The dining hall was deafening. Students packed the long tables. Voices bounced off the stone walls, mixing with the sharp clatter of metal utensils.
Lucian sat alone in the corner seat as usual, silently chewing his food. He had deliberately chosen this isolated spot. He thought he'd get some peace before the afternoon classes, maybe even catch some sleep. After last night's mess, his exhausted body desperately needed rest.
But peace? That was nowhere to be found here.
On the other side of the hall, Seraphina sat among a group of first-year girls. They were trying their best to draw her into their conversation, but Seraphina's mind was elsewhere. Her attention kept wandering.
Toward him.
She had stopped giving herself false excuses that she was only watching him to make sure he didn't get into trouble.
Bullshit.
