Umber In Level 8

+Epilogue+

Alina's POV

I was enjoying a relaxing day in my office when I heard a knock on the door, interrupting my repose.

"Come in," I said, trying to disguise the annoyance in my voice.

"Hello, Dame Alina," Bronte greeted me with a nod.

"Councillor Bronte," I smiled politely. "What brings you to my office?"

"Many things have been brought to my attention."

"Oh?"

"To begin, the Vackers have scheduled the tribunal for tomorrow. I'm afraid they're not going to back down. I'm sorry, but your week is up."

"It's not fair to the other Prodigies to give Alvar better grades just because of his family name. I won't do it, no matter how much they threaten me." I crossed my arms defiantly.

"Save it for the Tribunal Hall, Alina." Bronte put a hand on my shoulder. "You might want to sit down for what news I'm about to impart."

"Is everything okay, Bronts?"

Bronte cringed at the nickname as he brought out a piece of paper that looked like an opened letter. To my confusion, he handed it to me. "Actually, I wanted to discuss our relationship."

I swallowed. "Go on."

"I read your letter, and it truly meant a lot to me." Bronte almost looked... Emotional? "I cherish our connection, but I would prefer to stay friends. I hope you understand. A relationship between us would be more than inappropriate."

I cocked my head, wondering if I had heard him right. "Sorry?"

"It's no problem, Alina. I hope we can move past this and return to the lovely friendship we had prior. Now, I have duties to return to. Keep in touch?"

I nodded and waved as he left, gaping at him. What was he talking about?

I opened the letter and began to read. When I reached the end, I knew exactly who'd sent it.

"UMBER!" I roared.