The heavy oak doors of the council office clicked shut, leaving a profound, optimistic silence in their wake. Martha and Clara had just left the room, their faces flushed with a mixture of nervous excitement and deep pride. The interviews had gone beautifully—better than I could have ever anticipated.
I leaned back into the plush cushions of my high-backed armchair, a genuine, content smile settled on my face. The lingering ache from my depleted core felt entirely trivial compared to the immense progress we had just made.
Headmaster Thomas adjusted his spectacles, his expression bright as he looked between Demetrius and me. "Well, Your Majesties, how do you like them?"
"I love them, Thomas," I said without a single shred of hesitation, my voice warm. "They are absolutely wonderful. Mart
