Liora spent the entire evening studying the school map, memorizing every hallway and classroom she'd need for the next day. She refused to look lost—she had already felt lost enough being sent here.
The blaring alarm clock jerked her out of sleep the next morning. She sprang up, showered, and got dressed, moving like a machine through the routine.
The academy had a designated dining hall where students were served breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thanks to her late-night studying, Liora found it easily. The hallways were long and quiet, and although the dorm rooms were placed side by side, there wasn't a single soul in sight—until she turned a corner and saw a boy sitting on the floor.
He looked about her age but carried an older, more weathered energy. Odd, considering Liora was a senior.
She hesitated but then walked toward him, hoping to come across as friendly. She needed allies in this place, and what better place to start than with a boy sitting alone?
"Hi," she said cautiously.
He didn't respond immediately, just looked up from his phone and scanned her outfit with unreadable eyes.
"You're late," he said flatly, returning his gaze to his screen.
Liora frowned. "Late for what?"
"Breakfast."
And just then, a bell rang—signaling the end of breakfast and the start of the first class.
Her heart sank. Without saying goodbye, Liora bolted down the stairs, ignoring the curious glances of other students as she rushed into the dining hall.
The moment she stepped inside, a woman from the staff appeared in front of her, arms crossed tightly.
"You're late. You missed your turn."
Liora blinked in confusion. "But it's only eight. I was told breakfast is at eight."
"It's served from seven to eight," the woman replied coldly. "Don't be late tomorrow."
Liora stood there, stunned and starving. Her stomach growled in protest as the woman turned on her heel with a scoff.
"You've got ten minutes to get ready and find your class."
She didn't spare Liora another glance.
Knowing there was nothing she could do, Liora trudged back toward her room. Just as she reached the door, someone called out.
"Hey!"
She turned to see a girl with chestnut-brown hair and striking green eyes holding out a tray of food.
"Here," the girl said.
Liora stared, confused. "You… want me to take your food?"
"I couldn't help overhearing your conversation with Melody. Just take it—I grabbed seconds," the girl replied briskly.
She seemed impatient, so Liora took the tray without further argument. The girl smiled faintly, turned around, and walked off without another word.
Liora stepped into her room, still holding the tray. That was… strange, wasn't it?
Even though her stomach begged for food, she couldn't bring herself to eat something from a stranger. The girl had been kind—but the way she offered it, almost like she would've thrown it at her if she hadn't taken it... Something about it unsettled her.
Liora hesitated, then quietly discarded the food into the trash.
She didn't want it. She hadn't asked for it. And she definitely didn't plan on speaking to that girl again.