Arthur took a bite of the shimmerroot purée, noting how the flavor seemed to sharpen his senses almost immediately.
"Intervening would only make it worse for him. He needs to get strong, that's all he can do," he observed.
As the C-Class student vanished through the doors, conversation gradually resumed throughout the hall. The incident—unremarkable by Academy standards—was already fading from most students' attention.
But not from Arthur's.
He committed both students' faces to his memory.
"You're right about this purée," he said, changing the subject smoothly. "Quite remarkable."
"I told you," Sarah replied, following his lead.
As they prepared to leave for afternoon sessions, Arthur noticed Trenton watching their table.
When his eyes met Arthur's, the bully immediately averted his gaze, turning back to his friends with forced laughter before hurrying out of the dining hall.
