Later, after training

Aurora left the cafeteria with her stomach in knots. The voices of the warriors still echoed behind her, harsh laughter, clattering cutlery. She couldn't stand to stay there another second. The heat she had been carrying since morning burned under her skin, throbbing deep in her chest as if it were about to explode.

The corridor seemed to offer air. She entered it without thinking. Her footsteps echoed dryly against the stone.

It was the advanced ...