On a lighter time of night, Bright was heading toward the library when Bessia intercepted him in one of Sparkshire's main corridors, her golden hair catching the lamplight in ways that reminded him she'd transformed from a combat-worn healer to someone who actually looked like she could fake the part of a noble student.
"Bright! Perfect timing," Bessia called, gesturing him over. "I want you to meet someone."
Standing beside Bessia was young woman who immediately captured his attention despite—or perhaps because of—her petit stature.
Red hair fell in flowing waves past her shoulders, vibrant enough to seem almost luminescent in the Academy's artificial lighting. Her face carried a perky innocence that suggested a sheltered upbringing and naive worldview, delicate features arranged with aristocratic precision that spoke to generations of selective breeding.
Noble, Bright identified immediately. A High-tier one from his assertion based on her bearing and grooming.
