As Azhriel and Elizabeth walked together through the academy grounds toward the dormitories, the golden evening light bathed the path in a soft glow.
The air smelled faintly of flowers and stone warmed by the sun.
When they reached the entrance to the upper dormitory, Azhriel stopped. He glanced up at the towering buildings around them, then turned to Elizabeth.
"You go ahead," he said quietly. "I need to go somewhere first."
Elizabeth tilted her head slightly, as if she already knew. "The clock tower?"
Azhriel gave a small smile. "You got me."
She nodded, brushing a lock of her azurish white hair behind her ear. "Just don't take too long. I would've come along, but… I've got something to finish."
Azhriel gave her a short wave as he stepped back. "Yeah. See you later."
Without waiting, he turned and moved quickly through the wide stone paths that led out of the dormitory wing and into the heart of the academy city.
