Evaline:
The clock at the Council headquarters had just struck four when I finally wrapped up the day's reports. My pen scraped across the last sheet, the ink blotting a little at the end from my rushed hand, but I didn't care. My mind was already racing ahead, not with pack reports, patrol assignments, or Council updates, but with the one thing that had been looming over me since morning - Draven.
By the time I reached the Academy, the winter sun had already dipped low, painting the snow with an orange glow. My pulse quickened with every step I took toward my dormitory. I didn't even bother with tea or snacks, and went straight to the showers.
The hot water felt divine on my skin, melting the cold that had seeped into my bones from the walk back. I washed my hair carefully, massaging my scalp until the tension in my head loosened, then lingered under the spray longer than I should have, bracing myself for whatever 'punishment' Draven had in store for me.
