*NEXT MORNING…*
**SPRINGWOOD ACADEMY**
I stepped out of the car and waved goodbye to Fergus, who gave me his usual kind smile before driving off. It was a chilly morning, and the cool air nipped at my skin as I wrapped my arms around myself, bracing against the slight wind. The academy loomed ahead, its towering buildings as familiar as ever, yet something about today felt different.
Just as I was about to enter the school building, I heard a familiar voice calling my name.
"Aria! Wait up!" Regan's voice rang out from behind me.
I turned around to see him jogging toward me, a mischievous grin on his face. "Good morning, Princess," he teased, his usual greeting.
"Morning," I replied with a smile as I waited for him to catch up. Together, we made our way inside, heading toward our first class of the day.
