Breakfast with everyone went normally, a peaceful lull before the inevitable chaos of the day.
An hour or probably more later, Zaeryn stood in front of the full-length mirror in his room, fastening the final clasp of his academy uniform.
The deep charcoal fabric with its silver piping molded perfectly to his frame, accentuating the lean muscle he'd been building. He ran a hand through his damp hair, checking his reflection. The bruising on his face from yesterday's spar with Leia was almost entirely gone thanks to Dr. Aveline's treatment.
"Not bad," he muttered to himself, turning side-to-side to admire the fit. He looked formidable. It made perfect sense why half the students hated him, but the half couldn't help themselves. They were attracted to him.
He grabbed his data slate and headed downstairs. The morning rush had settled; the house was quieter now with everyone focused on their own things.
