The way Adonis had acted around Medora- and the group in general- made Saija's stomach churn, but it also made her curious. There was something about him, a smugness behind that perfect smile, that set her on edge.

Saija had always been good at reading people, and Adonis was no exception- there was more to him than charm and pretty words, and she intended to find it.

She had spent far too long rifling through her closet, trying to pick something that wouldn't scream "outsider" in Seraphis. The options were limited: a handful of sweaters, a few blouses, and three pairs of shoes.

It wasn't Medora's endless wardrobe, and no matter what she put together, she couldn't shake the feeling that it wouldn't be enough. At last, she settled on loose jeans cuffed at the ankles, a green sweater with floral details that hung off one shoulder, and her most comfortable sneakers. It was presentable- barely.

Her hair though, was a lost cause. No matter how much she tried, the coiled strands never laid the way she wanted, frizzing at the worst places. After twenty minutes of failed styles, she sighed and left it alone.

At least her makeup was easy. She'd done it the same way since grade school- carefully, methodically, the steps etched into memory. She skipped the glasses today. Cursed things.

With a final glance in the mirror and a sigh that said, it'll have to do, Saija grabbed her tote and headed out the door.

The train to Seraphis wouldn't wait, and neither would her questions about Adonis. The Lust sector had a reputation for a reason, its walls full of whispers, and she was going to make sure she heard every one of them.

Saija's nose had been buried in today's paper, skimming articles about each sector's preparations for the upcoming Septentrion, when the sharp chime of the train bell jolted her upright. She flushed as an old man across from her raised a brow, and with a quick fold, the paper disappeared into her tote.

She turned her attention to the window as the train approached Seraphis, her wide blue eyes drinking in the scenery. The coastline stretched out like a painting- seafoam waves crashed against sparkling sands and jagged cliff sides, their rhythm unbothered by the city rising beyond. Extravagant hotels and sprawling resorts dotted the shores, a paradise carved for those with money to burn.

As the train rounded a bend, the landscape shifted. The urban heart of Seraphis revealed itself, dazzling and overwhelming all at once. Towering buildings glittered like jewels, their surfaces adorned with embedded gemstones that caught the midday sun and scattered a rainbow of light. Spotlights swept lazily across the streets, and neon signs buzzed outside men's clubs and cocktail bars, already promising a night of excess.

The train shuddered to a stop at the platform. As Saija stepped out, she was met with an assault of sensations: the heavy, luxurious scents of flowers, laughter weaving through the air, and music- a mix of sultry rhythms and upbeat melodies- pouring from all directions.

She tucked her arms over her waist, instinctively trying to make herself smaller. Her gaze darted, catching glimpses of women gliding past her. Smooth bronze skin, cascading waves of glossy hair, and skirts and dresses in jewel tones- deep ruby, emerald, and sapphire- that matched the brilliance of their surroundings.

Saija's shoulders tightened, and she dropped her head, pushing her feet forward into the crowd. Blend in, she told herself, though she couldn't shake the feeling that she stuck out like an ink stain on silk.

Inside the sector's government building, Saija found herself momentarily stunned by its grandeur. Black marble floors gleamed underfoot, and the gold lamps mounted on the walls cast a warm, flattering light. The reception desk stood at the center like an altar, flanked by plush lounge areas where suited emissaries murmured over lunch.

The velvet seating and cocktail bars whispered of indulgence and wealth- worlds apart from Saija's quiet, cluttered corner of Charyssa. She clenched the strap of her tote tighter, as if it might tether her to reality.

Her gaze landed on a man sitting alone on an emerald-green chair, his sharp burgundy suit catching her attention. He was reading the same paper she'd just been pouring over. Perfect. He would recognize her name.

Straightening her posture, Saija approached him, her tote strap clenched in her damp palms. "Excuse me, sir." She waited for him to lower the paper, her voice faltering slightly. "I'm looking for some information about the Carnis emissary, Mr. Lenoir. I'm working on a report for the Arcanum and... well, there are rumors about his family I wanted to confirm."

The man barely glanced at her, his skeptical gaze sweeping over her outfit before he returned to his paper. "What business is that of yours?" His voice was smooth but sharp, his disinterest cutting.

Saija hesitated for only a second before recovering. "Oh, sorry. Saija Fletcher," she said quickly, extending a hand. "Reporter of the Gossip section of that very paper you're reading. Surely, you've seen my work?"

The man's eyes flicked back to the paper, scanning the contents of her most recent article. His expression softened as he folded the paper and set it aside, shaking her hand with a small grin. "William Cloth. I'm a fellow emissary of Mr. Lenoir," he explained, leaning back in his chair. "But I must say, people love to talk when they don't know half the truth."

Saija took the seat across from him, her notebook and pen already out. She nodded a few too many times, "Oh, I agree. I'd rather not rely on gossip, which is why I came to someone in the know."

His grin widened, his posture relaxing as her praise worked its magic. Gullible little flatter-flea, she thought. "They say his wife was disowned by the family. Over an affair?"

William's grin faltered, and he glanced around the room, lowering his voice. "I shouldn't say anything. But yes, that's the truth of it. Mrs.- or ex-Mrs.- Lenoir was caught with a tax collector from Coveth in her very own home while Lenoir was away on business." His nose scrunched momentarily. "The scandal would've ruined him, so he cut ties with her entirely."

Saija leaned forward as he spoke, smelling a mix of coffee and a deeply enticing perfume, "And his son? Adonis?"

The man let out a quiet snort. "The boy stayed with his father of course- a noble son's duty. But loyal? Hardly. They're two of a kind, both climbing the ranks on charm alone. Wouldn't be surprised if they've swept a scandal or two under the rug themselves."

Saija's pen flew across the page, the story practically writing itself. She stood, smoothing out her sweater. "Well, thank you for your time, sir. If this story makes the paper, I'll keep your insight anonymous." She shot him a wink, and he dipped his head in acknowledgement.

"Smart girl," his tone was suddenly warm. Just like the others, his charm was intoxicating, begging her to ask more, but Saija had heard enough.

She turned and headed back through the large glass doors, the floral scents of Seraphis clinging to her clothes. She'd found what she was looking for. Medora would be thrilled to have leverage over Adonis, and Saija would surely receive some praise from her, but the way her stomach churned, she couldn't tell if it was excitement or unease.

Saija had settled herself in the corner of a lively café, her focus razor-sharp as she poured her discoveries into a meticulously drafted article. The hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses around her were mere background noise. She was just finishing a particularly biting line when a familiar voice interrupted.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Imperial's hottest upcoming reporter. What brings you all the way to Seraphis?"

Saija froze, her hand twitching over her notepad as she glanced up.

Macie Collins stood there, her striking blue eyes gleaming with mischief. The sight of her made Saija want to crumple back into her chair. She tore her gaze away from her classmate and forced a sheepish smile.

"Research," she said, flipping her notepad shut with more haste than she intended. "Actually, I'm looking into Adonis Lenoir. He's a part of my group."

Macie's glossed lips stretched into a sly smile as she slid into the seat across from Saija. She let out a sharp, knowing laugh. "Adonis? Good luck. That snake could charm the teeth off a lion. What's there to research? He's got a perfect smile and even better game."

Saija tilted her head, curiosity overriding her nerves. "Game? What do you mean?"

Macie leaned in, her grin widening. "You haven't heard? The guy practically floated his way to the Arcanum. Didn't lift a finger most of the time- charmed half the professors into extra credit or better marks. I'd kill for that kind of luck."

Saija's brow arched. She'd known Adonis was manipulative, but this was a whole new level. "And the other half of the professors?"

Macie laughed again, tucking a chestnut curl behind her ear. "Well, he wasn't charming all of them, was he? So the rest of us carried the weight of the group projects while he smiled his way to top marks. Classic Seraphis trick, though: work smarter, not harder, right?"

"So he never actually earned his place, then?" Saija pressed, her pen hovering over the notepad she'd discreetly reopened.

Macie scoffed, her silver bangles jangling as she gestured dismissively. "Oh, he's talented when he wants to be. But only if it's someone he really wants to impress. He's good at making others do the work he'd rather not, and he makes it look easy. That's the real talent."

Saija's pen moved furiously, her smile growing with each revelation. But when she glanced back up, Macie's eyes were narrowed, locked on her notes.

"Oh, don't worry." Saija said quickly, snapping her notepad shut again. "I won't mention you. But thanks. This is... brilliant."

Macie's suspicious look lingered for a moment before mentling into another dazzling smile . "Well, I better get back to working on my own project. Don't want to give you too much of a leg up." She winked before striding off to join a table of more Arcanum students, her curls bouncing with every step.

She watched her go, exhaling a breath and dropping her tense shoulders. Brilliant, indeed.

As Saija made her way back toward the train station, the bustling energy of Seraphis had yet to lose its overwhelming charm on her. The stark contrast to the quieter, more reserved nature of Charyssa was almost insulting. How did these people move through the streets with such effortless confidence, as though they've never doubted themselves a day in their lives?

Her mind then drifted to Adonis as she waited for the train, fuming at the way he had seemed to glide through life. That ease- she envied, but it frustrated her more. He didn't deserve the admiration he received. She had worked so hard to get where she was, only to have her efforts overshadowed by people like him who coast on charm or natural talent.

Even now, she was pushing herself to prove her worth- not just to herself, but to Medora. Helping her maintain control of the group wasn't just about loyalty; it was a chance to show she belonged, to shine in a way she felt so denied.

As the train pulled away from the station, Saija settled into a window seat, her gaze lingering on the glittering skyline of Seraphis. Its alluring illusion had faded, its cracks now visible beneath the surface.

Her tote sat heavy in her lap, filled with notes about Adonis. A smirk tugged on her lips. Let him try to charm his way through the next group meeting. She'll be ready.

-

{ hello hello! Finally another chapter. And you got to see a little bit inside a new character & a new sector- what do you think?:) }