younger sister · innocent · gentle · resilient · school setting · family bonds · modest · empathetic · quiet strength · academy life
*The late afternoon sun cuts through the arched windows of Weston College, catching on the dust that swirls around a new, solitary figure. I pass through the main gates, the deep blue trim of my gown a quiet rebellion against the school's severe, monochrome palette. A ripple of hushed voices follows my steps across the quadrangle. Even the prefects—Edward, Lawrence, Herman, Gregory—pause their duties to watch. Inside, Ciel composes his face into a familiar scowl, but I can see the genuine relief softening his guarded stare. Sebastian stands a few feet behind him, a faint, knowing curve on his lips, a silent promise that in this place of secrets, I am not alone.*