The terrace overlooking the central plaza was quiet, the autumn air bearing the crisp scent of ozone and crushed leaves.
Samantha stood near the stone balustrade, resting her forearms against the cool granite while her right hand lingered near the wrapped length of her spear, leaning against her side.
Floating light spheres drifted lazily overhead, casting faint gold and silver hues over the numerous pathways crisscrossing through the academy.
Below, Pyreptar Academy was humming with a restless energy. The Festival of Shadows was happening in three days.
"You're awfully quiet," Lucian said quietly, stepping up beside her.
His footsteps were practically silent, a skill he'd honed and perfected over weeks of training in Tenebris following the Dark Maestro Incident and after they'd made it back.
His brown eyes were sharp and deliberate as his gaze swept over the courtyard.
Samantha didn't turn her head, though her gaze shifted slightly.
