In the days that followed, an unusual quiet settled over the manor. Surprisingly, Josephine did not come looking for trouble, and even Isabella was relatively kind, showing a rare concern for my studies. Abandoning my pride, I camped out in Alyssa's room, devouring her books like a sponge, absorbing knowledge with an insatiable hunger. The looming exam weighed on us like a mountain.
Time slipped by like water. I pored over dense, esoteric texts, my cheeks hollowing with each passing day.
Dark circles under my eyes deepened, giving me the appearance of a legendary eastern panda.
Teal, seeing my state, would sneak cheese and nuts from the dining hall every night, providing me with much-needed sustenance.
Yet, my body continued to thin under the relentless strain of constant study.
Immer
