"Humph. Big, empty words coming from a mere liar and a traitor."
The voice cut through the morning air like a rusted blade, sharp and grating. William didn't need to turn around to identify the speaker; that particular tone of nasal arrogance was etched into his memory.
He slowed his pace, his eyes narrowing as a group of five students rounded the corner, effectively barring his path. Leading them, with a sneer that seemed permanently fixed to his features, was Ganin.
"Ganin..." William said, his voice flat and unimpressed. He stopped several paces away, the two sisters flanking him. "What exactly brought you out here to play roadblock? Don't you have a class to be failing?"
Ganin didn't take the bait immediately. He looked William up and down, his gaze lingering on the fine quality of the new academy uniform. "I heard such a funny story lately," Ganin began, his voice dripping with mock wonder.
