Clemence’s room had become a small whirlwind of papers, brochures, and scattered pens. She was hunched over her desk, carefully filling out applications for colleges in Arcanterra, her brows furrowed with concentration. Each form, each essay, seemed like a step toward a distant dream—one that was closely tied to her admiration for Lea’s brother.
Lea watched from across the room, perched on the edge of the bed, a mug of tea in her hands. There was something in Clemence’s expression, a quiet excitement, a determined hope, that made Lea wonder if there was more than just academic ambition in play. Yet, whenever she tried to read deeper, Clemence’s calm composure kept her guessing.
“I’ll need your help with these essays,” Clemence said without looking up, her tone casual but resolute. “You’v
