Emily watched them leave, letting out a low whistle.
"Yikes. The Great Houses are really starting to squeeze their kids today. Did you see the look on his face?"
" The Festival isn't just an academy test anymore."
"It never was," a quiet voice said from behind them.
Xander stepped out from the shadow of the terrace pillar, holding a small electronic tablet.
His dark hair was neatly combed, his grey academy uniform spotless. He gave Emily a polite nod before pulling out a chair and sitting beside Samantha.
House Ash, House Dark, House Varas, and House Mordrew all have official observers on site now."
Samantha's eyes narrowed slightly. "House Thane?"
Xander paused, his fingers hovering over the tablet. "Damien McAllister arrived an hour ago.
Scott is here?" Emily asked, her voice dropping an octave.
"I saw him near the main fountain," Warren said gently.
"He was looking at the contestant roster on his phone. He didn't stay long. He looked... distracted."
