Night had fallen over the Evernight Forest, the world outside shrouded in silence and shadow. But inside the largest tent, warmth and laughter glimmered in the firelight. Six girls—Lyra, Serena, Mia, Emma, Sofia, and Seraphina—sat in a loose circle, unpacking gear, exchanging quiet smiles. Sparks of Lyra's Phoenix Flame pulsed gently in her chest, the crimson-and-gold strands of her hair catching the flickering glow.
Serena leaned forward, golden eyes sparkling mischievously. "Now that the boys are busy outside, I say it's time to talk about something far more important."
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Something more important than surviving the Evernight Forest?"
Mia giggled, droplets of water from her earlier attacks glinting like tiny prisms. "Yes, Lyra. Love. Crushes. Boys. We need to be honest with each other."
Emma crossed her arms, silver-white hair shimmering in the light, eyes narrowing. "If this is going to distract us from training—" She paused, noticing the eager faces around her. "Fine. Quick talk, then back to preparation."
Sofia grinned, green eyes gleaming. "I'll start. Nero. Steady, strong… always keeps me safe. I like him."
Mia scooted closer, laughter in her voice. "And Rafael! Playful, teasing, loyal… he makes me laugh. That's exactly the kind of boy I like."
Seraphina, leaning into the shadows, violet eyes glinting, spoke softly, "Zane. Quiet, mysterious… I'm drawn to him. Always."
Emma admitted, her voice soft but confident, "Kai. Intense, unpredictable… pushes me to be sharper. I like him."
Serena's golden smile softened. "Kael. Calm, protective… always watching out for everyone. He's my choice."
Lyra's heart thrummed in her chest, the warmth of the Phoenix Flame intertwining with the girls' energies. She glanced toward the tent flap, where Orion's golden hair caught the last rays of sunset as he checked the perimeter. Her crimson-and-gold eyes softened. "For me… it's Orion. From the very first moment, I knew. My heart—my flame—belongs to him."
Serena nudged her knowingly. "Of course. And trust me, he feels the same. Just look at him."
Mia clapped her hands, sparkling excitement in her eyes. "Perfect! Six girls, six crushes. Now we can focus on surviving—and maybe flirting a little," she teased.
Sofia laughed softly. "I'll enjoy this moment while I can."
The laughter faded as a sudden rustle at the edge of the forest made every girl freeze. Shadows shifted unnaturally, and eyes glimmered in the darkness.
"Ambush!" Lyra shouted, leaping to her feet. Crimson-and-gold flames erupted from her hands, casting the tent in brilliant light.
Instantly, the girls moved as one:
Serena's golden radiance flared, forming protective shields pulsing in tune with her heartbeat.
Mia's water coiled into shimmering barriers, catching stray sparks.
Emma's icy spears launched outward, precise and deadly.
Sofia's green vines whipped through the tent, ensnaring any shadow that approached.
Seraphina melted into darkness, striking from unseen angles with lethal grace.
Outside, the boys mirrored their partners' energy, ready and synchronized: Orion, Kael, Rafael, Nero, Kai, and Zane, weapons glowing with elemental sun, wind, earth, lightning, and shadow. Each movement complemented the girl paired with them—forces in harmony.
Lyra's Phoenix Flame throbbed, tethering her to the girls and their partners. Every laugh, every confession, every secret had woven them together. They were no longer six, or twelve—they were one united force.
With a fierce cry, Lyra thrust her hands forward. Phoenix Flames surged like golden serpents, devouring the first wave of shadowy creatures. Sparks danced across the clearing as powers intertwined:
Orion's golden Sunblade slashed alongside her flames, creating arcs of fiery light.
Rafael's winds twisted with Mia's water, forming protective whirlpools.
Kai's lightning cracked in tandem with Emma's icy blasts, freezing foes mid-strike.
Nero's solid earth strikes reinforced Sofia's vines, immobilizing multiple enemies.
Zane's shadows flowed perfectly with Seraphina's stealthy strikes, taking attackers by surprise.
Kael's moonlight radiance strengthened Serena's light shields, enhancing their reach.
Amid the chaos, Lyra's eyes found Orion's. Amber met crimson-and-gold. For a fleeting heartbeat, the world shrank to that unspoken promise: together, they would face any danger.
Even in the darkness of the Evernight Forest, laughter, courage, and the first sparks of romance burned brighter than any shadow. The night had only just begun—but the bonds forged here, between hearts and flames, would carry them through whatever lay ahead.