The elevator hummed softly as it descended, faint streams of bluish mana running along its glass walls like veins of light. I leaned against the rail, hands tucked in my pockets, half-awake and half-bored, a dangerous combination for someone like me.
The mirror in front of me reflected my face back: sharp eyes, neat uniform, cape draped lazily over one shoulder, the brooch of the roaring lion gleaming faintly under the mana-lights. Apex. The title still felt strangely powerful, sure, but strange.
The descent was smooth until it wasn't.
With a soft chime, the elevator slowed and stopped. Fifth floor.
I frowned. "Didn't press that—"
The doors slid open with a hiss, and two familiar faces greeted me.
Annalise Astraeus, brown hair slightly curled at the ends, blue eyes alert even this early in the morning, looking annoyingly awake.
