Whispers cut deeper than claws when truth is twisted.

The rumors started before breakfast.

I first heard them in the corridor outside my quarters. Two students, voices low but not low enough.

"Did you see them last night? On the rampart?"

"Everyone saw. They were practically—"

They went silent when I rounded the corner. Both had the decency to look embarrassed before hurrying away.

By noon, the whispers had spread like wildfire. The bonded pair distracted by romance while enemies ...