The afternoon sun hung high above Solvyrn Academy with its warmth softened by the occasional breeze that swept through the spacious park near the main academic buildings.
Students wandered along the paved pathways in small groups, some carrying books and others simply enjoying the break between classes.
The surrounding trees gave plenty of shade, and beneath one of the larger ones, Brandon sat comfortably on a wooden bench with Eira, Dhayun, and Yverine sitting around him.
It had been quite some time since the four of them had spent an ordinary afternoon together at the academy.
With everything that had happened recently, from Brandon's sudden disappearance to his return with an entirely new family, even something as simple as sitting in the park felt strangely refreshing.
Brandon leaned back against the bench, stretching his legs out in front of him as he tilted his head toward the branches overhead.
