She opened the door, and Avin leaned slightly to the side, expecting to finally see how the inside of this so-called academy looked.
"Welcome to—"
SPLASH.
A heavy wave of cold water slammed directly into her face. The sound echoed through the entrance like a bucket being emptied into eternity. Droplets sprayed outward, scattering in glittering arcs across the marble floor. The torrent divided at impact—most of it washing past Avin and Sylas, who stood safely behind her.
For a second, all three froze in silence.
Elizabeth stood there motionless, water dripping from the ends of her golden hair. The light that had once made her look divine now reflected off the sheen of wetness on her face.
The water streamed down in small rivers, gathering beneath her boots, sliding along the polished floor until it reached the edge of the steps. Her shoulders stiffened, her fists clenched, and the vein at the side of her temple pulsed—slowly at first, then violently.
