The night air had grown colder by the time Darenn made his way back to the academy gates, walking in silence beside Kalista.
The weight of what she'd shared still sat heavy in his chest. Her footsteps had grown steadier, the swelling around her eyes beginning to ease, though the redness lingered.
She had stopped crying, but the emotion clung to her like mist.
When they reached the outer entrance, Kalista paused.
"This is far enough," she said softly.
Darenn turned to her. "You sure?"
She nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her voice was steadier now, more herself. "We'll draw attention if someone sees us together this late. Especially with my eyes like this."
He didn't press. Instead, he gave a small nod. "Be careful. And Kalista... if anything else happens, you know where to find me."
She hesitated, then gave him the faintest of smiles before walking off into the academy grounds, vanishing into the shadows.
