Beastward Academy

When the legendary Fire Dragon rejects prodigy mage Elaine Tidesong during Beastward Academy's sacred bonding ceremony, her perfect future shatters before the eyes of the entire supernatural world. Worse still, the dragon chooses her younger sister, Hilda, the effortlessly beloved girl who has always outshined her without even trying.
Humiliated and betrayed, Elaine descends into the forgotten lower chambers of the academy, where abandoned and unwanted beasts are left to fade into obscurity. There, she discovers Nyxen, a weak feathered serpent no one has chosen in decades. But the moment their bond forms, Elaine realizes something terrifying.
She has lived this life before.
In her past life, she chased the Fire Dragon's approval until it destroyed her. This time, armed with memories of betrayal and death, Elaine refuses to repeat her mistakes. Instead of power built on glory and status, she will forge something far more dangerous in the shadows.
As the brutal Beastward Trials approach, Elaine and Nyxen begin uncovering forbidden secrets hidden within the academy's ancient walls. The serpent everyone considers worthless may possess powers long erased from history, and Elaine herself may be tied to mysteries far older than the academy itself.
Now, while her sister rises as the celebrated dragon rider, Elaine quietly sharpens herself into a weapon.
Because the girl they cast aside is about to become the most feared force in their world.