Noah followed Miss Brooks out of the hall, stepping into one of the quieter corridors of the academy.
She turned to him, arms still folded, expression unreadable.
"I've been keeping tabs on your points, Eclipse."
Noah straightened slightly. He figured as much. Teachers were always monitoring their students' progress, but Miss Brooks? She had a reputation for being especially thorough.
"You're at ten points now."
A small nod from him.
"I can tell you're taking this selection seriously, just like I asked. But I want you to do more than that, Eclipse."
Her sharp eyes met his.
"I want you to do everything in your power to come out on top. In every occasion."
Noah let her words sink in. He wasn't surprised she wanted him to push further—but before he could say anything, she continued.
"I also just wanted to let you know…"
She hesitated—just for a fraction of a second—before finishing,
"I'm proud of you."