The library was quiet as usual, lit by floating crystal lamps that hovered just below the vaulted ceiling. Shelves towered along the walls, packed with tomes on magic theory, political history, monster taxonomy, and every other subject required for the final exams.
Elena sat at a table near one of the tall arched windows, sunlight filtering softly through stained glass. Her silver-blonde hair caught the light, and her amber eyes were focused on a thick book about mana channeling patterns. She had already marked several pages and organized a set of notes in a neat stack.
When the door creaked open, she looked up.
Noel walked in, wearing his winter uniform, a satchel slung across his shoulder. He scanned the room until his eyes found her, then made his way over.
"You're early," he said as he pulled out a chair beside her.
"You're late," Elena replied, but her tone was gentle. "Only by five minutes, though."
