We stormed through the classroom door just as the academy bell chimed.

  "How unexpected" the teacher muttered drily. "Just in time again, Lady Isabel."

  Her sharp eyes moved to me. "And you must be Lucille. I suggest not adopting Lady Isabel's habit of cutting it close. Punctuality is a virtue."

  I bit back a response, nodding instead. Isabel, to my surprise, offered no retort as well.

  She simply slipped into the room with practised indifference, wearing an expression I wasn't quite able to read.

  "You don't have to sit with me," she murmured, her gaze firmly on Edward and Amelia, whose wide eyes and eager expressions were impossible to miss.

  I gave her a quick nod and moved through the rows of desks. The classroom's design was more akin to a university lecture hall.

  Tiered seating and broad, wooden desks that could accommodate stacks of books and parchment. It felt both grand and impersonal. A stark reminder of the academy's prestige.

  I slid into the seat next to Edward, who immediately leaned in. "What happened to you?" he whispered, his voice tight with concern. "They wouldn't let us see you."

  Amelia, who sat next to him, mirrored his concern. "Are you alright? You look... fine. Better than fine, actually."

  I hesitated, the whole story lingered on the top of my tongue, remembering the principal's suggestion. "It's a long story, I guess."

  I said finally. "But I am feeling good!" I added enthusiastically, rolling up my right arms sleeve just enough to show my forearm. "They took good care of me in the infirmary."

  "Oh, that looks great!" Amelia commented, "not even a single scar."

  "But why couldn't we visit?" Edward furrowed his brow, "you were out for two days.... . It felt... strange."

  "Yeah," Amelia added. "And the ceremony was cancelled as well. They told us the assessment will be part of the first exam now."

  "Uhu..." I nodded, as I tried to process all the information. "Maybe they need time to get a new crystal?" I offered, deflecting. "I guess it makes sense to redo everything later."

  Edward’s expression remained sceptical, but he let it drop as the teacher began to speak. Her voice pulling our focus to the front of the room.

  I let out a relieved sigh, sinking into my seat. Saved for now. There was no way I could avoid Edward's questions forever, though.

  I hated to admit it, but I needed to talk to Isabel as soon as possible. Not because the oath forced my silence, but because testing her patience was a gamble I wasn't ready to take.

  At least not after reading about the punishments hidden in the lines of that old book. Some things were better left untested.

  "Miss Lucille, would you care to demonstrate?" The classroom's eyes were suddenly fixed on me. I hadn't really spaced out, but didn't pay much attention either.

  Not because I wasn't willing to learn, but because Arthur already taught me most there is to know. Today's topic was mana detection. One of the most basic skills for every knight and mage.

  "Of course." I replied, "but how?"

  She grinned, pointing her wand at me. "It is simple really, all you have to do is to tell whether I prepare an incantationless spell or not.

  "To make it easier, please come in front of the class."

  The way she presented it, and judging by the murmurs of the other students, I assumed his was something considered to be difficult?

  "Sure, but, didn't the test already begin?" I asked, sensing the subtle flow of mana that had already changed around her, gathering within her wands tip.

  "Since you've been preparing a spell from the moment you pointed your wand at me."

  Her polished facade cracked, just a hairline fracture of surprise that vanished as quickly as it came. "Well done." Her pose relaxed a little, as she put down her wand.

  "Seems like we have a real talent among us."

  "How did you know?" Edward whispered, "I couldn't feel a thing."

  "Ehh... . I had some practice before, I guess?" Was all I could muster to say, Arthurs voice echoing in my head, as he threw one wind blade after another at me.

  His ruthless training had left me with an instinctual understanding, my body knowing what to do before I realised it, a reflex honed to near perfection.

  "Quiet!" our teacher snapped, cutting through the rising murmur. "As I already said..." She launched into an explanation of exactly what I'd done, her tone balancing between irritation and intrigue.

  I wondered if I had already overdone it, the last thing I wanted was more attention, especially from the teachers. But, in my mind, this was just a basic skill, one everyone learns early on.

  "Now then," she continued, pulling back my attention. "Unfortunately, I cannot simply assume that Miss Lucille here is a good representation."

  Her gaze swept across the room, finally resting on Amelia with an underhanded grin, "let's see well a commoner can do."

  Amelia stood up, her expression visibly stifled as she walked past me. Edward gave her a small nod of encouragement as she stepped in front of the class.

  The teacher raised her wand, a thin smile on her lips. "Whenever you're ready."

  Amelia closed her eyes, a quiet focus settling over her.

  I could feel it, the faint flow of mana, gathering in the wands tip, exactly as it had when she pointed her wand at me.

  "Now." Amelia opened her eyes, "you're preparing a spell."

  A brief almost imperceptible flicker crossed the teacher's face. Perhaps annoyance? She lowered her wand and offered a tight-lipped smile. "That is incorrect."

  Amelias confidence shattered in an instant, her face flushing with confusion and shame as mocking whispers spread through the room. Should I help her?

  I dared a glance at Isabel, who sat all alone in the back, shaking her head slowly.

  The teacher cleared her throat, downing out the murmurs.

  "Not everyone has a natural talent, but I am sure even a commoner will close the gap eventually," she said, not even sparing Amelia a second glance. "Elise? Why don't you show us how it's done?"

  Elise rose gracefully, every step a reminder of her status as the prince's fiancée.

  "Peasants belong in the dirt." she whispered as she passed Amelia, her voice sickeningly sweet.

  With curled up lips forming a perfect, practised smile as she finally stood before the class. Some might call her the epitome of noble grace.

  But to me? She was nothing more than arrogance in human form.

  The teacher pointed her wand at Elise, mana gathering in it's tip, much less subtle than when Amelia or me stood before her.

  It was obvious, or at least, it should've been, but Elise didn't seem to notice, instead keeping up her pokerface.

  After a few, painfully awkward seconds, our teacher dispersed the mana, probably not even because she wanted too, but she reached her limit on how long she could keep the spell ready.

  "Now," Elise raised her chin, speaking with total confidence, leaving the teacher flabbergasted, if only for a brief moment.

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  "Correct." she announced, with an approving nod. "Well done."

  A few students clapped, Elise basking in her shallow praise.

  I sighed, glancing past Edward toward Amelia, whose cheeks burned red, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, staring at her desk as if it might swallow her whole.

  "It's alright," Edward whispered in a gentle tone.

  "Don't let it get to you." I added, offering a soft smile.

  Amelia only nodded, forcing her attention back to the teacher, who continued the lesson seemingly unbothered. The whole scene left a bitter taste on my tongue.

  While I knew the academy favoured nobles, I didn't expect it to be so blatant.

  Though I tried to ignore my rising discomfort, I couldn't help but feel relieved to finally hear the bells ringing, signalling the end of class.

  While waiting for Edward and Amelia, I managed to sneak glance at Isabel, who remained seated in the back row. Seemingly lost in her book, making no effort to get up.

  "Isabel again?" Edward noted, raising an eyebrow. "What's your deal with her anyway?"

  "Just being friends," I lied.

  "Don't wanna talk about it, huh?" He certainly saw right through me, but at least he had the decency not to pry any further.

  "Anyway, let's go. I'll wait outside for her."

  Just as we turned to the staircase to leave, Elise swept into Amelia, her shoulder colliding with enough force to send Amelia stumbling forward.

  Her heel caught on the steps edge, flailing with her arms as she tipped dangerously toward the descent.

  I lunged forward, wrapping my fingers around Amelia's arm just in time as I puller her back. Steadying her, as she collapsed against my chest.

  "Careful," Elise cooed, her voice drenched in fauxed concern, her lips curled up into a satisfied smirk.

  "Everything okay?" I whispered, keeping Amelia upright as she clung to me.

  Her face was bone-pale, her eyes wide and unfocused, but she managed a shaky nod.

  "Are you insane?" Edward snapped, stepping forward. His eyes locked onto Elise as he jabbed a finger toward the staircase.

  Elise tilted her head, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Not my fault if she doesn’t watch where she’s going," she said with a delicate shrug.

  "What else would you expect from a commoner?"

  "You...!" Edward clenched his fists, barely able to restrain his anger.

  Shooting a glance toward the teacher below, who seemed to be entirely unbothered by the commotion.

  Elise’s smirk deepened. "Your sister taking pity on that useless girl is already bad enough. Do you really want to take her side too, Edward?"

  Edwards eyes flickered with hesitation. Elise was right. He couldn’t afford to openly oppose her. Not here. Not now.

  "Let it go, Edward," I said calmly. "Wait outside."

  His jaw tightened, shame flashing across his face. Without another word, he turned and stomped out.

  Elise giggled, her attention flicking back to me. "I’d suggest you clean your uniform," she said sweetly, waving a dainty hand in front of her nose.

  "Who in their right mind would want to smell like a filthy commoner?"

  I bit back the anger rising in my throat. If I remembered correctly, one of the selectable anxieties in the game was a fear of heights.

  "You went too far." My gaze flicked to the staircase. If Amelia had that… this must have been terrifying for her.

  Elise feigned confusion. "I don’t know what you mean."

  "Don’t play dumb," I said. "She could’ve been seriously injured."

  "And?" Elise arched a delicate brow. "Why should I care?" Then, her smirk sharpened, her voice lowering to a knowing murmur.

  "Who even are you, anyway? Edward’s long-lost sister, who cheats on her very first day?

  I'd love to know how you didn’t get expelled after your little crystal incident."

  A slight tug on my sleeve. I glanced down, Amelia, shaking her head ever so slightly.

  Elise noticed the motion, her eyes gleaming. "Oh my, is she a child? Does she need her mommy to protect her?"

  "And you should work on your detection magic," a calm voice interrupted.

  Elise stiffened. The amusement in her expression dulled as she turned. "Isabel."

  Isabel stood a few steps away, posture relaxed, her hands folded neatly in front of her.

  Her tone wasn’t mocking, nor was it amused, it was factual. As if Elise wasn’t even worth real frustration.

  Elise scoffed. "Don’t tell me you think I got it wrong. You’re saying this commoner is more competent than me?"

  "Even if so, your still in my way." Isabel teased, standing with her bored expression right in front of her,

  not even bothering to gaze up to Elise, who was easily four inches taller than her.

  "I’m saying the way you announced your results so confidently made it difficult for the professor to correct you."

  Isabel’s voice was light, almost casual, yet the words carried weight. She met Elise’s gaze, unblinking.

  "That must have been embarrassing for her."

  Elise’s face twitched. "You..."

  "Anyway, you’re blocking the way," Isabel said smoothly, waving a hand in a dismissive motion. "Move."

  "I won’t take orders from you!" Elise snapped. "I’m your brother’s fiancée!"

  Isabel remained unbothered, her gaze cool and unreadable. "And?"

  Elise seethed, her hands clenching at her sides. I could see the moment she lost control, her arm tensed, her body shifting as she raised her hand.

  And then...

  Something inside me ignited, an urge I could not resist. Like a violent pull, raw and absolute, seizing my body.

  A force beyond my own will surged through me, sharper than instinct, deeper than thought.

  Before I even understood what was happening, my hand shot forward, closing around Elise’s wrist.

  "Don’t," I heard myself say. My voice was quiet but firm, my grip unyielding. "Touch her."

  Elise inhaled sharply, her breath catching in surprise.

  She struggled weakly against my hold, but I squeezed just enough to remind her that she had no real strength here.

  It wasn’t my choice.

  I could feel it in my bones, the oath binding me, dictating my actions. This wasn’t just a reaction.

  It was compulsion. I had to protect Isabel. At all costs.

  Even now, the pressure in my chest hadn’t fully faded. If Elise tried again, I knew, I would stop her. No matter what.

  "Let go," Elise spat.

  "Lucille." Isabel’s voice was even. "It’s fine. Let her go."

  I hesitated before releasing Elise, who immediately took a step back, rubbing her wrist as she glared daggers at me.

  "This isn’t over," she hissed, her voice laced with forced composure.

  Then, without another word, she turned and walked away, descending the staircase with an air of feigned grace.

  The weight in my chest lightened, but it didn’t disappear.

  I let out a slow breath, flexing my fingers.

  "Thank you, Isabel," I murmured after a moment.

  Isabel tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "I don’t know what you mean. I was simply correcting an error."

  With that, she turned and walked away without another glance.

  A faint whisper at my side.

  "I’m sorry," Amelia murmured, barely audible. "This is all my fault."

  I turned to her, my expression softening. "How could you even think that? It’s not."

  I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering a reassuring squeeze. "Come on, let’s get something to eat."