The Academy grounds were quiet under the night sky, most students already settled into their dormitories after the long journey back from holiday break.
Luna walked with her head down, black hair falling forward to hide her face, silver eyes fixed on the stone path beneath her feet.
Damian walked beside her, hands in his pockets, his longer crimson hair tied back.
They'd arrived hours ago, gotten their preliminary check-in done, but neither had headed to the dormitories yet.
The eastern garden stretched before them, ornamental trees casting shadows across manicured lawns, benches positioned near decorative fountains that caught moonlight.
Damian stopped walking and turned to look at one of the fountains.
Luna took three more steps before she realized he'd stopped.
She stood there, frozen, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.
Then she stopped moving entirely.
Damian waited, giving her time.
The fountain's water made soft sounds, filling the silence between them.
