Chapter 7. Memories And Mess
Elara gave a small, faint smile. "I'm fine," she said softly, her voice barely audible. "Just... thinking."
Another girl frowned. "Is this about Leonhardt? Don't tell me you're upset about him. After everything he did—following you around, annoying you—you shouldn't waste a second on that creep."
Elara's smile stayed, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Even so," she murmured, "he was still a student here. In his own way, he was a friend. Feeling something is only human."
Her friends exchanged surprised looks, clearly impressed by her kindness. "You're too kind, Elara," one of them said warmly. "The world doesn't deserve someone like you."
Elara chuckled softly but stayed quiet. Her thoughts wandered elsewhere. "Thank you," she said eventually, her voice barely above a whisper.
---
In the academy's most luxurious boys' dorms, a young man with golden hair lounged in a grand chair, holding a folded letter in his hand. His sharp features and confident smirk marked him as the first prince of Elaris, Prince Cassian. His blue eyes glinted with amusement as he read the letter.
"Finally," he said, leaning back with a satisfied grin. "The fool is dead. Took long enough."
Across from him, another young man sat, legs crossed. His dark hair was slightly messy, and his relaxed posture gave him an air of quiet confidence. His calm, unreadable expression contrasted with Cassian's energy.
