{Third Person}
~**^**~
Alpha Cyprus sat tall, expression etched with unmistakable pride. "That girl," he murmured, "is Kathryn's daughter indeed."
Luna Gwenith's jaw tightened. Her smile was thin as paper. "Too bright," she muttered under her breath. "Far too bright."
Her eyes flicked toward her sons and the deepening interest on their faces, and something darkened behind her gaze.
Meanwhile, Beta Marc swelled with pride. His eyes gleamed, his expression openly joyful.
"That is my family's blood," he whispered, awe-struck. "Look at her."
But Lady Maren… Her breathing hitched sharply as her mask cracked. Her polished smile faltered entirely as she stared at Elira with disbelieving fury.
"She wasn't supposed to rise," she hissed under her breath. "Not beyond my daughter." Her fingers dug into her skirts.
And then there was Regina, still seated among the Student Council members, but hollowed out, stunned, trembling with rage and disbelief.
