As graduation day approached, excitement buzzed through the air like electricity, filling every corner of our lives with anticipation and nervous energy. I hadn't been training at the palace for a few days now, and strangely, a small part of me was missing it. Mostly, I think I just missed Alex and his humor. We had become friends over these past few months, and he's taught me so much about myself and my strength. Not having him around or seeing him on a daily basis made me feel off. But school has done a good job of keeping me distracted. These were moments I should've been soaking in and celebrating, and I wasn't taking any of it for granted. Lucas and I had been busy preparing for the big day, from choosing our outfits for the graduation dance to making sure we had e

