The rain outside poured harder now, hammering against the tall, arched windows of the academy hallway. Water ran in rivulets down the glass, mirroring the tears that began to streak Fran's cheeks. Her breaths came unevenly as she tried to steady herself, but the emotions clawed too fiercely at her.
"I... I don't know that much," Fran began, her voice trembling, barely above a whisper, yet ringing with honesty. "All I know is... my sister... she uses her magical power too much. And the result... she passed out for days." Her voice cracked, and she pressed a hand to her face as more tears spilled down.
The patter of rain mixed with her sobs, the sound of each drop echoing like a tiny heartbeat in the otherwise silent corridor. Fran's tail twitched anxiously behind her, brushing against the marble floor.
