"So, my child," Orasia began, her voice all-too-casual, "how has the academy been? Made any friends? Enemies?"
Verena rolled her eyes, trying to dodge a tapestry that nearly swept her away. "Oh, you know, the usual. Tricked a few people, nearly got killed a couple of times. Nothing too exciting."
"Pardon me?"
"I'm just joking, mother."
No, she wasn't joking. Verena might actually die later today, and if she were being honest, she was definitely unprepared.
She was more or less running on sheer willpower and caffeine from this morning, probably.
But there was no one she could trust enough to tell about the mess brewing around her. It would be far too dangerous.
"Mom," Verena paused mid-stride, making her mother nearly walk into her. "I need a knight."
"Why, my dear, surely I would not say yes."
They walked toward the Knight's headquarters in the estate.
It was loud with the sound of swords clashing and grunts of effort.
