"The best hiding spots are the ones nobody bothers to look at."
***
Alistair's finger traced down the ledger with the slow deliberation of someone prolonging a small pleasure. A bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he found my entry.
"Leone. Right." He looked up again. Took in my modest clothes and uncertain posture with renewed attention. The frayed edge of my sleeve. The scuff on my boots. The way my collar sat slightly crooked.
"The third son."
"Y-yes, sir. That's correct."
"I'm to be sorted into House Onyx, I believe?" I shifted my weight from foot to foot. Appeared uncomfortable under his scrutiny. Unable to meet his eyes for more than a moment.
"Indeed." He gestured toward a side corridor with the dismissive wave one might use to shoo away a stray dog. "House Onyx is in the West Bastion. Dormitory assignments are third door on the left. Try not to track mud on the marble."
The jab was petty. I let it land. Flinched visibly.
