Word travels fast at Angel Academy. Faster than magic. Faster than rumor. And apparently, faster than discretion.
By the time I returned to the Class A dormitory, the hallways were buzzing. Students whispered in corners, glancing my way. Some eyes were wide with curiosity, others with envy, and a few with suspicion.
Casian was first to approach, flames flickering faintly around his knuckles as usual. "So… the Council, huh?" His grin was sharp, teasing, but his eyes betrayed a spark of unease. "Guess they really do think you're special."
"Observer," I said flatly. "Not member."
He scoffed, fire dying down slightly. "Semantics. You're still a step above the rest of us now, grey-eyed."
Lyra appeared from the stairwell, blade sheathed but posture tense. "You're walking a fine line," she said softly, but pointedly. "The Council doesn't take chances. And now… neither will our classmates."
Mira floated silently beside me, calm as ever, eyes soft. "Don't be discouraged," she whispered. "Some will admire, some will resent. That's normal. You must focus on yourself."
The rest of Class A had gathered in small groups. Joren nudged Kaito, smirking, whispering something I didn't catch. Selin and Nara shot curious glances, assessing. Even the quieter students seemed to sense the shift—the balance of power subtly tilting toward me.
During practice drills, the differences became obvious. Students hesitated near me, some seeking approval, others waiting for a mistake. Casian's usual fire burned hotter, clearly trying to outshine me. Lyra stayed closer than usual, observing, analyzing. Mira stayed a steady anchor, ensuring I wasn't overwhelmed.
Between exercises, whispers followed me.
"Council observer… first-year? Must be a prodigy.""Half angel, half demon… could be dangerous.""He survived the monster attack—unlike most of us."
Even the lower-ranking students had begun to notice. They didn't understand the nuances, the politics, the unspoken dangers of being linked to the Chosen Five—but they could feel it. And it made them nervous.
I kept my face neutral, moving through the crowd like any other student. But inside, the pressure was heavier than ever. The Council had seen my potential. Class A had noticed my elevation.
And somewhere, deep beneath the surface, a small spark of understanding flickered: being recognized came at a cost.
Half angel. Half demon. Dangerous. Unstable.
And now… conspicuous.