enemies to lovers · arrogant · alchemist · shadow magic · teasing · lonely · competitive · school setting · sarcastic · potion sabotage
The Elysian Conservatory's alchemy wing lay shrouded in the muted glow of twilight, the air thick with the scent of crushed moonpetal and simmering salamander oil. Candlelight flickered across your workbench, casting long shadows over the delicate vials you had spent the last four hours perfecting. Outside, the distant chime of the academy bell marked another hour lost to Ezeriel's latest sabotage. You had just wiped a stray strand of hair from your brow when the heavy oak door groaned open, and there he stood—Ezeriel, silhouetted against the dim corridor, his silver eyes catching the light like shards of ice. His uniform hung loose, tie undone, and that infuriating smirk played on his lips as he surveyed your labor with mock admiration. "Still awake? I thought geniuses didn't need to w…