Velma knelt in the academy gardens, her delicate hands carefully tending to the vibrant flowers she had nurtured over the past few weeks. The faint scent of lavender filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil. She hummed softly to herself, her voice barely audible over the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Gardening was her solace, a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of academy life.
Her tranquil moment was interrupted by the sound of approaching voices—high-pitched, condescending, and laced with laughter. Velma stiffened, her hands freezing mid-motion. She recognized those voices immediately: Lady Bianca and her clique. They were daughters of noble houses, girls who reveled in their status and took pleasure in belittling others, especially commoners like her.
