A/N; Read author's note.
*
Rynne did not move after the formations began lighting up.
Students were gathering. Instructors were issuing instructions. Energy pathways hummed as teleportation arrays stabilized across the staging grounds.
But she remained where she stood.
Michael noticed it almost instantly.
At first, he thought she was simply tired.
But then he saw her shoulders shift faintly.
A subtle movement.
Small enough that no one else noticed except him.
He was close enough to see her profile clearly. And that was when he saw it.
Moisture gathering at the edge of her eyes.
Not falling yet, but there.
Barely restrained.
Michael blinked in surprise.
Rynne did not look like someone who cried.
She had always maintained composure.
Yet now…
Tears nearly formed in her eyes.
Only someone standing this close could have seen it.
It took Michael aback.
He stepped half a pace closer, lowering his voice.
"What's wrong?"
Rynne reacted almost immediately.
