They didn't walk out of Argent Academy.
They fell through it—ripped into the seams between realms by a portal Korrin carved with stolen godscript.
Naia burned their names off every tracking scroll.
Elyse carried three wounded students in her bare arms.
Thessaly held Liss's hand like she'd never let go again.
"They'll hunt us," Korrin warned.
"We're enemies of the divine."
Liss just blinked.
"Good."
They found shelter in the Ruined Chapel of Names—a forgotten structure buried in the cracks between creation. A place even the gods had abandoned.
Korrin carved shields into the walls.
Naia traced flame-runes.
Elyse tried to sleep, tears dried into her hair.
Liss sat in the shadows, Thessaly's coat around her shoulders.
"You don't look afraid," Thessaly said.
"I'm not," Liss replied.
"You should be."
Liss looked up at her.
> "You're still here. Why would I be afraid?"