Bad Magic || ONC 2026

Three months ago, Press Gregor was the most popular mage influencer at Vale College. He had the brand deals, the enchanted content and the boyfriend everyone envied.

Then came that stupid garden party.

Now Press can't remember what happened that day. All he knows is that his magic combusted, taking his reputation with it. And Mateo, the boy he loves, won't even look at him anymore.

When a blackmailer gives Press five days to leave Caldera Heights or else they'll leak footage of his combustion to the blogs, he realizes the day that ruined him might not have been his fault. Someone wanted him gone.

Someone may have even cursed him.

Now Press has five days to clear his name, uncover the truth and figure out if the boy who broke his heart might take him back. The closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous his questions become.

Because whoever did this to him is still watching.

2026 Open Novella Contest.
Based on the prompts "After being cursed, you go from being the most popular socialite to becoming a nobody" and "You begin to realize that nothing is quite what it seems".
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