Ella
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and sunlight spilling through the cracks in the curtains. My ankle still throbbed from last night’s fall, but it was nothing compared to the problem Aidan and Nikolai had caused.
I groaned as I sat up, remembering the punishment the dorm master had handed down: cleaning the stables for a month. Of all the tasks in the academy, this was the one I loved the most, but not if I have to do it for a whole month!
As I limped into the common area, Aidan glanced up from his spot on the couch, a book in hand. Nikolai was sprawled out in the armchair, tossing a coin in the air.
“Ah, look who’s finally awake,” Nikolai teased.
“Morning, Nuel,” Aidan added without looking up from his book.
I ignored them, heading straight for
