Thea returned Savannah's handshake politely, though her gaze lingered for a moment.
Savannah's smile was warm and sincere, yet something about the encounter left Thea unsettled.
She couldn't explain why.
Perhaps it was the way Savannah and Sebastian seemed so comfortable around each other, as though they shared countless conversations and memories she knew nothing about.
"Are you studying here too?" Savannah asked Thea.
"Not yet," Thea replied. "Maybe someday."
"You should." Savannah said lightly.
"Sebastian says Empyrean needs more people who don't take life too seriously."
Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "I didn't say that."
"You implied it."
Thea's lips twitched before she could stop herself.
Savannah was undeniably beautiful. Her dark hair was gathered into a neat braid that fell over one shoulder, while a few loose strands softened her features. There was an effortless confidence about her, a quiet elegance that seemed completely natural.
