He didn't go straight to his room. Not right away. The house was quiet again, just like always, like it had learned how to hold its breath in every corner.
Nathan was asleep on the couch downstairs. At least, Merlin assumed he was. He didn't check.
The balcony door clicked as he pushed it open.
The night wasn't cold. Not warm either. Just that muted middle ground where you don't notice the air unless you're trying to.
He leaned against the railing.
'Two days left.'
The breeze hit his face.
His system hadn't said anything yet. No missions. No trials. No glowing red warnings. That somehow made him feel worse.
[Major Event Proximity: 47 Hours, 18 Minutes]
[Preparation Threshold: Not Met]
[Observation Protocol: External Agents Detected]
'I know.'
He closed his eyes for a second, breathing in.
Then he felt it.
Not magic. Not presence. Just… awareness. Like the universe had blinked.
A shadow moved behind him.
"You're early," Merlin muttered.
