The moon hung high over Mystic Academy, casting its silvery light on the quiet path leading to Professor Grisham's cottage.
Zann walked beside Aleck, their steps echoing in the peaceful night. After Aleck talked with Leonel on asking him to bring her sister home since both of them live with Elenea and the others, he went on ahead and caught up to Zann.
The fire in Zann's core, always restless, felt more turbulent than usual—and it wasn't because of battle or magic.
Aleck glanced sideways, his arms folded behind his head. "You're quiet tonight."
"Huh?" Zann blinked and shoved his hands deeper into his pockets. "I'm always quiet."
"No, you're not," Aleck said with a knowing grin. "Normally you'd be whining about Grisham's tea or ranting about how many stairs there are to his house. You haven't said a word since we left the maze."
Zann grunted. "I'm just… tired, I guess."
