In the infirmary, Xuewei stayed put like a still pond. She gleaned the outside world from students’ passing chatter, like wind through blinds. Qianya showed no sign of waking, a winter bud sealed in ice.

Qianya...

Emotions tangled like reeds as Xuewei watched the girl on the bed. She didn’t know why she cared so much. Was it as Qianya guessed—her brother pulling the strings behind her?

Then where had the real Qianya gone, like a stray moon slipping behind clouds?

Xuewei! Did Qianya wake up?

No. Xuewei shook her head, confusion fluttering like a sparrow. She eyed the two entering, curiosity rising like steam.

Did something happen today?

Mm. A lot happened today. Dawn Sugar Snow dipped her chin, then sketched what she’d seen in the crowd, charcoal strokes on paper.

Ah... Xuewei scratched her head, awkward as a cat under rain. After piecing it together, none of it helped her.

The academy’s getting complicated, like vines weaving tighter.

Mm...

What do you think, Xuewei? Anything you want to do? Dawn Sugar Snow asked with a smile soft as dawn.

No... Xuewei answered, embarrassed, cheeks warm like a small ember.

Pfft. What’s that face? I plan to sit it out too, hands folded like sleeves in wind. But I trust Taoran; she’ll beat Heng Zi.

Really—do you? Xuewei’s gut whispered that Dawn Sugar Snow didn’t truly trust Taoran, thin frost under her smile.

Tangxue, Yueyu... You came for a fair academy, right? Now this place might get upended like a table. Don’t you care at all?

I care. What can I do? I’ve done my best, pushing against a tide. There’s someone better to face Heng Zi. I can’t steal the slot just to throw my life away.

Anything I can do? I want to protect this academy’s grove.

No. Dawn Sugar Snow smiled and shook her head, calm as a still lake. We can only take it step by step, feeling stones underfoot.

Got it... If Qianya wakes, I’ll rush over like wind. Tell me if there’s anything I can help with.

Mm.

Before heading back, the sisters, Dawn Sugar Snow and Yueyu, chatted with Xuewei awhile. They wandered from academy turmoil to childhood tales, like turning pages under warm light.

Stars and moon dissolved; daytime rose like a white banner.

After yesterday’s wager, Heavenly Deity Academy’s air shifted, subtle as mist. This morning, everyone was quieter, especially the second-years, reeds bowing in wind.

That nuisance didn’t show up today? Dawn Sugar Snow ate breakfast while scanning the room, eyes skimming like swallows. She gained nothing, and even fed spoonfuls of porridge to Yueyu.

Yueyu... can’t you eat from your own bowl?

Big sis fed me till I’m full. I’ll give you my bowl?

No way. Yours is too spicy. Dawn Sugar Snow stuck out her tongue, red as a chili, and shot Yueyu a look—she’d snuck chili oil into her bowl.

But it tastes better that way...

Too much heat twists the flavor!

Really...? Yueyu wasn’t sure. She tasted her own bowl; it felt the same, like a familiar street after rain.

That’s why I said you dumped too much into mine...

Sis, are we still going to class today?

Yeah. Why wouldn’t we?

Those courses... don’t help us at all.

They count for credits, though. Dawn Sugar Snow waved helplessly, like a leaf in a current. Who told us to be students?

Mm.

Full yet? If you’re full, we should get ready for today’s classes.

Sis, I want to take leave...

No.

Xuewei took leave!

She’s caring for a friend. I’m not sick. Yueyu, what excuse are you fishing for?

...Help care for a friend!

The infirmary has Xuewei. That’s enough. No need for a crowd—

Sis...? What’s wrong? You stopped mid-sentence...

It’s nothing. Dawn Sugar Snow shook her head, calm smoothing like water. I checked Qianya’s ward. Heng Zi didn’t go stir trouble.

What? She’d go for a sneak attack!?

No, she didn’t.

That won’t do, sis! Xuewei alone can’t stop her!

That’s why I said she didn’t—

Not now doesn’t mean never! I have to go protect our friend!

Yueyu? Are you listening to me?

I am, sis. Yueyu looked at Dawn Sugar Snow, serious as a drawn bow.

That one won’t strike when backs are turned, especially—

But you went back to check, didn’t you? You aren’t sure yourself, right...

...She’s here.

Yueyu froze, then snapped her head around, tension sparking. A woman walked toward them like a blade under silk.

Heng Zi, what do you want with me? Dawn Sugar Snow looked at her, face blank as frost.

Just saying hi~? Heng Zi ignored her chill, chatting warmly like sunlight on cold stone. Been a while, right? Dawn Sugar Snow, after our last duel ended in another draw, you vanished with your sister. Didn’t think you were hiding here.

If nothing else, please leave. I’m eating, and you spoil my appetite like ash in tea.

Heh. With you here, my appetite’s great. Heng Zi sat beside her, one table’s width between them, smile curled like a cat.

Did you come here for your sister?

Didn’t expect you to go this far for her. Speaking of sisters, my blind, untrained brat troubled you last time. When do I get a friendly exchange with yours?

I’m afraid Yueyu would beat you to death. Dawn Sugar Snow rolled her eyes, cool as ice.

Heng Zi blinked, then broke into an unguarded laugh. Pfft, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in decades.

If you’re done laughing, can you get lost?

Mm? Not kicking me out with violence this time? Heng Zi smirked at Dawn Sugar Snow. Tension rose like drawn swords, but she knew Dawn Sugar Snow wouldn’t brawl here.

...You’re amazing. You can get my sister this mad. Cool.

...Huh? Heng Zi’s look turned subtle, impatience flashing like a nettle. While she talked with Dawn Sugar Snow, when did the weak get to butt in?

What do you want? Dawn Sugar Snow watched Heng Zi, eyes cold as glass. One move, and this place would turn into a battlefield.

Hoo. Dawn Sugar Snow, didn’t you teach your little one not to cut in when elders speak? Heng Zi smoothed her tone, sand over a fire.

Yueyu, what do you think?

Classmate Heng Zi, such manners. Cool.

...

Why’re you getting up? So full already, Classmate Heng Zi~? Dawn Sugar Snow asked with a grin like a crescent.

I’m full. Heng Zi said it and left without a backward glance, wind slipping through a door.

You eat fast, Classmate Heng Zi. Cool.

Ka-crack. From the direction Heng Zi left, the brittle sound of shattered porcelain rang like ice breaking.