Dawn had barely broken when I found myself stirring awake, my body instinctively responding to the weight of the day ahead. The entrance exam. Through the thin walls of the manor, I could hear the gentle padding of footsteps—Alicia was already up as well.
After washing away the remnants of sleep with cold water from the basin, I dressed in my simple shirt and breeches.
When I descended the curved staircase to the main hall, I found Alicia already waiting, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. She had chosen a dress of deep silk that complemented her green hair perfectly—elegant yet practical, with sleeves that wouldn't restrict movement should the exam require physical demonstrations.
"Good morning," she said softly.
"Morning. Ready for this?" I asked, though I could see the answer written in the tension of her shoulders.
