Magnus

Aria's POV

The pre-dawn chill nipped at my skin as I slipped out of the dorm, desperate for some fresh air after a restless night. My mind was still spinning from yesterday's encounter with Isabel. As I padded across the grass, lost in thought, a familiar voice startled me.

"Aria! What are you doing so early?"

I turned to see Sage jogging toward me, her wild curls bouncing with each step. Despite the early hour, her amber eyes sparkled with their usual mischief.

"Oh, hi, Sage," I said, mustering a small smile. "Just... couldn't sleep."

She fell into step beside me. "Spill it, Greywind. What's eating you?"

I hesitated, then the words tumbled out. "I told Isabel I'd put my name on the Luna list. I don't know what I was thinking! What if—"

"Whoa, slow down there, bookworm," Sage interrupted, holding up her hands. "First off, that's actually not a bad move. Secondly, who the hell is Isabel?"