The pre-dawn stillness wrapped around Lucas and Noah as they stood at the intersection where the others had departed. The campus felt eerily quiet after the chaos they'd left behind at School 8.
"You did something brave today," Lucas said, his hand clasping Noah's shoulder. His voice carried both pride and gravity. "Standing up to Diana like that—most second-years wouldn't dare, let alone first-years."
Noah shifted uncomfortably, still processing the night's events. Everything had moved so fast—from planning with Lucas to the actual confrontation. Part of him still couldn't believe he'd gone through with it.
"About that proposal," Lucas continued, his tone careful but intent. "The Top 25 could use someone like you. Someone who can think on their feet, who understands when to hold back and when to strike." A slight smile crossed his face. "Someone who can keep secrets until exactly the right moment."