Noel walked in silence, the cool air of the corridor brushing against his skin as he pulled off the ornate mask and tucked it into his coat. Balthor did the same beside him, running a hand down his face with a tired breath.
Noel's dark green suit, now slightly scuffed from the earlier fight, clung to his frame.
A shadow flickered along the wall.
From the corner of the dim corridor, Noir emerged smoothly, her violet-tinged fur catching the mana-light as she trotted to Noel's side. Her gaze flicked from Balthor to Noel, alert but calm.
"There you are," Noel muttered, crouching slightly to scratch the wolf behind the ear. "You followed the students?"
Noir gave a low chuff in response.
Balthor raised a brow. "Does she always sneak up like that?"
"Only when I tell her," Noel replied. Then added under his breath, "Yeah… I felt it too."
