Asher studied Astron with narrowed eyes, the gears in his mind turning.
This guy.
At the start of the first semester, they had been partnered together—him, Astron, and Taylor. Back then, Taylor had been at odds with Astron, and Asher had been forced to pick a side. It hadn't been a difficult decision.
Taylor was the daughter of one of the wealthiest merchant families in the entire human domain. That level of power and influence wasn't something to ignore. Aligning himself with her had seemed like the obvious choice—a stepping stone for his own future. Astron, on the other hand, had been insignificant at the time. Just another cadet, competent but unremarkable.
But now?
Now, the balance had shifted.
Astron had changed. He carried himself differently, with a quiet confidence that made others hesitate. His name was spoken more often, with respect, with caution. His connection to Irina Emberheart—one of the strongest cadets in their generation—only solidified his rising status.
