The Prince was student born of power, both literal and political, he seemed determined to bring the very same rigid hierarchy of the outside world into the Academy's walls.
'I truly wonder how the Academy believes its negligence fosters growth,' Valencia thought bitterly, her fingers tightening slightly on the plate.
'How are we meant to thrive in an environment that rewards dominance and calls it development?'
She sighed quietly, frustration swelling in her chest.
She could fight for her place—she was strong enough to do that much. But strength had limits, and hers was already stretched thin.
There were others stronger than her in the Academy.
And she still had classes to attend. She still had her own path of growth to follow.
She couldn't afford to stop entirely, to burn herself out protecting those who hadn't yet found their strength.
While Valencia stood lost in thought, the murmur of the hall fading into the background, a familiar voice called out gently.
