As we began walking toward the elevator bay, I cleared my throat, trying to use the momentum of the good news to drop the secondary problem. "Oh, by the way... the school announced a mandatory student gala today. A party up on the ridge canopy."
My mom turned around, her eyes widening with immediate excitement. "A school party? Oh, Lyra, that sounds beautiful! Like a real academy celebration. When is it?"
"It doesn't matter, because I’m not going to attend," I said quickly, keeping my voice light and dismissive, as if it were a minor scheduling conflict. "My excuse is simple: I just don't have anything nice to wear. The dress code is elite formal, and we don't have the credits to waste on a premium gown just for one night. It’s better if I stay home and focus on my advanced modules."
My
