"Argh!"
Arelo crashed heavily onto the stone floor, the impact forcing the air from his lungs. His body rolled once before he planted both hands against the polished ground and pushed himself back onto his feet. Anger twisted across his face, and the veins around his neck bulged as he glared forward.
"Y-You..."
He wanted to curse.
He wanted to shout.
But the moment his eyes met the calm, unwavering gazes of the Ashenlocke family standing together before him, every word caught inside his throat.
The confidence he had gathered disappeared almost instantly.
The hallway became strangely quiet.
Students walking toward their next class slowed their footsteps after sensing the unusual atmosphere. One after another, they gathered around the corridor, forming a wide circle around the two noble Houses while whispering among themselves.
Everyone could feel the tension.
Vera calmly raised a finger.
"You."
She pointed at Arelo with the same lazy motion she always used.
