Chapter 35. Erin Dranemount
Leo's gaze locked onto the girl walking toward him, her silver hair shimmering like threads of moonlight, her purple eyes glinting with mischief. Her knowing smile sparked something in his mind—a faint memory he couldn't quite place. Still, his instincts buzzed. There was power radiating from her, a quiet force that cqn rival even the strongest leaders in the academy.
"Well, hello, senior Leonhardt Caulem," she said, her voice velvet-smooth, laced with a confidence that felt rehearsed, like she'd practiced this moment. "I've been eager to meet you."
Leo tilted his head, his smirk tight and guarded, crimson eyes probing hers. "Hey there, miss," he replied, voice low and even, testing her.
"Do I know you, or is this my first time meeting?"
Her smile sharpened, a flicker of amusement in her gaze, as if she saw every move he might make. "No, this is our first meeting," she said, deliberate and calm. "I'm Erin Dranemount, First year student who joined this academy recently"
The name hit like a quiet detonation. Dranemount—one of the kingdom's three great houses, alongside Caulem and Rathur. While Rathur is hostile towards Caulem, Dranemount is neutral.
He leaned back slightly, sizing her up. "So, you're Adrian's little sister," he said, voice slow and edged. "The rumoured genius."
Erin's chuckle was soft, calculated, her violet eyes glinting like she'd anticipated his words. "I'm flattered you've heard of me, Senior Leonhardt. Thank you."
She tilted her head, mirroring him, her stare unrelenting. "So, what's on your mind now that I'm here?"
Leo crossed his arms, his smirk hardening into something colder. "Not much, Miss Erin. More wondering what you're after."
Her smile turned razor-sharp, playful but with a deliberate edge. "Nothing much senior," she said, stepping closer, her tone too casual. "I wanted to congratulate you on yesterday's feat—impressive doesn't cover it."