Evaline:
The morning came too soon. My body was still heavy from last night, but I didn't have the luxury of staying curled up in the warmth. By the time the alarm rang at six-thirty, I dragged myself out of bed, washed up, and pulled on a cozy sweater.
The dorm common room was already half lit with the glow of fireplace that was burning with life. The air was crisp and quiet until the sound of footsteps filled the hallways.
By seven sharp, we were all gathered in the common room. Everyone looked drowsy but excited, faces bright despite the lingering shadows of exams. The relief was palpable - holidays were here, and for the first time in weeks, we didn't have to think about tests, projects, or sleepless nights of studying.
"Finally," Selene groaned, curling into a chair and tugging her blanket tighter around her shoulders. "I swear if I had to look at one more potion formula, I would have set the whole book on fire."
