My palms were clammy, and the beat of my pulse rang loud and quick. The Royal Academy loomed before us in all its resplendent glory, its sharp spires twisted up and up as if to cut a hole through the heavens above. Rose vines crept along the ancient stone walls, twisting like serpents along the cracks and columns.
Niko and I had first went to the imperial palace this morning, if only to fool everyone else that Erilyn and August were indeed doing their duties as members of the queen's inner circle. There, we changed into our uniforms. I'd shucked off the wig and Niko removed the glamour on his face with an appearance-altering potion.
Now, the empty academy courtyard stretched beyond, the ground seemingly threatening to knock me over. The surroundings was quiet as everyone was still on second period.
"Are you ready?" Nikolas asked.
I looked up to him, and I found it hard to get used to seeing him not wearing his ponytail while he was in his uniform.
