Amberine froze, her heart pounding in her chest. The desperation in the student's voice was palpable, a mixture of fear and something darker—something that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Ifrit, sensing her unease, let out a soft growl, the heat from his tiny form radiating through her robe.
"I don't understand?" Amberine shot back, her voice laced with anger. "I understand enough to know that you're dabbling in something dangerous! Demonic magic is forbidden for a reason, and you're putting everyone at risk!"
The student glared at her, their eyes wide with panic. "You think I wanted this?" they spat, their hands trembling as they continued to etch runes into the floor. "You think I had a choice? They forced me into this!"