"I have been wanting to meet you, Mister Lucavion."
Her words settled easily into the examination hall.
A boy in the first row lowered his head toward his reference cards and began aligning their edges with unnecessary care. Two students beside the aisle exchanged a glance before remembering where their attention was supposed to be. Even the memory crystals seemed to have drifted slightly toward the third row, their silver centers turning through the wardlight.
Isolde allowed them their curiosity.
Lucavion remained seated beside her, one ankle resting over the opposite knee. The smile on his face carried enough ease for the room. She had already seen what existed underneath it.
"It is an honor to hear that, Miss…"
He let the title wait for completion.
A deliberate choice.
Isolde turned her head toward him.
"Isolde."
She gave him the name again, this time without the shelter of a surname.
"You may call me Isolde."
His hand tightened beneath the desk.
