Aurelia's boots clicked against the polished marble floors as she marched through the academy's empty corridors.
The afternoon sun still streamed through the tall windows. Casting long golden rectangles across the stone.
It was too early to be heading home. She usually stayed until well after dark, but today was different.
'That idiot better be where I left him.'
She turned the corner sharply and nearly walked right into someone.
"Well, well," came a familiar, teasing voice.
"If it isn't the great Gale Witch, sneaking out before sunset like a first-year skipping remedial magic."
Aurelia didn't need to look up to know that smirk. "Move, Seraphina."
Seraphina leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, her long pink braid draped over one shoulder.
She made no move to get out of the way.
"Now why would our esteemed instructor be in such a hurry?" Seraphina tapped her chin mockingly.
"Could it be... little brother troubles?"
