Evaline:
The night wind was carrying the faintest scent of lavender and earth as I sat silently on the old stone bench, nestled in the farthest, most forgotten corner of the Academy's grounds. The garden surrounding us was wild and secretive, like nature's hidden sanctuary. It was a quiet, overgrown escape that seemed untouched by the rest of the world.
The only light illuminating the space was coming from the moon above - soft, cold, and silver. It was hanging low in the sky, nearly full, casting ghostly beams through the branches overhead. Its glow painted everything in shades of white and blue. As I tilted my head to stare up at it, a strange calm settled over me.
Another full moon was near.
Next to me, Kieran was sitting in complete silence with his elbows resting on his knees and his head slightly lowered. He hadn't spoken a word since we left the underground chambers. He simply guided me through the twisting paths of the Academy without explanation, and brought me here.
