After-school hours at Velcrest Academy were a time of much-needed ease for the students.
Some spent it sharpening their skills in the state-of-the-art training facilities. Others took part in club activities, filling the halls with laughter and friendly rivalry. A few, seeking clarity or comfort, turned to the professors for advice.
Keira was one of them.
She sat quietly in a small, sunlit office, the scent of books and faint mint tea in the air. Across from her sat Professor Ethan, the Introductory Monster Ecology instructor. With his warm smile and calm, attentive presence, he was a favorite among students. His counseling hours were always full—but today, Keira had been lucky. He had called her in right away.
"So," Ethan said, folding his hands on the desk between them, "have you made up with the classmates you had that disagreement with?"
His voice was gentle, inviting honesty.
Keira looked down at her hands.
