What A Year This Will Be [3]

The evening air was cool as I left the faculty meeting.

My steps echoing softly in the empty hallways of Ravenwood Academy.

I kept a smile on my face, the remnants of the meeting's discussions playing over in my mind.

Ah, the Academy would finally be interesting this year.

New faces, powerful talents, and—most importantly—the princess.

That wretched girl, finally within my reach.

As I walked down the dimly lit path toward the academy's entrance, memories surged, unbidden and forceful, from a time I tried so hard to bury.

The Imperial Castle, years ago.

The air had been thick with tension back then.

But not enough to prepare us for the disaster that would follow.

My brother and I had both served as sword instructors to the Royal Family.

It was an honor, they said.

An elevation of status that would lead to endless opportunities.

At least, that's what we believed.