Zephyr nodded slowly in understanding. "In that case, why don't you go with us? We're leaving the academy after this semester ends."
"Thanks for the offer, but I'll have to decline." I shook my head.
I knew their reasons for leaving mirrored mine—safety, growth, survival. But traveling together now would defeat the entire purpose of my "death."
"It's too risky," I explained. "If we're seen together, even under a new identity, it could expose everything. The whole point was to disappear completely, you know."
Zephyr's expression darkened, but after a moment, he gave a reluctant nod. "That's true..."
The unspoken words between us were heavy.
After recalling something, I offered him a small smile.
"But don't worry, we can always meet here." Turning to the winged serpent observing our conversation with amusement, I added, "Master said he can teach me how to enter this place on my own, right?"
