The soft rustle of leaves and distant chatter of children filled the courtyard of Eden Academy, but Damian Desmond stood apart from it all. Arms crossed, a deep scowl furrowing his brows. The golden "D" on his vest gleamed in the sunlight, almost like a badge of pressure he couldn't quite shake off. His hazel eyes glanced over to a group of students laughing under a tree, a hint of envy flickering in them before he looked away.

"Hmph. How disgraceful. Wasting time like that," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. But his tone lacked the usual bite, it sounded tired.

He’d aced another test today, top marks in History again. Another Stella. Another reason his father might finally say something… anything. And yet, there'd been no letter. No word. Not even a glance at the latest newspaper where his name was printed.

Damian clenched his fists at his sides, then quickly glanced around to make sure no one saw the slip in composure. He straightened his back, fixing a smug look on his face, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I don’t have time to waste on peasants,” he declared loudly, mostly for the benefit of Emile and Ewen nearby, though his voice wavered slightly. “I have more important things to do, like becoming an Imperial Scholar.”

Still, his steps slowed when he passed by a classmate of his. He didn’t stop, of course. That would be beneath him. But his gaze lingered just a second too long before continuing on, expression unreadable.