Cruzer turned away from the window, stretching before making his way out of his room. The academy halls were unusually busy for the early hour, students and staff alike making last-minute preparations for the ceremony. Banners displaying the academy's crest hung proudly along the walls, and enchanted lanterns hovered overhead, casting a warm, golden light.
As he entered the common area, he wasn't surprised to see Elara already seated at the table, a cup of tea in hand, reading over what looked like an official program for the event. Charlotte was there too, dressed in a crisp academy-issued formal uniform, arms crossed as she leaned against the wall.
Jean, however, was sprawled across the couch, half-awake, groaning into a pillow.
Cruzer smirked. "You're not even dressed."
Jean peeked at him with one eye. "Shhh. If I stay like this, maybe they'll think I'm sick and let me skip the whole thing."
Charlotte sighed. "That's the dumbest thing I've heard today."
