"So, we have an agreement," Arthur said, buttoning his uniform jacket.
The dorm room was still a disaster zone, but the atmosphere had shifted from a potential war zone to a strange, tense truce.
Alicia smoothed down her skirt, her face regaining that mask of icy nobility she wore for the public. "An agreement," she confirmed, shooting one last warning look at the floating ball of light that was Sol. "But don't think this gives you a free pass to do whatever you want, Arthur. I'll be watching."
"I'm counting on it," Arthur grinned.
Sol, currently in her wisp form to conserve mana, bobbed in the air. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't freeze the mood next time, Ice Queen."
Alicia ignored the jab, turned on her heel, and walked out. "I'll see you in class, Arthur. Don't be late. I hear Professor Isabella is... particularly excited today."
The door clicked shut.
Arthur's smile faded instantly.
"Isabella," he muttered, the name leaving a bad taste in his mouth.
