The summer sun hammered down on Rosevale's cobblestones like it had a personal grudge against anyone bubbly enough to be outside.
Aegis wiped sweat from her forehead as she followed Headmistress Valdris through the Noble Quarter. The streets were wider here, lined with shade trees and fancy iron gates. Servants in crisp uniforms hurried past carrying packages. A carriage rolled by, its wheels clacking against stone.
[Summer break already. Feels like yesterday I was dying in a hospital bed, and now I'm a noble walking through the fancy district.]
Valdris walked with the kind of purposeful stride that made people get out of her way without her saying a word. Her silver hair was pulled back in its usual severe bun, and her robes somehow looked crisp despite the heat.
"Lady Starcaller," she said without looking back. "What are your plans for the summer?"
Aegis jogged a few steps to catch up.
