The Academy buzzed with quiet anticipation.
Banners fluttered in the morning breeze, draping ivory stone walls with deep blue silk threaded in gold. The Festival of First Light was a week away, and even the coldest hearts seemed to warm under the promise of light, laughter, and illusion.
Evelyn stood in the central courtyard, listening to the rehearsals begin—flute notes echoing down the tiled walkways.
It should've felt festive. Comforting.
Instead, her thoughts twisted with shadows.
Alexander had left again—just before dawn. No promises. No excuses. Just that same quiet, unreadable gaze.
She hated how she missed it already.
A voice broke through her reverie.
"Still always up before the sun, aren't you?"
Evelyn turned—and froze.
A tall figure leaned casually against the pillar by the gates, dark brown hair tousled by travel, a warm smirk tugging at his mouth.
"Caelan?" she breathed, blinking.
Caelan Thorne.
The boy who once walked beside her through rain-drenched gardens. The childhood friend who'd left to train in the Capital's elite guild. The only person she'd ever truly trusted before her world split apart.
And now—he was standing here like he'd never left.
"Didn't think you'd recognize me," he said, pushing off the pillar. "You've changed."
"So have you."
He grinned. "Good. Then we'll have to get to know each other again."
Evelyn smiled—genuine, soft. The kind she hadn't worn in weeks.
From the upper balcony, hidden behind the arch, Alexander watched.
His gaze sharpened—not in jealousy.
Not yet.
But something colder.
Aware.
Aware of the ease with which Caelan drew a smile from her. The way she leaned just slightly closer, like her guard had dropped.
A muscle in Alexander's jaw ticked.
Down below, Caelan stepped into the courtyard beside Evelyn.
"I came for the Festival," he said. "But I heard a few things too… I thought you might need an ally."
She hesitated. "From who?"
He winked. "Let's say word travels. And I don't like when people try to hurt someone who once saved my life."
She blinked, heart jolting just slightly.
From the shadows, Alexander turned away.
The festival hadn't begun yet.
But the battle for her heart might already have.