Kieran:
I realized too late that I might have let slip more than I intended.
The silence that followed was long, but then her voice finally cut through the stillness like a ripple across glass.
"I want to help."
I turned my head, blinking at her in surprise. I was sure I had misheard. "What?"
"I want to help," she repeated, firmer this time. "I want to do this."
She met my gaze with unwavering eyes. The same amber eyes that once held caution and unease were now burning with resolve. I had barely processed her words when she added,
"I'm planning to graduate from Silver Moon in four years. And for that to happen… this Academy needs to survive whatever is creeping through its shadows. I don't want to walk these halls wondering who'll be next."
Damn her.
Damn her bravery. Her heart. Her stubborn, unrelenting courage.