Evaline:
The Academy uniform fit better than I expected.
Tailored in deep navy with silver accents, the blazer hugged my waist just right, with the Silver Moon Academy crest embroidered neatly over the left side of my chest. The skirt was modest, pleated, and brushed just above my knees, paired with soft black stockings and low-heeled boots. I buttoned the last silver clasp and glanced at my reflection in the dorm room mirror. I barely recognized the girl looking back.
Amber eyes. A faint glow in them now that I had stopped wearing the brown lenses.
A quiet steadiness in my posture, as if my spine had learned how to hold strength instead of shame.
Was I really the same Evaline from a month ago? The girl who ran for days through the woods, hiding from shadows and betrayal?
I straightened the collar of my blouse and brushed a hand over my flat belly. No one could know, not yet. But I had made my choice. And I had to be strong now—for both of us.
