[Jack's POV]
The morning sun filtered in through the closed curtains, casting faint golden lines across the floor. The faint hum of birdsong outside the window was soft, almost distant.
I didn't want to move.
My arms were wrapped around Ark, his back gently pressed against my chest, one of his hands resting lightly against mine. His tail was curled near my leg, flicking once in a while as he breathed slowly.
I smiled.
'He's so warm,' I thought, shifting slightly to press my forehead against the back of his head.
This… this feeling… was perfect.
So I didn't move.
I closed my eyes and decided to enjoy it for a little longer. A few more minutes of quiet peace before I had to leave for some intense training and isolation.
Time passed slowly. I wasn't sure how long—maybe twenty minutes—before Ark stirred gently in my arms.
He blinked slowly, clearly still waking up. His ears twitched, and I could feel the moment he realized I was still holding him.
He looked over his shoulder.
"…Jack?"
I smiled at him, brushing my thumb lightly over his hand. "Morning."
He blinked a few more times, then flushed a bright red as memory caught up to him.
I chuckled and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Did you sleep well?"
He looked like he short-circuited for a moment, face burning as he slowly nodded.
I smiled and finally let go, stretching out as I sat up. "Come on. Let's get ready."
He nodded again, still flustered, and started getting up too.
-
It didn't take long for us to start getting dressed and gathering our things. I'd pulled on a clean shirt and was brushing off my boots when—
*Tap. Tap. Tap.*
We both turned toward the window.
I raised an eyebrow. "...What was that?"
Ark looked just as confused. "Aren't we… three floors up?"
I walked over to the curtain and pulled it aside.
Outside, flapping gently in the air, was a small paper bird. Its wings rustled softly as it tapped once more against the glass with its tiny beak.
"…Huh," I said. "That's new."
"What is that?" Ark asked, coming to my side.
"It's a letter," I said, genuinely surprised. "Some mages can enchant written notes by folding them into birds. They cast a spell, and the message flies to the intended recipient like a messenger bird."
Ark blinked, fascinated. "That's… really cool."
I nodded and added, "It is, but it's rarely used nowadays, as messengers and communication crystals exist. They are more direct as they fly to the intended recipient, but have a short range. At most, they can travel to another city before losing effect."
I opened the window, and the bird flitted inside with a *flutter* of motion, circled once above our heads, and gently landed on the nightstand, right next to me.
"Guess it's for me," I said
It stilled for a moment, then unfolded itself, the creases vanishing into a perfectly smooth sheet of parchment.
In the lower corner, a wax seal shimmered with red and gold. The symbol embedded in it was sharp and unmistakable.
Zareth's signet.
I frowned and stepped closer.
"It's from the guildmaster?" I said
Ark watched curiously from behind as I picked it up and unfolded the message.
-
*To Jackson Drovas,*
As per your previous request, all matters have been resolved. The contract has been finalized, the resources secured, and the arrangements placed exactly as you asked.
However, due to some unexpected conflicts within the Guild—internal matters I won't bore you with—I require your presence earlier than expected. It would be preferable if you departed this morning rather than the afternoon, should circumstances allow.
Everything will be ready upon your arrival.
I trust this won't be an issue.
— Zareth,
Guildmaster of Raventhorn
-
The second I finished reading, the paper caught flame in my hands—*fwsshh!*—and disintegrated into ashes that scattered through the air like dust.
Ark jumped back with a yelp. "W-what the—?!"
I waved the smoke away with a hand. "It was a secure letter. Sensitive info. Self-destructing enchantment makes sure no one else can read it after me."
Ark looked startled, then nodded slowly. "Was it… important?"
I gave a small, tired smile. "It was… partially about my specialist quest. The Guildmaster wants me there earlier than planned."
He frowned. "How soon?"
I glanced at the clock on the wall. [7:30 AM]
"The sooner, the better."
Ark looked down, clearly disappointed. His ears drooped slightly, and his hands curled at his sides.
I walked over and gently tilted his chin up until he met my eyes.
"I'll stay longer if you want me to," I said quietly.
He stared at me, conflicted. His mouth opened, then closed. After a long pause, he let out a breath. "…How long until you have to go?"
"If I leave early, I'd plan on heading out in about an hour," I said.
He nodded slowly, then wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug. "Okay. I know you have responsibilities. Just… come back soon."
I smiled and hugged him just as tightly. "I will."
I pulled back slightly and smirked. "But first—breakfast?"
He gave a little laugh and nodded. "Yeah."
-
Before we left to get breakfast, I quickly gathered the things I'd brought with me last night, packing them carefully into my storage ring. Just before I finished, my hand brushed against the sweater I wore yesterday.
It wasn't my enchanted one, so I didn't need it for safety.
I paused, glanced at Ark, then smiled.
I left it.
Then I walked over to the desk and scribbled two quick notes, leaving one for the Alchemy Teacher and one for Orin to give to our Blacksmithing Teacher. Both read the same thing:
-
Had to leave early for a specialist quest at the Adventurers Guild. Won't be in class today. Will return soon. — Jackson Drovas
-
I handed both to Ark. "Can you give this one to the alchemy teacher and this one to Orin? Tell him what it says—we're in the same blacksmithing class today."
Ark nodded and tucked them into his pocket.
We left the dorm together, walking toward the cafeteria.
I glanced back at my room.
Both Aaron's note and mine were still there.
I sighed and kept walking.
-
We found Araki sitting at a table already, halfway through his breakfast. He looked up and waved.
"Morning."
I rolled my eyes. "Morning, Araki."
He blinked when he saw me pulling out my travel bag. "Wait—are you leaving?"
I nodded. "Got called in early by the Guildmaster. he needs me to come earlier than expected."
Araki straightened. "Got it. I'll keep an eye on Ark over the weekend and let Aaron, Orin, and Zek know what's up."
I gave a grateful nod. "Thanks. But… you might want to avoid Aaron for the weekend."
Both of them turned to me at once.
"…Why?" Araki asked, frowning.
I sighed. "He's just… going through something. It's better to give him space. Don't worry—Zek knows what's going on. If anything seems off, tell him."
Ark looked a little worried, but nodded.
We all ate together after that, quietly. The morning felt a little heavier than before, but peaceful, too.
-
When we finished, Ark walked with me to the courtyard.
He hesitated there, looking like he didn't want to let me go.
"You should stay," I said gently. "You don't want to miss class."
He looked uncertain, but nodded slowly.
I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'll be fine. I'll be back in a few days."
"…Be safe," he said softly.
I grinned. "Always. But now that my boyfriend told me to, I'll be extra careful."
Ark flinched. His ears flicked as he glanced back at Araki, who had followed us halfway.
Araki looked surprised… then broke into a huge smile.
He didn't say anything.
Ark turned and *glared* at me.
I laughed and ruffled his hair. "Sorry. It slipped."
He grumbled, but didn't pull away.
I turned to Araki. "Keep that quiet, yeah?"
He smirked and gave a thumbs-up. "My lips are sealed."
"Thanks," I said with a nod.
Then I turned to Ark.
"…Time to go."
He nodded, ears drooping a little. "Bye…"
I smiled and pulled him into one last tight hug.
"I'll be back before you know it," I said as I pulled out the pendant from yesterday.
"Keep this on and you will always know I am safe," I explained
he nodded and he held on for a few seconds longer, then let go.
I turned and started walking away, toward the city.
As I passed through the school gates, I looked back.
Ark was still standing there.
I lifted a hand and waved.
He waved back.
I smiled.
And then I was gone.