Page 253 of House Ignis

Even Luna had somehow ended up wearing a tiny festival pouch tied dramatically over her head.

I looked back at Ezra. He looked at me. We both burst out laughing, the sound genuine and bright. Then, together, we followed Ember deeper into the burning heart of the city.

•••

The crowd surged around us, sweeping us toward the main square like we were nothing more than sparks caught in a wildfire.

The grand tent loomed ahead massive and striped in blazing red and gold, its towering peaks stitched together with glowing fire runes that pulsed in time with the thundering drums.

It looked less like a festival structure and more like something stolen from a god’s war-camp. Inside, the air was a storm of shouting, shattering glass, and hysterical laughter.

Heat slammed into me the second we stepped through the entrance. It wasn't gentle; it was suffocating, pressing in from every direction.

Bodies were packed shoulder to shoulder, and fire pits blazed in each corner, making the scent of sweat, smoke, spiced wine, and raw magic thick enough to taste.

For a second, my core reacted instinctively. Fire answering fire.

Aether’s presence brushed mine immediately, sharp and grounding. “Careful, Flame One.”

“Gods, I am so excited!” Ember screeched beside me, already bouncing on the balls of her feet like she’d been waiting all year for this exact moment.

“Drinks?” Ezra asked, appearing at my shoulder.

“Please,” I said quickly, my throat already dry from the heat.

Ember just smiled at him—a real smile. Soft.

Dangerous.

He grinned back like she’d handed him the key to the godsdamn world before disappearing into the throng.

I slowly turned to her. She caught my look immediately. “What?” she demanded, grabbing my wrist.

“You know what.”

She groaned, her head falling back.

“Can we not tonight?” she said, her voice dropping just slightly. “Please. Let’s just be like we always are here. Let’s forget everything. Let’s just… burn.”

Her eyes were bright and wild, mischief dancing under the surface—a plea wrapped in fire.

I exhaled. “Deal.”

Her grin returned instantly, sharp and victorious, as she dragged me deeper into the chaos.

We eventually found the rest of the group sprawled near one of the central bonfires, flames licking high enough to kiss the tent’s enchanted ceiling.

Ezra reappeared with drinks, and for about five minutes, we actually relaxed.

And then the alcohol started flowing.

Everything blurred into a beautiful, reckless disaster.

Maddy and Ryven were tangled in a darkened corner, her lipstick smeared across his jaw and his shirt half-open as if he’d forgotten how buttons worked.

They were laughing into each other’s mouths, drunk enough not to care who saw.

Zaria had some poor second-year pinned against the bar, her black-blue hair glowing beneath the rune-light as she teased him with a slow, wicked smirk.