The holidays were over. Time for school.
The winter sun was pale and weak, barely piercing the thick gray clouds that hung over the city. Inside the Salazar mansion, the heating was set to a perfect, comfortable temperature, but Nathan felt cold to the bone.
Isabel explained to him that the uniform had been prepared especially for him, considering the new school year had already started. When she offered to help, Nathan quickly refused. He insisted on doing it himself. He didn't need any help.
Isabel finally left.
Nathan stared at the uniform laid out on his bed. X Starling Academy. The name alone sounded expensive. The uniform was even worse: a charcoal wool blazer with the school crest embroidered in silver thread, a thick cashmere sweater vest, and a heavy winter coat that probably cost more than Nathan's entire salary over the last two years.
Nathan stood in front of the full-length mirror. He didn't recognize the figure staring back at him.
