world built from nothing but her will.

She could conjure the taste of strawberries, the heat of sunlight, the scent of perfume you couldn't place. It was magic meant to inspire, enchant... and occasionally get her out of trouble.

That morning, as the autumn wind swirled through the courtyard, Serena's gaze caught on a boy leaning against the stone wall, his curls catching the sunlight.

Ajax Petropolus. The gorgon with the easy smile and a jacket slung over his shoulder.

He glanced up, met her eyes, and for a brief, dizzy moment, she swore the ground beneath her shimmered.

Maybe it did.