'He's sizing you up,' Luna informed me as I caught the Imperial Knight's evaluating gaze.
I recognized him immediately—the same Ascendant-ranker who had been deployed to Mythos Academy, the one Cecilia had commanded to kidnap me during the Sophomore Ball incident. Back then, he had seemed untouchable. An Ascendant-ranker, as formidable as my professors. Someone I couldn't hope to challenge.
But not anymore.
'Let him,' I replied to Luna, my internal voice calm. 'I don't care.'
I returned my attention to Cecilia, who clung to me with uncharacteristic vulnerability, her imperial composure momentarily forgotten. She felt small in my arms, despite the tremendous power I knew she wielded. Eleven months had changed us both.
