The bell rang, and Aeron and Starfania made for their shared classroom before the late mark could catch them. The hallway buzzed with the energy of students shuffling to their destination; the voices echoing off the walls. Inside Professor Shadow's class, Starfania slid into her seat. That familiar prickle of unease settled in–he had a habit of singling her out, and she knew today would be no different. She braced herself for the inevitable day. As if on cue, the notorious group known as Scarlet Rage saunters into the room, catching everyone's attention. Too most, they were the definition of cool—revered, envied, feared.

As they closed in on her desk, Starfania's pulse quickened. She silently prayed for some sort of intervention, anything to spare her from this torment. But deep down, she knew it was just going to be another repeat. Becka—flame-haired and smirking–cut through the tension like she owned it. Her eyes locked on Starfania, daring her to respond.

" Princess Star," she said with mock sweetness, " devoted admirer of dragons."

" Always a delight, Becka," Starfania said dryly. Becka's grin widened as she leaned in. " What did you expect? I lead the most renowned group in this school."

Starfania arched her brow. " Funny, I must've missed the part where people are actually shouting your name."

" Star, no need to pretend," Becka said smoothly. " We both know you wish you were me. That's why you're so jealous."

Starfania almost laughed. " Please. There's nothing about you worth being jealous of."

In her typical self-assured manner, Becka launched another verbal attack, belittling her as though she was an incapable animal. Who could not follow a simple order given by their master. Before it could escalate, Professor Shadow's voice cut in.

" Ms. Scalia, return to your seat. Now," he said, leaving no room for argument. Becka bent down just enough to murmur, " Lucky this time, Star. However, it eventually runs out."

" Miss. Scalia," Shadow's voice boomed, " seat. Now."

Becka rolled her eyes but sauntered back to her group at the rear. Starfania exhaled, relief flooding in. Aeron shot her a concerned glance, but she gave him a small nod—she was fine.

However, Professor Shadow's patience was wearing thin before Starfania had an opportunity to respond. His voice filled the room, booming, " Ms. Scalia, I already told you to take a seat. "

Becka rolled her eyes at him but ultimately headed toward her seat, Starfania felt relieved when Professor Shadow intervened before the situation got out of hand. As Becka and her friends settled into their seats at the back of the classroom, she let out a sigh of relief. Aeron had cast a worried glance in Starfania's direction but she simply reassured him everything was fine.