By the time Ava and Emily finished their exams, the sun was already lowering in the sky.
The three of them met outside the Year One exam hall. Ava grinned the moment she saw her.
"Nnennaaa! Tell me you crushed it," she said, throwing one arm around her shoulder.
Nnenna chuckled, nodding. "I did my best."
"And that's enough," Emily added, her expression calm but proud.
They walked together to the school gates, chatting lightly about the questions, the oral panel, and the way one of the invigilators nearly tripped on his own feet.
At the gate, Emily waved goodbye and headed off to her own destination while Ava and Nnenna turned toward the palace car that waited for them.
But even as they talked and smiled, Nnenna's mind remained in motion.
Arthur…
She didn't know what answers he had, but she knew now...
She had to find out.
No matter what.
With this conclusion, she relaxed.
--------
The ride home was far from quiet.
