Ariana believed Elana would be more comfortable talking with Adrian alone, so she quietly stepped back, offering the girl a gentle smile before making her way toward the garden path. The sound of her footsteps faded beneath the rustle of leaves as she vanished behind the hedges, giving the teacher and student the space they needed.
Adrian and Elana sat near the marble fountain, a few inches of respectful distance between them. Water trickled down the carved stone nymphs behind them, soft and rhythmic, in stark contrast to the tension coiling between the two.
Adrian was still trying to understand why Elana—of all people—was considering skipping the final exams. These exams weren't ordinary tests; they were the threshold between becoming a certified mage or being pushed back for a retake. Retakes were given to those who lacked the capability to pass in one go, or those who were going through difficult phases in life.
