Elara exited Draven's Advanced Elemental Theory class with her head held high and a sense of satisfaction simmering beneath her calm exterior. Clutched in her hand was the result of her latest examination—a pristine parchment marked with a bold "A." She had worked tirelessly, pouring over ancient texts and conducting rigorous experiments to achieve this grade. Yet, as she caught sight of Amberine leaving the classroom with the same confident stride and a similar parchment in her grasp, a pang of bitterness tempered her triumph.
"Of course," Elara muttered under her breath. "She always has to match me."
Amberine shot her a brief, acknowledging glance before turning her attention to her friends, who immediately started congratulating her.
Elara's expression remained stoic, but internally she wrestled with the familiar sting of rivalry. Despite her desire to be the best, this commoner girl somehow continues to stay beside her shadow.
