The tension in the air still clung to Kaelin’s skin as she and Liora practically ran from the training grounds. The crowd had eventually dispersed, but whispers still followed in their wake. She could feel them—curious eyes, judgmental glances, and a few that were downright envious.

  Liora finally broke the silence. “You know, I’ve been thinking about applying for an assistantship with Head Librarian Nolan this year instead of staying in the Alchemy program.”

  Kaelin blinked. “That’s a big change. I thought you loved working with potions.”

  “I do,” Liora admitted.

  Kaelin glanced over, then said, “Professor Aldrin told me the Verdant Spire Library is even bigger than the main archives. He said it holds things we don’t even have copies of here.”

  Liora’s expression shifted quickly, a gleam of excitement flickering in her eyes. “I know. I already spoke to Nolan, and he told me there’s a vault level most aren’t allowed to enter. Old Skythari bonding records, alchemical treatises, ancient herb guides, tomes even our professors avoid referencing. I want to see what’s down there.”

  Before she could dwell on it further, Liora sighed. “Regardless, you might have just made an enemy out of Jorvan for good.”

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  Kaelin snorted. “I doubt he ever needed a reason to dislike me.”

  “True.” Liora’s smirk returned. “But now you’ve gone and given him one with a very public display. And by the looks of it, Varek doesn’t seem the type to back down either.” She nudged Kaelin again, grinning. “Did you see the look on Hale’s face? I thought he was going to explode. I almost feel bad for him. Almost.”

  Kaelin huffed, shaking her head. “I have no interest in whatever game they’re playing. I’d just get caught in the middle of it.”

  “Of course you don’t.” Liora’s tone was teasing. “But why not have a little fun with it?"

  Kaelin groaned, exasperated. “I swear, you exist solely to torment me.”

  Liora laughed, looping her arm through Kaelin’s. “It’s my greatest joy.”

  They turned down a quieter pathway leading toward the residential wing, where Kaelin's quarters were located. The further they walked, the more the noise of the training grounds faded, replaced by the familiar, comforting scent of herbs and drying flowers.

  “Are you going to tell Aldrin about Jorvan’s little outburst?” Liora asked.

  Kaelin hesitated. “I don’t know. It’s not like this is new. Jorvan has always been arrogant, but reporting him would only make things worse.”

  “Or it might put him in his place,” Liora countered.

  Kaelin considered it. She doubted Jorvan would be foolish enough to try anything outright, but his hostility was growing. She’d have to be careful.

  As they reached the stairwell leading to the student quarters, Liora yawned dramatically and stretched her arms. "Well, I suppose this is where I leave you. Try not to dwell too much on your new complicated acquaintance."

  Kaelin rolled her eyes. "Goodnight, Liora."

  "Goodnight, Kaelin," Liora said with a smirk before heading up the stairs.