At the table, a sudden, physical chill ran down Lucian's spine. They had just finished a long, technical discussion about magic. The library remained completely quiet for several seconds.
Then Elira spoke.
"Mmm." Her ice-blue eyes flicked back to his face. "Tell me something, Lucian. What are you planning to do now?"
"Now?"
"Yes. Now that your name's cleared and Marcus is suspended. You're free." She tilted her head slightly. "What comes next for you?"
Lucian closed his book slowly. "Haven't thought that far ahead. Been too busy surviving."
"You should think ahead. The academy won't stay quiet for long."
"Probably." He leaned back in his chair. "Though something's been bothering me."
"Oh?"
"Marcus." Lucian frowned, as if puzzling it out. "The whole thing felt… off."
Elira's expression didn't change. "How so?"
"Marcus isn't smart," Lucian said casually. "He's all rage and ego. The kind of guy who throws punches first, thinks never."
