Jasmin's POV
The morning light filtered through the dormitory window as consciousness slowly returned to me. My hand instinctively reached across the bed, finding nothing but cold sheets where Max should have been sleeping. His side of the room felt eerily empty, and the memory of our heated argument from the night before crashed over me like a wave.
Two plates of food sat untouched on the small table between our beds, exactly where I had noticed them before falling into restless sleep. The Academy's strict dining hall regulations prohibited eating in dormitory rooms, yet he had somehow managed to bring meals here. Curiosity got the better of me as I lifted the metal cover, revealing the spiced mushroom and truffle cream stew he had mentioned. The rich aroma still lingered despite the food being stone cold.
"He brought it for both of us," Heather whispered softly in my mind, her voice carrying a note of sadness.
