They were on their way back to the academy.
Inside the cabin, Emma sat close to him, her hands glowing faintly as she healed the wounds he had sustained during the operation.
His left arm was burned just above the elbow. A foaming projectile had eaten through his protective gear and left a dark, angry mark beside his navel.
Yet none of those injuries made him react as sharply as the cold gleam in her eyes did.
She had barely spoken since the battle. Now she focused in silence, guiding her sorcery carefully over torn flesh and scorched skin.
There was no one else in the cabin.
The quiet felt heavy.
After a long stretch of contemplation, he finally asked, "Are you upset?"
Emma hummed softly. "No. I am pleased, actually."
William gave a wry smile. "Do not say it like that. If you are displeased, just tell me."
She shook her head. "Truly, I am not. Yes, I was worried when you had to face that creature. But you did not seek danger. You withdrew the moment you could."
