~YULIA

Issa’s voice held a soft warning as he looked down at me.

His dark eyes flickered with the faintest hint of disapproval. “You didn’t have to be rude to them,” he murmured, just loud enough for me to hear. “Those students will be your classmates soon. Connections matter here, Yulia, especially if you’re linked to me.”

I crossed my arms, leaning against the smooth stone wall of the academy corridor, feeling the coolness seep through the fabric of my sleeve. “Friends? What ...