Pandora Academy [1]

[Four days later.]

[8 May 1568 W.R.]

The morning air in the capital city was crisp, despite chilly cold a few days ago.

Dew clung to the leaves outside Akamir's window.

Four days had passed since the dome, the fairies, and the Bride of the Forsaken Tree.

'And I still hate every second of it.'

Akamir groaned as he fixed his shirt.

He stood in front of the mirror, his shirt half-buttoned, crimson eyes narrowed at his own reflection.

The scars from the skull-vines had faded into faint marks.

Akamir traced it idly.

Nayomi floated behind him, arms folded and silent.

"You're stalling," she finally said, her tone flat.

Akamir raised a brow. "I'm dressing."

"You've been dressing for fifteen minutes."

He scoffed. "So what?"

"Even I don't take this much time."