The Next Day
The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew-soaked stone and old iron as Lucian and Evelyn walked through the Academy gates. The sun was only just beginning to rise, painting the sky in pale golds and gentle blues. Students moved around them in quiet clusters, still half-asleep, robes rustling against the paved walkways.
Lucian kept his hands in his pockets, shoulders relaxed but eyes sharp as always. His uniform jacket was unbuttoned at the top, tie loose around his neck. He didn't care about appearances, only about what came next.
Beside him, Evelyn walked in silence, clutching her satchel to her chest. Her hair was tied up in a simple ponytail today, her bangs framing tired eyes. She hadn't slept much after last night's party. Neither had he.
"You okay?" Lucian asked, voice low and casual.
She blinked, glanced at him, then gave a small smile. "Yeah… just nervous."
"Don't be."
"That easy for you to say."
Lucian shrugged. "No, it's not."
