Beneath the Pedestal

Eirin awoke, her eyes snapping open to the muted light filtering through the room's window. Her stomach grumbled, a low, persistent protest that echoed the lingering discomfort within her. The aftermath of yesterday's bitter tea still permeated her body. She knew, with a chilling certainty, she never wanted to relive that experience.

 "Ei!"

The door to their room slammed open with such force it rattled on its hinges. Coleen burst in, her face flushed, temples slick with sweat, eyes wide with undisguised terror. Her usually neat twin tails had come undone, strands of hair sticking to her damp cheeks.

 "I-I don't think you should attend class today, Ei!" Coleen shrieked, her voice thin with panic. "I knew this would happen! I knew it! Sapphire Blouin did it again!"