A satisfied smirk spreads across Daphne's face. "Good. Glad we agree."
Isolde mutters something under her breath and slumps back in her seat, clearly unwilling to waste more energy fighting her sister's vanity.
The chauffeur eases the car to the side of the road.
Heidi's hand trembles as she reaches for the door handle. Her chest feels tight, her skin prickling under the weight of unseen eyes that aren't even there yet. But she forces herself to step out, the warm air wrapping around her instantly.
The car door shuts with a soft, final thunk.
And then… There is silence.
The sleek vehicle pulls away, its hum fading down the street, leaving Heidi alone on the edge of the academy grounds.
For a brief, startling moment, relief floods her chest. Relief is so sharp that it nearly wobbles her knees. She breathes easier without their bickering, without Daphne's pointed stares or Isolde's cutting commentary. Out here, the world is hers alone.
