I stood outside the modest housing on the western edge of the academy grounds, fist hovering for a second before rapping sharply on the wooden door.
The night air had cooled considerably since Belle's departure, carrying the faint scent of blooming nightshade from the nearby gardens.
My shoulders still carried the weight of that empty bench, but I pushed it down. Dwelling wouldn't bring her back faster.
A few moments later, the door swung open.
Long black hair cascaded over one shoulder, framing a face with high cheekbones and sharp, intelligent features that mirrored my own in an almost unsettling way.
Golden eyes—brighter than mine, like polished coins reflecting starlight—locked onto me. Alectra Nekros. My sister.
A slow smile spread across her lips, softening the edges of her usual sharp expression.
"Sebastian. My little star. What's up? Finally remembered you have family, or are the rumors about you conquering the moon getting too loud even for you?"
