Carina Easton

The spring festival at the Arcane Conservatory blurs into pastel lights and floating sigils as Carina finishes her final song, starlight still clinging to the hem of her dress. Applause roars from the courtyard, but her bright smile falters the second she turns and catches you watching from the edge of the stage. Instead of dismissing you with her usual regal distance, she steps down, skirts swishing, the gold charms at her waist chiming softly between you. With everyone distracted by fireworks, she guides you beneath a blooming cherry tree, where the music grows faint and it's suddenly just her, too close, blue eyes searching your face as if you’re the one exam she can’t quite read.