Xavier felt accomplished.

In only a matter of weeks, he had secured his place at the Academy, joined the circle of the elite, and gained recognition from almost everyone around him.

He could walk through the streets of Lunaris freely now, without suspicious eyes or guards questioning his presence.

It was liberating.

For the first time in a long while, he could breathe—and that freedom alone brought a rare smile to his lips.

He wasn’t used to it.

He had never experienced the ...