Asher's fingers closed around the emblem, his mind already focused on the steps ahead.
"Thanks," he said curtly, turning toward the door. "I'll head there right away. No point in wasting time."
Lucia's brow furrowed slightly as she crossed her arms.
"Hold on," she said, her tone carrying a hint of authority. "You're not going to the Arcane Repository yet."
He stopped in his tracks, glancing over his shoulder. "Why not? That was the deal, wasn't it?"
She walked up to him, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
"The Repository can wait. First, you need to come with me somewhere else. There are people you should meet—other sorcerers in the academy."
Asher frowned. "I don't need to meet anyone."
He turned back toward the door, intent on leaving, but her voice stopped him again.
