The sun cast long shadows over the academy grounds as the day's activities drew to a close. Students meandered through the courtyards, exchanging notes and stories from their classes. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant chatter of birds, creating a serene atmosphere that belied the turmoil in Maris's heart.
Maris walked with an air of quiet confidence, her soft pink hair catching the last rays of sunlight. Her light blue eyes were sharp, scanning the faces around her. For the past few days, something had been bothering her—an unsettling presence that she couldn't ignore. A fellow assistant teacher, Elina, had been lingering too close to Lucan.
This girl, with her chestnut hair and bright laughter, had caught Lucan's attention once or twice, and it was enough to make Maris's blood boil. Lucan had been spending less time with her, and seeing someone else monopolizing his time stirred a deep anger within her.
