A plaque from Cecilia, too.
I sighed, turning the golden insignia over in my palm, feeling the smooth, polished surface beneath my fingers.
Like Rachel, she had given me an open invitation.
Unlike Rachel, her invitation led to the Imperial Palace of the Slatemark Empire.
I stared at it for a long moment before slipping it into my pocket.
Why was she doing this?
Was this just another game to her? A fleeting whim, like a cat toying with a mouse—not out of hunger, but boredom?
It wasn't as if I had any plans to visit the Empire during the fall break anyway. Arthur's parents had already left on vacation with my sister, though calling it a vacation was generous. They were touring academies, trying to figure out which one she should apply to since she wasn't talented enough to get into Mythos Academy or Slatemark Academy.
So my plans were already set. I was going to the Creighton estate.
Rachel had given me her sapphire plaque with pure intent, nothing hidden beneath the surface.
