I smoothed down my second-hand dress for what felt like the hundredth time, trying to hide how worn the fabric had become at the seams. The Royal Academy's Grand Hall buzzed with excitement as students and faculty gathered for the scholarship awards ceremony. Everyone else was dressed in designer outfits that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe.
"Stop fidgeting," Chloe whispered beside me. "You look fine."
"I look like I'm wearing hand-me-downs because I am," I muttered, tugging at my dress again.
"Well, you're about to win that scholarship, so who cares?"
I glanced around nervously. "We don't know that yet."
The Excellence in Combat Theory Award was my only hope for paying next semester's tuition. Without it, I'd have to drop out. Julian's scheme to destroy my family had left us with nothing – Dad in prison, our assets frozen, and me scrambling just to stay afloat.
"Did you see the guest list?" Chloe nudged me, clearly trying to distract me from my anxiety.
"No, why?"
