(Opening Scene: The library is charged with the raw energy of Astrid's Storm's Fury. Zane watches in stunned disbelief as the dark clouds swirl around her, uncontrolled arcs of lightning lashing out erratically. Doctor Finch cowers before her, his face a mask of terror.)
"Astrid, stop!" Zane urged, stepping out from behind the bookshelf. The sight of her unrestrained power, while directed in his defense, was alarming. He had never seen her lose control like this.
Astrid's stormy gaze flickered towards Zane, the intense fury in her eyes softening slightly, replaced by a fierce protectiveness. The swirling clouds around her pulsed, the lightning momentarily subsiding.
"He was going to poison you, Zane," she repeated, her voice still thick with rage, but now tinged with a tremor. "He wanted revenge for Bartholomew or whatever he calls that stupid thing."
Zane's heart sank. The depth of Doctor Finch's grief and his thirst for vengeance were now terrifyingly clear. He looked at the doctor, who was huddled on the floor, whimpering and shielding his face with his arms.
Before Zane could say anything, the uncontrolled energy of Astrid's Storm's Fury seemed to surge again, reacting to Finch's continued presence and the lingering threat he represented. A thick bolt of pure lightning, wild and untamed, erupted from the swirling clouds and struck the floor directly in front of Doctor Finch.
The force of the impact sent tremors through the library floor, and the air filled with the acrid smell of ozone and burnt wood. Finch screamed, scrambling backward, his eyes wide with primal fear. The raw power of Astrid's unleashed magic was clearly beyond his ability to withstand.
Headmaster Theron arrived swiftly, his presence radiating calm authority. He took in the scene – the volatile storm surrounding Astrid, the terrified Doctor Finch, and the concerned Zane. With a wave of his hand, he cast a powerful containment spell, a shimmering barrier of energy that enveloped Astrid, gently suppressing the chaotic outbursts of her Storm's Fury.
"Lady Montaigne," Headmaster Theron said, his voice firm but understanding. "Your protective instincts are commendable, but this level of uncontrolled power is dangerous."
Astrid's breathing was ragged, the dark clouds slowly dissipating as the headmaster's spell took effect. She looked at Zane, her fury gradually giving way to a shaken realization of the power she had unleashed.
Doctor Finch, meanwhile, remained huddled on the floor, his body trembling. The near-miss with Astrid's uncontrolled lightning had clearly broken his vengeful resolve, replacing it with sheer terror.
"Doctor Finch," Headmaster Theron addressed him, his tone stern. "Your actions were unacceptable. Seeking violent retribution is a grave offense, especially within the academy grounds."
The chapter ends with the immediate threat neutralized, but the implications of Astrid's awakened Storm's Fury and Doctor Finch's attempted attack hanging heavy in the air. The incident had revealed new depths to Astrid's power and the lingering tensions within the academy following Bartholomew's death.