APPEAL

Serena had ducked behind a pillar when she saw Iris passing. When she peeked through, she nearly met the woman's gaze. She must have had a sharp nose and sharp ears. Once her footsteps died down in the corridor, Serena stepped out.

She shook her hands and then rubbed them together. Her agenda? To convince Darius to let her go to Thornridge. Her boots echoed in the hallway as she made her way to his office. She knocked once and then exhaled, and then came her entry into the room.

She blinked rapidly and adjusted to the light that the sun had cast into the room. There sat Darius with his chin on his hand, giving her a knowing look. He knew she was coming. Or rather, he knew she was the one at the door.

"Hello… good day, Darius," Serena said.