Four days before the mission.
Sophia Vale stepped out of the administration block into the late afternoon light. The golden sun painted the academy pathways in long, elegant shadows. Between two buildings, she caught a clear glimpse of the Vale building.
Vince was entering through the main doors, his distinctive purple hair catching the light. Azure followed a few steps behind him, head slightly lowered, shoulders drawn in, the practiced, careful posture of someone who had learned not to draw attention.
The room, Sophia thought. She knew which one. What are you up to?
She had always known. There were aspects of Vince that required a particular kind of patience to manage, the patience of someone who had been managing difficult things for a very long time.
She let it go.
"Sophia." Miss Brown was hurrying after her from the administration building.
Sophia stopped and turned, her expression politely distant.
"Sorry to interrupt. I was reviewing some administrative forms and—"
