The name immediately stirred mixed reactions.
One professor frowned in concern. "Is he alright?"
"If he were in danger, the emergency talisman would have gone off," another reassured.
A third gave a dismissive snort. "Or he's too stubborn to use it. I told you some of them are reckless and arrogant."
Among the crowd, a few students exchanged glances. Some whispered that they hadn't seen him since the deeper part of the forest. Others shrugged, assuming he had taken a longer route back.
Cecelia, standing toward the edge of her group, felt her chest tighten. Her fingers curled into her palm as she whispered under her breath, almost as if speaking to herself.
"Kael… where are you?"
Kael, Racing the Clock
Kael's pack was so full it pulled at his shoulders with every step, the weight making the straps bite into his skin. He ignored the discomfort—this load was worth it.
