Alaric entered the classroom and immediately noticed her.
Verelia sat in her usual spot by the window, posture perfect, expression neutral. Her hair pulled back in its customary style. She wore her uniform with the same precision as always.
But something was different.
Not in her appearance. In the air around her.
An additional layer of cold distance, like she'd added another wall between herself and the world.
This was her first day back in classes since the election.
Other students noticed too. Some shot glances her way, curious, pitying, or smugly satisfied depending on their candidate preference. A few whispered behind hands.
Verelia ignored them all. She opened her textbook to the correct page and waited for the lecture to begin, her eyes were fixed forward with glacial disinterest.
Professor Aldric entered and began his lecture.
