Lines We cannot Cross

1.1

Coriolanus sat behind his desk, eyes focused on Dr. Gaul, who stood in the center of the classroom.

A girl around Coriolanus's age stood awkwardly beside Dr. Gaul as she was introduced to the class. Her eyes darted nervously around the room, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her red academy blazer. It was obvious she was uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny of her new peers.

She should at least try to look somewhat composed, Coriolanus thought to himself.

"Students, today we welcome a new member to our academic community. Though joining us mid-year is unusual, exceptions are made when exceptional circumstances align. This student has been granted the privilege of joining us at this time, and I expect each of you to treat her with the respect due to any member of this institution. While the specifics of her arrival are not your concern, understand that her presence here is significant. She will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective, and perhaps even challenge you to reconsider your own place in our grand experiment. Let us please welcome, Amaryllis Leander, with the seriousness and curiosity that befits the Academy."

Coriolanus found himself studying her as she climbed the set of stairs opposite him.  Her uniform was freshly pressed, it seemed, and her long brown hair was tied up in two low braids, which swayed about as she made her way up to her spot. At one point, she stumbled, nearly tripping over a step, but managing to catch herself just in time. He suppressed a chuckle, amused by her near-mishap. How humiliating for her, he thought, this whole ordeal, really. To start school in the middle of the second semester, just before finals. Who does that? Only spoiled rich kids with daddy's money, he concluded. There was no doubt in his mind that she had a wealthy father who had bought her way into the academy.

She finished up the last steps, this time managing to keep steady on her feet, before taking an empty seat in the third row, placing herself beside Silas Garda. He hated that kids guts. He was another one of those out of touch trust fund babies with a shitty attitude. Him being higher on the class ranks only made Coriolanus dislike him even more, as anyone who came close to his spot at the top was consequently subject to his disapproval. Although, Silas was always particularly competitive towards Coriolanus, and went out of his way to be bitter towards him.

Coriolanus was the best in his class, a position he had earned through countless, meticulous hours of studying and hard work. He had to remain at the top, not just for the prestige, but for something far more crucial: the Plinth Prize scholarship, awarded to the highest-ranking student at the end of the year. That scholarship was his ticket to university—something his family could not afford otherwise, which made his stakes, particularly high.

In a city where most people had money to spare, Coriolanus was the exception. He did his best to hide it, but the truth forced him to spend every waking moment studying, driven by the need to secure that scholarship. It wasn't just an option; it was his future. It had to be his. He deserved it. He needed it.

Class was finished within the hour, and Coriolanus couldn't be more thankful. He was practically starved. All he could think about was dinner. It was likely going to be cabbage stew, per usual, but he didn't much care what it was in that moment. He just needed food. His stomach felt hollow, a familiar feeling, but an unwelcome one all the same.

He quickly closed his binders and notes, carefully piling them into his backpack, making sure not to crumple any papers as he did so. As he hurriedly slung the bag over his shoulder, Dr. Gaul's voice cut through the classroom, halting his departure.

"Mr. Snow, don't be so quick to pack up and leave. I have a few words for you. And Miss Leander, you can stay as well."

He glanced up, catching the confused face of the new girl, before reluctantly making his way down the stairs to the center of the room. Dr. Gaul, her back turned to them, was gathering a stack of papers at her desk.