THE CAFETERIA buzzed with late afternoon energy—students in their uniforms laughing, clinking metal trays, and debating about their kind and terror professors. Sunlight slanted in through high glass windows, warming the long wooden tables where Seris, Cassara, Isla, and Casper sat with half-eaten meals and open notebooks.
“This is why I don’t want to go to school,” Cassara muttered, writing something in her notebook. “First day of class and the teacher has already given us homework.”
Isla sipped her drink before speaking, “That is why they called this school,” she said, and shrugged.
Casper smiled and reached for his sister’s head. He gently patted Cassara’s hair. “Education is a must.”
Cassara snorted. “Don’t start, Casper.”
Casper shakes his head. “Reeve—”
“Don’t mention him,” Ca
