The creak of the classroom door opening immediately drew the group's attention. Irina stepped in, her fiery yellow eyes scanning the room with her usual confidence, her fiery hair catching the light as she strode toward her seat. If she noticed the murmurs and stares, she gave no indication, her composed demeanor unwavering.
Julia, however, was already on her feet, her blue eyes gleaming with mischief. She practically pounced, closing the distance between them in a matter of seconds.
"Well, well, well," Julia said, her voice dripping with exaggerated drama. "If it isn't our silver fire queen. Tell me, Irina, how does it feel to be the academy's hottest topic?"
Irina arched an eyebrow, her gaze cool as she regarded Julia. "Good morning to you too, Julia."
"Oh, don't play coy," Julia teased, circling her like a predator sizing up its prey. "The pictures? The headlines? The mystery romance with Mister Cold? Care to explain?"
