Sebastian had never considered having a friend.
Not really. His childhood had been a cage of corners, punishments, and whispered threats. But today… something felt different.
Miles, only a few years older, had been sent to the palace under the guise of a tutor, though everyone knew he was more than that. He carried the confidence of someone who had survived battles, not just corridors. And when he first looked at Sebastian, he didn't flinch, sneer, or mock.
"You're Sebastian Mikael, right?" Miles asked casually, tossing a small wooden training dagger between his hands. "The one Egeus has been whispering about?"
Sebastian's jaw tightened. "I—yes," he mumbled.
Miles raised an eyebrow but smiled faintly. "Relax. I'm not here to judge. Actually… I'm here to make sure you don't break yourself trying to be… everyone else's punching bag."
