She didn't break eye contact with Callum; she knew better. Mina Seo wasn't a great beauty, but she wasn't clueless either. Back in her world, she'd dated enough to pick up a few tricks. So she forced an effortless laugh, leaning close to brush Callum's arm under the guise of conversation. The poor boy, still oblivious, didn't notice a thing. Excatly as she wanted.

The bell rang, and the chatter died. Today's lecture was on King Floyde Solmore    a ruler remembered as a warning, not an example. He had abandoned an entire village after a forest fire, spent fortunes on concubines, and starved his own capital. It had taken decades to undo the chaos he left behind.

Mina found herself almost enjoying these lectures. They grounded this strange, borrowed world she now inhabited, making its hardships feel more real   and therefore easier to face. She glanced sideways. Callum had already nodded off, head tilted, mouth half-open. She stifled a snicker.

When class ended, nudged him awake, and the two left together. This time, Elias and Kael fell into step beside them. Mina felt tension crawl up her spine. The four of them walking together made her plan seem, thinner, more fragile. Still, she forced a smile.

"This is my stop," she said lightly. "I've got to change into riding gear." She waved them off, pretending not to notice Elias's stiff, unreadable gaze.

At the mounting yard, Callum was already astride his horse, waving cheerfully. Mina smiled back before her eyes flickered toward Cookie. Her heart lifted   he was here. The Duke must have approved it. She swung into the saddle, grin stretching ear to ear.

"Welcome back, everyone," the instructor called out. "Due to recent circumstances, today's lesson will be a simple tour. Does anyone need anything before we ride?"

Silence.

"Perfect. Follow as a group, no need for a single file. Just enjoy yourselves." Mina ended up beside the guide for most of it, his watchful eye making sure she didn't lose control like before.

"Next time, we'll break into smaller groups," the instructor announced as they returned. "We will focus on riding and archery before moving to the sword."

Grateful for the break before her next class, Mina hurried to her dorm where the maids helped her freshen up. By the time she entered the dining hall, she looked polished, glowing even.

She slid into a seat with a sigh, finally ready to enjoy lunch in peace   until a shadow fell over her table.

Kael.

Mina blinked up, fork still halway to her mouth. Why is it always when I'm eating...

He sat across from her without asking, his black eyes sharp and cutting.

"What do you want?" Mina said flatly.

Kael didn't flinch. "what are you planning to do to Callum?"

Her fork clinked against the plate. "Excuse me?"

"Don't play innocent." His tone was as cold as his stare. "I've seen the way you look at him. The way you...toy with people. If you think I'll let you drag him into whatever scheme you're running, you're mistaken."

Mina leaned back, lips curling into a sly smile. "How flattering. You make it sound like I'm some master villain. Relax. I'm not planning to sacrifice your little friend to the dark gods."

His jaw tightened. "This isn't a joke."

"Neither is accusing me of things you can't prove," she shot back, her voice lowering. "You think you've figured me out, but all I see is paranoia."

Something flickered in his eyes, some shadow she couldn't name. "People like you always want something. Pretend to be kind, to be normal. But  it's a mask."

Mina tilted her head, feigning amusement though her pulse quickened. So, he's not just suspicious   he's projecting.

"Well," she said sweetly, "if you're that worried about Callum, maybe you should keep him close. Shadow him everywhere. Protect him from the big bad wolf." She leaned forward, her voice silk wrapped around a knife. "But if you're wrong about me... maybe you're the one who looks like the fool."

For the first time, Kael faltered. His mouth opened, then snapped shut.

Mina let the silence hang, then smirked. "Didn't think so,"

The waiter appeared, setting down a plate before Kael as if he'd been expected. Neither of them spoke through the meal. Mina ate with deliberete calm, while Kael sat rigid, his thoughts unreadable.

When she finished, she rose gracefully. "Well. That was... enlightening."

Kael's eyes follwed her, dark and dangerous, but he said nothing.

Mina only smiled. Her plan wasn't ruined ruined yet.