The academy gates loomed ahead, tall and imposing as ever.
The last time she had walked through these gates, her life had been different.
Uncertain. Fragile. Controlled by invisible strings she hadn't even been aware of.
Now, as she stepped inside, the air felt lighter. Even the summer heat didn't feel as stifling anymore.
She had barely reached the dorm hallway when a loud voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Severine!!"
Before she could even react, a blur of movement rushed toward her.
"Missed me so much?"
A pair of arms wrapped tightly around her, nearly knocking the air out of her lungs.
"Alina," she called helplessly, patting her arms to signal the heroine to let go.
"Yup, it's me, your mother!" the girl beamed, pulling back with a wide grin.
Alina Hart looked exactly the same as always—bright, energetic, and completely incapable of staying quiet.
Her messy ponytail swayed as she tilted her head, inspecting Severine from top to bottom.
