But is it fair? Why must I go through misery over and over? Every time I believe there's a sliver of hope, each time it turns out to be a mirage, breaking me a little more. It's as if I'm chained and pulled down constantly.

“Or is it just biased?” I blurt out, my voice coming out harsher than I intended. Maria’s head snaps towards me in surprise. I know questioning the Headmistress and academy's rules is like pulling onto the chains harder but if I'm walking away then might as well give ...