I smiled inwardly.
Even the greatest tyrants started somewhere.
With Mara and Elira trailing closely behind, Riven and I navigated the elegant corridors toward the cafeteria. Although calling it a cafeteria felt decidedly wrong it was more akin to a grand banquet hall, polished marble floors gleaming like mirrors, high ceilings embellished with shimmering chandeliers, and walls adorned with tapestries woven in vibrant silks. Honestly, my parents' sponsorship left no corner untouched, each detail meticulously planned to remind everyone exactly whose child was attending the academy.
[Nothing subtle about your family's influence, is there?]
"Subtlety isn't exactly their forte," I murmured.
Riven shot me a questioning glance. "Did you say something?"
"Just thinking out loud," I replied smoothly.
He shook his head, sighing. "You always make it sound so sinister."
I smiled sweetly. "It usually is."
