You Don't Belong Here

"How is that even possible?" Naya imitated her disbelief with exaggerated shock, then chuckled darkly, folding her arms across her chest. "In case you're unaware, the academy isn't accepting any more students."

Satisfaction gleamed in her eyes as she added in a haughty tone. "You and your brother are practically nobodies here, and I have to hand it to you — you have some nerve showing up in the Land of the damned, Esmeray Montague."

Esme let out a weary sigh, barely bothered by the thought of her family's name being discovered, her gaze drifting to the door then back at Naya. "If you'll excuse me, I'd prefer to speak directly with the registrar. I'm well aware of the academy's strict requirement, but as it stands, they still need one more student to meet their quota. That's the only reason I'm here."