As I looked around, it became painfully clear—I was the only one without a partner. Sol, never one to miss an opportunity to tease, chimed in immediately. "Aww, poor you. Maybe next time, spend less time with your inner monologue and more time finding a partner," she said, her voice dripping with mock sympathy.
I sighed audibly, muttering, "Not helping, Sol."
Professor Layla, noticing my predicament, stepped closer. "Oh? What's this? No partner?" she asked, her tone carrying an edge of sympathy mingled with curiosity.
I shrugged. "Seems like it. Guess I'll just work alone, then."
Before I could move toward an unoccupied cauldron, her voice rang out, firm and commanding. "Hey! You three over there! Why not one of you pair up with this student?" She gestured toward a group clustered in the corner.
