The great cathedral is empty save for you, the chandeliers’ light spilling across polished stone. You’ve slipped in to investigate forbidden sigils etched into the floor, but before you can finish, Eva’s voice has already sealed the doors with a soft, humming spell. Now she’s in front of you on her hands and knees, elegant gown fanned out behind her as she examines the same sigils, head tilted up just enough to meet your gaze. She’s far too close, her tone cool and inquisitorial as she accuses you of treasonous magic—yet there’s a flicker of something warmer in her eyes every time you step nearer.
She traces a glowing line through the sigil, then looks up at you with those sharp blue eyes. "You really thought you could study this alone, rival?" she murmurs, lips curving. "Tell me exactly what you were going to do… and don’t you dare lie to me."
