The afternoon sun hung low over the academy, scattering warm gold across the stone paths.
Milly walked quietly along the shaded walkway, her pale hair brushing against her shoulders, the faint traces of fatigue still dark beneath her eyes.
She wasn't heading anywhere in particular just walking to clear her thoughts.
But as she turned the corner near the main courtyard, a familiar pair of voices caught her attention.
"…Their control has improved, but it's still unstable," said the Sage, his tone clipped and analytical.
Milly stopped mid-step.
Just ahead, near the center fountain, stood the Sage and the Headmistress surrounded by the S-Class students. The elite group stood tall, their uniforms gleaming, their pride almost tangible in the air.
One of them, a tall boy with silver hair, crossed his arms. "You can't expect us to be perfect after that incident. The new teacher was the one who lost control first, wasn't she?"
A murmur ran through the group.
The Headmistress frowned. "That's enough. Miss Milly is recovering. You'd do well to remember your manners."
"Recovering?" another student scoffed. "From what? I heard she just fainted. Some 'teacher' she is…"
Milly's hands tightened into fists at her sides, her knuckles pale. She wanted to step forward, to correct them, to defend herself but her feet stayed rooted.
Then the Sage spoke again, quieter but firm enough that she could hear.
"There's more to Miss Milly than she lets on. For now, she's under watch. None of you are to provoke her. Understood?"
That line sent a cold shiver down Milly's spine.
Under watch?
The S-Class students nodded reluctantly, though one of them a girl with crimson eyes smirked. "What are you afraid of, Master Sage? That she'll explode again?"
The Headmistress shot her a glare sharp enough to silence her.
The Sage turned away, his cloak shifting as he began to walk off. "This conversation is over. Focus on your training."
As the group dispersed, Milly slowly backed away from the corner, heart pounding.
So that's what they think of me… a danger they're watching.
She leaned against the wall, trying to steady her breath.
But beneath her calm exterior, something stirred, a faint flicker of crimson deep within her pupils.
"Under watch, huh…" she whispered bitterly. "Let's see who's really watching who."