What was that about?

  Instructor Knight had smiled—smiled—right before she handed me the top rank and turned the entire class’s attention on me. I should’ve felt proud. I’d earned that point. But instead, I felt like I’d been thrown under a bus.

  Was it on purpose?

  If being a legacy hadn’t already made me a target, now I was public enemy number one.

  She left the room without another word, just turned and walked out, leaving the rest of us in a thick, awkward silence.

  We had a short break before Pokémon Battling 101. Students slowly began to file out, muttering amongst themselves. Some gave me curious looks. Others... not so friendly.

  Flavio, Melody, and I stood up together. We were halfway to the door when someone stepped in front of me.

  Irene.

  Hands on her hips, expression sharp, voice loud enough to catch the ears of a few lingering classmates.

  “Well, look who’s already getting special treatment.”

  I stopped. Exhaled slowly through my nose.

  “I answered the question. That’s all.”

  “Oh, of course,” she said with a smirk. “No chance someone prepped you with the answer beforehand, right?”

  The implication landed hard. Around us, students slowed their pace. Some leaned against the wall, pretending not to eavesdrop. The tension started to climb.

  My jaw tightened. I didn’t want to escalate. Not on the first day.

  Then Melody stepped forward, eyes blazing.

  “This midget’s got a big mouth,” she snapped. “Throwing around accusations without proof? You really think you’re the only one here who earned their spot?”

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  Irene didn’t flinch. Not even as Melody towered over her.

  “Yeah, I’m short,” Irene shot back, “but at least I didn’t ride in on my family’s coattails. Not everyone has a Champion for a brother, Melody.”

  The silence that followed was sharp as a blade.

  Melody’s hands clenched at her sides, her face going stiff with fury.

  I made eye contact with Flavio, gave him the smallest nod. He gently touched Melody’s arm, stopping her before she could lunge.

  I stepped in.

  “You’ve got a problem with me, Irene? Fine. Let’s talk.” I met her glare with one of my own. “I’m proud of my family. I’m not ashamed of being their son. But whatever I achieve here—it’s going to be on my own merit.”

  She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

  “I don’t cheat. I don’t cut corners. I’ll earn every point, every battle, every win. So if you want to prove you’re better than me, don’t do it here, in the hallway—do it on the battlefield.”

  Her expression darkened, but she didn’t answer. Just bit her lip and stepped aside.

  I walked past her without another word, Flavio and Melody following close behind.

  As soon as we turned the corner, I heard Melody mutter, “That little—”

  “Language,” Flavio said lightly. “Doesn’t suit a beautiful lady like yourself.”

  I snorted. Melody looked over at him with a mix of annoyance and amusement.

  “You’re unbelievable,” she said.

  He just grinned. She rolled her eyes and quickened her pace, putting a few steps of distance between us.

  We found a bench near the Battling 101 arena and sat down. The tension hadn’t fully left the air.

  “Are you okay?” I asked her, watching as she stared down at her shoes.

  She didn’t answer right away.

  “She pisses me off,” she said finally. “Not just because she’s rude—but because… she’s not wrong.”

  I tilted my head, confused.

  “My whole life, I’ve been Gregory Walker’s little sister. The Champion’s shadow. Everywhere I go, that’s who I am.” Her voice trembled slightly, though she kept it steady. “When I came here, I thought it’d be different. That I’d finally get to just be Melody. But all anyone sees is him.”

  She went quiet, her gaze fixed on the floor.

  I exchanged a glance with Flavio. He gave me a small nod, stepping forward just slightly, like he was about to say something more.

  I took the hint.

  “Let me grab some water,” I said, rising to my feet. “Be right back.”

  Melody didn’t respond, but she didn’t stop me either.

  As I walked off, I glanced back over my shoulder—just in time to see Flavio sit down beside her, not too close, not too far. Just enough.

  They didn’t say anything at first. But then he leaned in a little, speaking softly—tone calm, easy. Whatever he said made her glance at him sideways.

  And then, slowly, her shoulders dropped. Some of the tension faded from her posture.

  By the time I returned, she was smiling—really smiling.

  I didn’t know what Flavio said, but it worked.

  And for the first time since we walked out of that classroom, the pressure in my chest eased.