Since childhood, Sera was a shy girl who had trouble making friends. She found comfort in reading books, but few others shared her interest. Her body was bigger than the average girl, which made socializing even more difficult for her. She felt even more lonely after the death of her grandfather, the only person who understood her and taught her to love books.

One day, she met James, a boy with glasses who shared her love for reading. They bonded over their shared interests and spent hours talking about books. Sera felt a small spark of love for James, but she soon realized that he was spending less and less time with her.

"James, where have you been? I haven't... seen you around lately," Sera asked one day, trying to hide the pain in her voice.

"Oh, I've just been hanging out with Nova. She's really cool," James replied with a shrug.

Sera felt a pang in her heart, but she tried to be understanding. "That's great, I'm happy for you," she said, forcing a smile.

However, as the days went by, James stopped talking to Sera completely, even when they ended up in the same magic academy class. Sera felt lost and alone, and she didn't understand what had gone wrong.

To ease her loneliness, Sera buried herself in books and spent her days in the library. But even that wasn't enough, and she still felt lonely.

One night, she met a beautiful girl named Aurora with mesmerizing blue hair. And her light magic is cool too. Sera felt a connection with Aurora, and they promised to meet again.

However, as the days went by, Aurora did not reappear, and Sera became restless. She realized that she was still lonely and that Aurora might leave her just like James had in the past. Sera's heart ached at the thought of losing another friend, and she was left to wonder if she would ever find someone who would stay by her side.

"I thought I had finally found a friend," she whispered to herself, almost crying. Looking at the empty library shelves. "But maybe I'm meant to be alone forever."

But Sera was wrong. Aurora not only returned, she gifted her an incredible present--a rare copy of her favorite book. Every time she looked at the book, she couldn't help but smile. She adored that mesmerizing blue girl.

Not only that, true to her word, Aurora visited more often and they spent more time together. Sera was finally happy again.

As a second-year student, Sera struggled to see Aurora outside of the library. She would often try to catch a glimpse of her by walking past her classroom, but it made her feel like a stalker. How embarrassing.

She can't help feeling a tinge of regret, especially when she sees Aurora with the small girl named Ruby. If only she had enrolled in this academy a year earlier, she might have been in Ruby's position.

However, the more she saw them together, the more jealous she felt, and her hatred towards Ruby grew stronger with each passing moment.

Nononononono, bad girl.

Getting jealous by herself, getting angry by herself, Sera was feeling a mix of jealousy and anger, and she couldn't understand why she was acting this way. She was never like this, even when James was stolen by Nova. It was as if she was in love with the blue girl.

"I'm so stupid," she shook her head, reminding herself that they were both girls.

But she couldn't help the way her heart raced every time she thought about her, or the blush that crept onto her cheeks.

"Stop it!" she scolded herself. "We're just friends, nothing more than that."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"And even if Aurora is willing to get into a relationship with a girl, she's probably going to choose someone like Ruby--small and cute, unlike her.

Sera groans as her intrusive thoughts keep heading in this weird direction, causing her to feel depressed about herself.

Suddenly, an old face appeared in front of Sera. It was someone who used to be a close friend.

James.

There's a pain in her heart. Despite the years that have passed, it seems her feelings for him still have not completely disappeared.

"I need your help," James said. "Will you hear me out?"

Sera was disappointed. Was he only reaching out to her because he needed something? How annoying. Did he not think about her feelings at all?

"Why are you asking me?" she said. "Why don't you go to Nova?"

"You're still angry about that?" James said in disbelief.

Sera couldn't believe what she was hearing. Did he really think everything was okay between them? It hurt her deeply. She felt stupid for being so kind to him.

"What's so great about her anyway?" Sera asked.

"Hey, don't talk bad about her," James said. "She's the best student in the first year. You should have heard it yourself."

Sera rolled her eyes. "People aren't just about accomplishments. And Aurora is hundreds of times better than her anyway."

"Don't joke around," James said. "She might be special with that light magic and whatnot, but she's nowhere near Nova."

"So if she's so great, why are you coming to me?" Sera asked. "Just go to her like you always do."

Sera realized that she felt braver and more confident when she was angry. But she didn't like that she needed negative emotions to be able to do things better.

"I can't," James said. "That's why I need your help."

Sera felt like James was treating it like an honor that he was asking for her help, but to her it felt like an insult.

"Why?" Sera said.

"Nova can't help me with this," James said. "And I came to you because you're the only one I trust to help me with this problem."

Sera sighed. She didn't want to be put in this position, but at the same time she couldn't turn her back on James. They were friends, once upon a time, and she knew he wouldn't come to her if it wasn't important.

"What's the problem then?" Sera asked.

"Molten Forest," James said. "It's owned by your family, right?"

Sera looked at him, confused. Molten Forest is a magical forest that can't be easily entered by outsiders. If you force your way in, everything inside will become hostile and will likely kill you.

"What do you want with it?" Sera asked.

"Please give me access to it," James said.

"Why? What are you going to do there?" Sera asked again.

"That was...," James started to say, but then trailed off. "Anyway, that's not important. Please just give me access."

"What do you mean it's not important?" Sera stepped back. She willing to help him, but this feels suspicious. Something doesn't feel right.

"If you're asking for a favor, doesn't it make sense to tell me what you're going to do with it?" Sera said.

"It's better for you not to know," James said. "Believe me."

What is he saying? Sera thought.

"Then forget it," Sera said. "Why would I help you if you're not willing to tell me anything?"

"As I said before, it's better for you not to know!" James insisted. "But trust me, it's for the good of a lot of people!"

"Such empty words don't mean anything to me," Sera replied, her instincts telling her that whatever James was planning, it couldn't be good.

"You just don't get it!" James exclaimed. "Nova was right. If things continue like this, the kingdom won't last."

Hearing Nova's name made Sera even more uncomfortable.

"I... I don't know what Nova told you," Sera said. "But I'm not going to follow vague words. If you're not willing to explain better, I won't cooperate."

"Don't be stubborn! Just help me!" James yelled.

"No!" Sera replied.

"Stupid!" James growled. "Don't make me force you--"

"Isn't that enough?" Aurora interrupted as she walked towards them.

"Aurora!" Sera smiled with happiness at the sight of her. She looked beautiful even in these circumstances.

"You!" James stared daggers at Aurora, anger evident on his face.

"I've been listening for a while now," Aurora said. "And Sera has already made it clear that she won't help you. So, sir, you better back off."

"Don't get involved," James spat. "It has nothing to do with you."

"I disagree," Aurora said, turning to Sera. "Good job rejecting him. You should not listen to criminals."

Sera blinked. "Criminals...?"

"I just received information," Aurora said, "that some nobles are involved with the rebels and the first name that popped up was James Winchester."

Sera's eyes widened. "What...?"

"That's a lie!" James shouted. "Where's your proof!?"

Aurora shrugged. "Of course, it hasn't been confirmed yet," she said. "But it's a good idea to not get involved with you in this kind of situation, right? Not to mention your request is suspicious too."

James glared, but he didn't reply.

Aurora stood between Sera and James. Although the blue-haired girl was smaller than Sera, her stance looked strong, protecting Sera.

"Why don't you just go," Aurora said. "Don't bother Sera again."

"I won't leave before she helps me!" James shouted, fire appearing around him.

"Stop!" Sera said reflexively. "You will burn the book!"

"Shut up!" James growled. Sera had never seen James like this. He was always calm and collected, but now he was filled with a rage she'd never witnessed before. Flames danced wildly around him. "You will help me or--"

Before he could finish his threat, a blur of motion caught Sera's eye. It was Aurora, moving at high speed, and before James could even react, she was right in front of him. With a powerful punch, she sent him flying to his knees, coughing and gasping for air.

The fire that had surrounded James vanished instantly, and Aurora stood over him, triumphant.

"Miss!" Lyra shouted from the door, followed by a few teachers, Ruby, and her knight, Rita.

"Remember I said I was listening for a while?" Aurora said with a smile. "At that time, I asked my maid to call for help."

Outmatched and defeated, James was quickly captured by the teachers. Sera could hardly believe what had just happened. She heard about duel between Aurora and Nova and she know Aurora was powerful, but she had never seen someone move so fast.

As James was taken away, Sera couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. She knew now that James was dangerous, and it was a good thing that he was finally under control. She also felt a newfound respect for Aurora and her incredible abilities.

Not only beautiful, she strong too. Plus she younger than her. Sera felt more inferior more than ever.

***