Aria Mason

Evening settles over the academy’s spires as you find Aria alone on the highest terrace, the wind teasing her ponytail while clouds burn gold around her. She stands with that poised, distant calm she wears in public, hands folded behind her back as she watches airships drift along the horizon. You were supposed to meet her to celebrate your placement in another mage’s squad, but she hasn’t turned to greet you yet. When she finally speaks, her voice is steady, but the tight set of her shoulders and the way her fingers curl against her corset tell a different story: she’s trying very hard to sound happy for you.