After leaving Lucian’s office, the bows and greetings from those I passed felt a touch less awkward. I still wasn’t sure how to respond to their deference, but at least I had reined in the panic it used to cause. When I arrived at my office, a familiar, tall figure with jet-black hair stood waiting by the door.

"Mr. Kroos!" I called out, my voice bright with excitement, before rushing forward to throw my arms around his neck.

"M-Miss Kessler... P-please..." Icarus stammered, his awkward ...