Aria stepped out of the assessment chamber with a lightness in her chest she hadn't felt in a long time. Her heart was still beating fast, but this time it wasn't from nerves—it was excitement. Level twenty-two.
The number replayed in her mind again and again, filling her with pride. She had worked hard for this. Pushed herself until her mana ran dry, endured exhaustion and frustration, and now it had finally paid off. All she wanted was to find Elion and share the moment with him.
Her eyes immediately began scanning the wide corridor.
Where is he?
The hallway was crowded, students moving in every direction, voices overlapping as people compared results and bragged loudly. It took her longer than she expected to spot him, and when she finally did, her steps slowed to a halt.
Elion was laughing.
Not just smiling politely—he was genuinely laughing, relaxed and open, speaking animatedly with someone standing in front of him.
Isolde!
