But she’d been watching Alessia closely ever since yesterday.

    This girl-so often the subject of wild rumors, so famously gifted, the untouchable star of the school-wasn’t quite what Mia had imagined.

    Alessia’s stamina was impressive. There was nothing delicate or pampered about her; she was more like some legendary queen or warrior from centuries past. One look from her, and Mia always felt as though her own thoughts wereid bare.

    Not that Mia had anything to hide. She met Alessia’s gaze without a hint of guilt or fear.

    Despite the privileged life everyone assumed she led, Alessia didn’t have the attitude of a spoiled heiress. The trip had been rough-everyone had grumbled about it at some point-except her. She neverined, quietly making sure everyone else was all right.

    She noticed everything, but she didn’t act superior because of her background. She spoke kindly and directly, looking people in the eye-yet there was something about her that kept people from taking advantage, something enigmatic that invited curiosity rather than intimidation.

    Mia had never met anyone quite like Alessia. The more she observed, the more intrigued she became.

    When Mia looped her arm through Alessia’s, Alessia instinctively tried to keep a little distance. Unfortunately, Mia was oblivious to the subtle hint and just pressed in closer.

    Alessia let out the faintest sigh, but in the end, she didn’t push her away.

    Mia, sensing her victory, grinned up at her in delight.

    Alessia didn’t say much. She already knew a fair bit about everyone in the group before they’d even set out.

    Mia was always fidgeting, but instead of being annoying, it was actually endearing. It was obvious she’d grown up in a loving home; she had that

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    open, cheerful spirit.

    Alessia didn’t mind people like that.

    Withughter and conversation, the road seemed less daunting. Still, when they finally reached the school, everyone heaved a sigh of relief and straightened up, hands on hips.

    “All right, hurry back to your ssrooms, everyone. The teacher will be in soon,” Ms. Warren called out after checking in with the mentor, ushering the children inside.

    “I’ll give you all a little tour, help you get your bearings,” said Mayor Warren with his trademark, good-natured smile.

    “Thank you, that would be great.”

    “Oh, it’s no trouble at all.” He waved it off.

    He was the only one from the vige in decades who’d made it to university and thene back, determined to change the future of his hometown. He cherished every chance to make a difference here.

    Ms. Warren was already-leading the children in their morning reading. Their voices carried out from the ssroom in a harmonious, energetic

    chorus.

    Alessia walked with Mayor Warren as he showed them around.

    To call it a “school” was generous-it was really just à two-story building of bare concrete, red bricks barely hidden beneath a rough coat of ster, no tiles on the walls.

    The children’s ssrooms and the teachers’ office were upstairs; the first floor held a spotless little kitchen, a hot water station, and a small supply

    closet.

    There was no yground, only a wide patch of dirt in front of the building with a gpole. That clearing was for recess, exercise, and running

    games.

    There was no inte or PA system. When ss started or ended, the

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    mayor would ring an old-fashioned hand bell. Lunch was cooked by the mayor and his wife, who prepared fresh meals every day with produce and meat delivered by vigers from the morning market. Worried the kids weren’t getting enough nutrition, the couple even bought extra fruit out of their own pockets.

    The whole vige respected them deeply.

    After the tour, everyone split up to prepare their lessons and start the day.