The early hours of class passed like a slow, monotonous drizzle—forgettable and utterly draining. I sat at my desk half-awake, my chin resting on my palm, while Professor Leron, a man whose passion for logistics was matched only by his complete lack of charisma, droned on about fest protocol, vendor rotations, and the thrilling world of community service obligations. Not even the Headmistress's more terrifying, soul-piercing stares during her own lectures could keep my focus in check today. My thoughts were a tangled, chaotic mess, a battlefield of future plans and past regrets.
Two days. That's all I needed. Two days until the auction, until the sword, until the next, crucial step in my long, bloody game.
It was only when Professor Leron uttered the words that snapped half the class to life that I was pulled from my reverie.
"…and now, for your fest participation forms."
