The moment Arthur's voice echoed through the meeting room, every head turned toward the entrance.
For a second, silence filled the room.
Then the expressions of the Celestias Academy students changed.
Anger.
Disbelief.
And a deep urge to beat the smug smile off Arthur's face.
He had vanished without telling anyone.
He had skipped the trip to the Golden Colosseum.
He had left Athena with a ridiculous letter.
And now, after making everyone worry about the opening ceremony, he walked in as though he had merely gone out for a short walk.
Arthur stood at the doorway with his hands in his pockets. His dark hair was slightly messy, his crimson eyes held their usual calm confidence, and the lazy smile on his face only irritated everyone further.
"Hey, guys," Arthur said. "Did you miss me?"
Layla's expression darkened.
Isabella's eyes narrowed.
Evangline crossed her arms.
Damian stared at Arthur as though he wanted to punch him.
