Adina couldn't stop smiling.
Her cheeks ached from how long the smile had been on her face and even now, hours after the game ended, she still felt that high humming through her.
She loved winning. Victory tasted like sweet wine, and the celebratory dinner had only amplified it. Everyone had cheered when Lord Levi announced her as the MVP of their team. She was also given a special necktie for the winning team, and since she helped their team win, Levi chose to give it to her.
Kora had raised her cup in a dramatic toast, and even Gamma Mason, who had sulked because his team was just one flag short of winning, told her she did a good job.
It felt absolutely amazing to be told she did a good job, and it would've been an even bigger win for her if Thorne was there.
But he wasn't. She hadn't seen him since that time in the cave. Not once. Not during the walk back, not in the hall, not even when she stole a quick glance at the high table. He was gone.
