Saoirse
Back at the academy — again. The iron gates groaned open like they sensed my return. My boots echoed down the ancient stone hallway, the scent of sweat, blood, and magic clinging to the air. Thank the Gods I wasn’t late, though part of me wished I were.
I barely take two steps into the courtyard before I’m face-to-face with the Elder. His silver gaze slices through me like a dagger dipped in truth.
“Say your name,” he orders, voice colder than the ice in the North Woods.
Eyes shift. Whispers slither. Every head turns.
“I’m Saoirse,” I reply, voice low, calm — defiant.
His mouth twitches. “Saoirse Kings,” he echoes, almost with amusement. “The girl who shattered Chloe Vance’s jawbone. The runaway who disappeared and skipped the class for some guy. And the one who dared to refu
