Anna leaned back in her chair, her eyes lingering on the door Louis had just walked through.
Louis Vermoore.
The name echoed softly in her thoughts. The young man who had played a decisive role in repelling the terrorists who attacked the academy earlier that day.
Though she hadn't witnessed his strength firsthand, the reports she'd received were impressive—almost unbelievable. According to several witnesses, his swordsmanship had been so sharp, so fluid, that it could rival high-tier magic.
And he was only a first-year student.
Anna rested her chin on her hand, her amethyst eyes narrowing slightly as a faint smile curved her lips.
Such talent… so raw, so unrefined, and yet already brilliant enough to dazzle.
Tempting.
That unhidden brilliance stirred something possessive deep within her. The kind of talent that every ruler wanted under their banner.
"What a shame," she murmured under her breath.
Her attempt to recruit him had fallen flat. Completely.
