The next morning arrived with a soft golden hue spreading across the academy courtyard.
All the first-year students were already gathered at Ground Zero.
The murmur of conversation filled the air as they checked their gear, adjusted their weapons, and talked about where they might be heading this time.
Cecelia frowned slightly but said nothing. She glanced toward the entrance gate, her eyes scanning the arriving students.
Then, after a few moments, she saw him.
Kael finally walked in, slightly out of breath. His uniform looked slightly wrinkled, his eyes faintly red as if he hadn't slept properly.
The faint dark circles beneath his eyes were noticeable even from a distance.
"There he is," one of the classmates said.
"Looks like he wrestled with nightmares"
Cecelia ignored the other's joke and walked up to Kael.
"What happened to your eyes?" she asked, concerned about lacing her tone.
Kael blinked once, quickly averting his gaze.
"Nothing happened," he said.
