Perched atop the school's tallest cupola like some brooding gargoyle, Vesper lounged against the weathered slate tiles with the casual grace of a predator at rest.
The ancient stone felt cool beneath his palm as he traced lazy patterns across its surface, one knee drawn up against his chest while he watched the stars wheel overhead in their eternal dance.
The night wind carried the gentle rustling of autumn leaves, the careful footsteps of night patrol guards echoing off cobblestones, and the occasional raucous shout from late-night revelers stumbling between the dormitory buildings.
Up here, suspended between earth and sky, Vesper felt a rare moment of peace. The academy spread below him like a miniature kingdom.
Gas lamps flickered like fallen stars along the pathways, casting dancing shadows that moved with hypnotic rhythm.
