He adjusted the strap over his shoulder and turned toward the exit.
Some students stepped aside reluctantly, while others deliberately brushed shoulders with him as he passed.
A few muttered insults under their breath. A few laughed again, emboldened now that the authority figure had spoken.
Lloyd watched him go with an amused expression, the faint curve of his lips never fading.
Rad and Drey remained beside him, their presence reinforcing his silent victory.
Noah walked past them all without lifting his gaze. He passed Instructor Brey without so much as a glance, the cane still planted firmly against the floor beside the man's polished shoes. He did not bow his head, nor did he slow his pace.
As he moved down the corridor toward the academy doors, his thoughts sharpened.
'You all can treat me however you like,' he told himself.
He pushed the doors open and stepped outside, the noise from within dimming as the heavy wood closed behind him.
