Westdentia Academia always seemed a little more polished in the winter. The frost-tinged windows sparkled under the grayish sun, and the crisp air buzzed with anticipation. Inside the hallowed halls, the mood was less about snowball fights and more about intellectual warfare. The state debate championship was around the corner, and for the Debate League's junior division, that meant blood, sweat, and way too much caffeine.
Leina sat cross-legged on the velvet seat of the Debate Room, her dark lashes lowered as she reviewed the index cards in her lap. The amethyst in her eyes caught the overhead light now and then, flickering with focus. Her long wavy black hair had been neatly tied with a purple ribbon that matched the Academia's crest—an intentional choice, probably her mother's touch.
"Okay, hear me out," Malvern said, scooting closer on the seat beside her. "You keep pausing on the economic clause. Are you worried about the cross-examination section?"
Leina blinked up at him, startled. "No—well, yes, a little. They always come for the economic policies first." Her voice was calm but slightly unsure, like she was still working out whether she was nervous or just cold.
Malvern's face softened. He adjusted his glasses, leaned in just slightly, and whispered, "You'll ace it. You're kind of scary when you argue." A nervous smile tugged at his lips. "In the best way."
Leina raised a brow. "Was that a compliment or an insult?"
"Definitely a compliment," Malvern shot back, turning slightly red. "You're like... a really polite sledgehammer."
Before Leina could reply, twin voices cut through the buzz.
"Team West, you got this!" Maria and Daria practically danced into the room, both wrapped in school scarves, each waving tiny Westdentia flags like it was the Olympics.
"Don't let those prissy St. Everson kids talk circles around you," Maria said, elbowing Daria who nodded in dramatic agreement. "You are the definition of ferocity."
Leina giggled softly. "It's a debate, not a gladiator match."
"Same difference," Daria declared.
Malvern gave the twins a helpless look. "I think they just want to yell at the other team for us."
Across the room, Susian stood at her locker, pretending to look at her reflection while sneakily watching the group. Her blonde hair was pulled into a too-perfect ponytail, her lips pursed.
Jessica leaned in behind her, stage-whispering, "They're so smug about winning regionals."
"We should knock them down a peg," Emily chimed, fiddling with her nails.
Susian tilted her head. "It's not like they winning world championship, like who even likes blabbering about economics this politics that blah blah blah." Her voice was strained, heavy. She wasn't mean by nature, but the way everyone gravitated toward Leina sometimes made her feel... Infuriated.
Jessica smirked. "You could totally sabotage her cue cards. Just a little mix-up—she'd be flustered and lose flow."
"I'm not going to mess with her cards," Susian said, her brows pulling together. "That's too noticeable."
Emily raised a brow. "Then what? We just sit and clap while they win again?"
"No," Susian said slowly, her eyes flicking toward the debate table. "But maybe we distract her. Get her off her game. There are... other ways." Her smile was soft, almost innocent, but her eyes sparkled with scheming.
Back at the prep table, Malvern leaned closer to Leina again, voice low. "If you get overwhelmed during the rebuttal, just tap the table twice. I'll jump in."
"You really don't have to—"
"I want to." His voice was steady. "You don't always have to carry everything yourself."
Leina gave him a look, her usual reserve cracking just enough to let out a tiny, genuine smile.
"Thanks, Malvern," she said. "Really."
Behind them, Maria and Daria were now chanting "Malvern! Leina!" and it was very clear that they were not allowed in the room during the actual competition.
From a far hallway, their team coach's voice echoed. "Fifteen minutes till first round! All teams to the auditorium!"
Leina stood, brushing invisible lint off her skirt and tucking her cards into a purple folder. Her nerves were steady, her spine straight, her mind sharp.
But somewhere nearby, Susian was already setting the first move in her silent war. And Leina, even as sharp as she was, never saw it coming.