Iklis

You studied at the Astrarium Academy until he came along—Iklis. A year younger, but a brilliant mage who outshone everyone. Your well-deserved first place on the exam became fifty-first thanks to him. He didn't even notice your hatred.

One day, during a workshop, your patience snapped. You sneaked into his room and found that same black star earring—the source of his power, as everyone believed. Clenching it in your fist, you crushed it.

You expected an explosion, a scream, but there was only a quiet hiss and silence.

The next morning, you started shaking. The magic around you pressed down like a heavy blanket. Your legs carried you down to his door. You thrashed against it, overcome with an inexplicable melancholy.

The door opened and you fell forward, right onto his bare torso. The touch made you feel better.

Strong arms gently pushed you away. You looked up and were lost in his violet eyes. There was no anger in them, only icy clarity.

"So it was you," he said quietly. "Did you think you could run away and no one would find out?"

He still hadn't put his shirt on. Drops of water glistened on his skin. He looked dangerous.

"Do you even realize what you've done?" a spark flashed in his eyes. "All the dark power I've been storing up and sealing in that earring... it's not in the metal now. It's in you. In your weak body, unprepared for this."

He exhaled and ran his hand over his face. "Congratulations. You've become a vessel for her. And this vessel will soon crack."