The rain had stopped, but the wind still whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and fading thunder. Auren carried Celeste down the winding slope, his arms firm yet gentle around her trembling form.
Her head rested near his shoulder, the rhythm of his heartbeat faintly reaching her ears. She didn't fight it—not this time. Maybe it was the exhaustion, or maybe… it was the quiet safety she hadn't felt in years.
Behind them, Kael and Lyra trailed at a respectful distance, their conversation hushed.
Celeste opened her eyes slightly, her voice barely above the breeze. "You didn't have to carry me."
Auren glanced down. "I know."
"Then why?"
He looked ahead, jaw tightening. "Because I wanted to."
She didn't reply, and the silence between them wasn't uncomfortable—just quiet, like a blanket shared between two people who didn't know how to say the things they felt.
After a while, they reached the back entrance of the institute. The path was deserted, everyone still recovering from the earlier announcement of the written exam.
Auren finally set her down under a willow tree that hung low near the courtyard garden. The breeze caught the edge of her robe, and she quickly wrapped it tighter around herself.
"Thanks," she said, standing unsteadily.
"You really hate the rain that much?" he asked softly.
Her eyes didn't meet his. "It's not the rain. Just… memories."
A pause.
Then she added, "I didn't mean to trouble anyone. I didn't want anyone to see me like that."
"I did," Auren said, surprising even himself.
She turned to him.
"I mean…" he ran a hand through his damp hair, "…I'm glad I did. If I hadn't been there, you would've suffered alone again. I'm tired of pretending I don't notice you."
Celeste blinked.
"I don't know why," he continued, his voice quieter, "but whenever I see you, I feel like I'm supposed to. Like it matters."
The wind rustled around them.
Celeste looked away, a thousand emotions storming behind her pale eyes. She had been taught to hide, to bury herself beneath masks and silence. But right now… it felt like the world had paused just for them.
"I don't want to matter," she whispered.
"Too late," Auren said, stepping closer.
He raised his hand, hesitated, then gently tucked a damp strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered for a heartbeat too long.
For a moment, Celeste forgot how to breathe.
Just then—
"Oi!" Kael's voice echoed from the archway. "The princess okay, or should we set up camp here?"
Auren stepped back immediately, his usual composure returning with a sharp breath. "She's fine."
Kael smirked knowingly and waved. "We'll see you both tomorrow. Try not to traumatize each other further."
As Kael and Lyra disappeared, Auren turned back to Celeste.
She was still standing under the tree, lips parted like she wanted to say something—but the words didn't come.
So instead, she bowed her head. "Good night."
He nodded. "Rest well… Celeste."
She walked off into the shadows, leaving behind wet footprints on the stone.
Auren stood under the willow tree a little longer, staring into the direction she had vanished.
Why does she feel so familiar… like a memory just out of reach?
And somewhere deep inside, a name echoed in him—
Selene.