I held my breath as I pulled open the door, half-expecting Jaxon's imposing frame or Kaelen's stern presence. Instead, Lyra's petite figure bounced excitedly on her heels, her pink nails flashing as she waved.
"Morning, sleepyhead! Ready for breakfast? You look amazing in that uniform, by the way."
Relief flooded through me. "Lyra, thank god it's you."
She tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Who were you expecting? Mr. Tall, Dark, and Headmaster?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
"No!" I replied too quickly. "Just... after last night, I wasn't sure who might show up."
"Ooh, drama already? You'll have to dish over breakfast. Come on!"
I grabbed my new phone and followed her through the Ruby House common area. Morning sunlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating the plush red couches and ornate furnishings that I'd barely noticed yesterday.
"This place is... a lot," I muttered, taking in the gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers.